The Good Doctor premiered in 2017, few could have predicted the cultural impact it would have. The series, adapted from a Korean drama of the same name, broke ground with its nuanced depiction of autism and became a global success. It aired in more than 100 countries and built a passionate fan base across all age groups.
Highmore, who was already known for Bates Motel and his early work in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, quickly made the role of Shaun Murphy his own. He was praised for his sensitivity, intelligence, and careful research into portraying autism with dignity and realism. In addition to starring in the series, he also wrote and directed several episodes and served as an executive producer, proving his creative talents both on and off screen. But despite his deep connection to the show, Highmore recently admitted there was one thing he wishes he could have done differently. In a candid interview during the show’s farewell press tour, Highmore was asked if he had any regrets about his time on The Good Doctor. After a moment of reflection, he smiled and said:
“If I have one regret, it’s that I didn’t take more pictures or keep a journal. Seven seasons flew by, and while I remember the big moments, so many little, beautiful things just passed us by in the day-to-day work.” He continued, “We were so immersed in the storytelling and the fast pace of production that I never really paused to capture the behind-the-scenes memories — the laughter, the chaos, the family we built on set. I wish I had a personal record of that.” It’s a relatable sentiment for anyone who has ever poured themselves into a demanding project or career. Highmore’s regret isn’t about missed opportunities or creative missteps — it’s about the fleeting nature of time and the human urge to hold onto what matters most.
Highmore was quick to emphasize that while he may not have thousands of photos or diary entries from his Good Doctor years, the friendships he built remain etched in his heart. “We became a family,” he said of the cast and crew. “Paige Spara, Hill Harper, Richard Schiff, Fiona Gubelmann — we experienced life together for seven years. Births, losses, marriages, good days, hard days — all of it.” Several of his co-stars echoed the sentiment, noting that Highmore was the quiet center of the storm, always leading with kindness and professionalism.
“Freddie was the soul of this show,” said Richard Schiff (Dr. Glassman). “His commitment to the role and to all of us was incredible. If he regrets not taking more pictures, well, the rest of us have plenty. He’s in all of them — even if he was behind the camera or in the middle of a take.” As The Good Doctor wrapped its final season, the impact of the series became clearer than ever. Fans with autism and their families reached out in droves to express how much Shaun Murphy meant to them.
Highmore, who worked closely with autism consultants and advocacy groups from the start, took that responsibility seriously. “I never wanted to speak for anyone, but I hoped Shaun could help shift perceptions — to show that people with autism can be surgeons, partners, parents, and everything in between.” Now that The Good Doctor has ended, Highmore is already working on new projects. He’s currently filming the upcoming Amazon Prime thriller The Assassin, where he plays a very different character — a former government operative drawn back into a deadly conspiracy.
Still, Shaun Murphy will always be a part of him. “I carry Shaun with me,” he said. “He made me a better actor. He made me a better listener. And in some ways, he made me a better person.” As for whether he would ever revisit the role in the future — perhaps in a spinoff or a movie — Highmore didn’t rule it out. “If the story felt right, if there was more to say, I’d never say never. But for now, I’m just grateful for everything we got to say already.”
Following Highmore’s comments about his regret, fans flooded social media with their own memories of the show. Some shared their favorite episodes, others thanked him for helping them feel seen, and many shared behind-the-scenes photos and tributes. “You may not have the photos, Freddie,” one fan wrote on Twitter, “but we do. And we’ll treasure them forever.” Another fan added, “Watching Shaun grow helped me grow too. Thank you, Freddie Highmore. You made TV history.”
Seven seasons. One unforgettable character. And a performance that redefined what representation and compassion can look like on television. Freddie Highmore’s time on The Good Doctor may have ended, but its impact continues — in the hearts of viewers, in the legacy of meaningful storytelling, and in the quiet moments that were never photographed but never forgotten. As Highmore moves on to the next chapter in his career, fans can be sure of one thing: no matter how far he goes, a part of Dr. Shaun Murphy will always be with him — and with all of us.
