It’s a well-deserved victory for one of television’s most compelling performances. Freddie Highmore, best known for his role as Dr. Shaun Murphy on ABC’s hit medical drama The Good Doctor, has officially taken home the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series.
The award recognizes Highmore’s outstanding portrayal of Shaun, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, whose empathy, intelligence, and resilience have touched millions of viewers worldwide. Since the show’s debut in 2017, Highmore has been praised for bringing depth, nuance, and authenticity to a role that could have easily fallen into stereotypes.
In his acceptance speech, Highmore thanked the show’s cast, crew, and producers, as well as the real-life doctors and autism advocates who have helped shape his character. “Shaun has taught me so much about seeing the world differently,” he said. “This award is for everyone who has ever felt underestimated — your voice matters.”
Fans quickly took to social media to celebrate the win, with many calling it “long overdue” given Highmore’s consistently emotional and captivating performances over the show’s seven seasons. Critics have often pointed out that The Good Doctor succeeds not only because of its medical storylines but because of the humanity and heart that Highmore brings to the screen each week.
This Critics’ Choice win marks another milestone in Highmore’s already impressive career, which began when he was a child star in films like Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Now, as one of the most respected actors in television, Highmore continues to prove that great storytelling begins with great acting.
