After seven heartfelt seasons, The Good Doctor closed its final chapter with a surprising yet poignant twist — a 10-year time jump that offered fans a glimpse into the future of Dr. Shaun Murphy’s life. Freddie Highmore, who portrayed the brilliant, autistic surgeon since the show’s debut in 2017, recently opened up about filming the series finale, what the time jump meant for his character, and how saying goodbye to Shaun impacted him personally.
The final episode of The Good Doctor stunned viewers by leaping 10 years into the future, where an older, more seasoned Dr. Shaun Murphy is shown teaching a new generation of surgeons. It was a full-circle moment, particularly moving for longtime fans who witnessed his evolution from an unsure surgical resident to a confident, empathetic doctor, mentor, husband, and father. Speaking about the creative choice, Freddie Highmore shared, “The time jump was really a celebration of Shaun’s growth. It wasn’t about where he ends up in a traditional sense—it was about how far he’s come emotionally, personally, and professionally.”
“It’s emotional. Shaun’s been a part of my life for so long,” he admitted in a farewell interview. “I think I learned as much from playing him as audiences did watching him. Shaun taught me compassion, patience, and the power of resilience. I’ll always carry that with me.” Highmore also acknowledged how much playing an autistic character meant to fans around the world. The show worked closely with autism consultants throughout its run, and Shaun’s portrayal resonated with neurodiverse viewers who saw themselves represented with dignity and authenticity.
Filming the finale wasn’t easy for the cast, and Highmore confessed there was one scene that hit especially hard: Shaun delivering a heartfelt speech to a new surgical resident who shares his diagnosis. “That scene was the most emotional for me,” he revealed. “It reminded me of Shaun’s first day at the hospital. To see how far he’s come—he’s now the one offering guidance and hope—it just hit me.” The entire cast was reportedly in tears during the final table read. “You could feel the love,” Highmore said. “We became a family over seven years, and that last day felt like graduating from something incredibly special.”
Throughout its run, The Good Doctor received praise not only for its emotional storytelling and medical drama but also for Freddie Highmore’s layered and thoughtful performance. Portraying a young man with autism and savant syndrome came with immense responsibility—one Highmore never took lightly. “The goal was never to make Shaun a superhero or a stereotype,” he emphasized. “It was always about grounding him in truth and showing his humanity. He had flaws, but he also had this incredible capacity for love and understanding.”
The series broke barriers in representation and opened doors for more nuanced portrayals of neurodiverse characters in mainstream media. Highmore was frequently praised for his dedication to learning, listening, and adapting his performance based on feedback from the autism community .With The Good Doctor now wrapped, fans are curious about what comes next for Highmore. After all, he’s been a working actor since childhood, known for his roles in Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the chillingly brilliant Bates Motel.
For now, Highmore says he’s looking forward to taking some time off. “Seven seasons is a long journey. I’m going to miss Shaun, but I’m excited to see what new stories are out there,” he said. Though he didn’t give specifics, he hinted at spending more time behind the camera, possibly writing or directing. He also acknowledged the importance of stepping back and reflecting. “Sometimes the best way to move forward is to just pause. Breathe. Let go of something you love and trust that it will always be part of you.”
Before wrapping up, Highmore made sure to thank the fans, whose loyalty and passion kept the show thriving for so long. “We couldn’t have done any of this without you,” he said. “You embraced Shaun from day one, supported us through highs and lows, and made this journey unforgettable. Thank you for believing in him, and in us.”
As the curtain closes on The Good Doctor, it’s hard not to feel the weight of the goodbye. Shaun Murphy was more than just a TV character—he was a beacon of hope, a reminder that difference doesn’t mean less, and that with the right support, anyone can thrive. Freddie Highmore’s performance will no doubt be remembered as one of the most heartfelt of the decade. And while fans may be saying goodbye to Dr. Shaun Murphy, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire for years to come.
