For seven seasons, The Good Doctor has captivated millions of viewers around the world. The ABC medical drama, starring Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, earned praise not only for its portrayal of a brilliant young surgeon with autism but also for its heartfelt exploration of human connection. Richard Schiff, who played Dr. Aaron Glassman, Shaun’s mentor and father figure, believes the show’s appeal runs deeper than its medical storylines. In a recent interview, Schiff explained why grownups, in particular, find themselves drawn to the series.
“Adults don’t just watch The Good Doctor because it’s a medical drama,” Schiff said. “They watch because it reflects the challenges and vulnerabilities they face every day. The show is about responsibility, love, and the choices we make when life gets difficult.”
Schiff points out that while many medical dramas focus heavily on the adrenaline of emergencies, The Good Doctor distinguishes itself by diving into the emotional consequences of those moments. For adult audiences—many of whom are juggling careers, families, and aging parents—the show offers a rare mirror of their own struggles. “It’s not just about saving lives,” Schiff noted. “It’s about how you live your life, and that’s something grownups really connect to.”
One of the show’s most enduring relationships was the bond between Schiff’s Glassman and Highmore’s Shaun. Their dynamic—part mentorship, part surrogate father-son relationship—struck a chord with older viewers who saw their own parenting experiences reflected on screen. Whether it was Glassman guiding Shaun through professional hurdles or confronting his own health battles, the character embodied the resilience and vulnerability that many adults understand firsthand.
Schiff himself admits that playing Glassman offered unexpected insights. “I think a lot about the choices I’ve made as a parent, as a husband, as a friend,” he said. “The writing on the show forces you to sit with those questions. That’s why adults watch. They recognize themselves in these characters.”
The actor also highlighted the show’s willingness to tackle serious topics such as illness, grief, and ethical dilemmas. While younger fans may be drawn to Shaun’s journey of self-discovery, older viewers often gravitate toward the nuanced portrayals of middle-aged and senior characters grappling with mortality, legacy, and change. Schiff’s performance in particular gave weight to those storylines, earning him widespread praise from both critics and fans.
Now that The Good Doctor has wrapped its final season, Schiff is reflecting on the legacy of the series. For him, its impact lies not just in ratings or awards but in the conversations it sparked among families. “I’ve had people come up to me and say, ‘I watched this with my parents, and we talked about things we never talked about before,’” he shared. “That’s when you know a show matters.”
Though Schiff is already moving on to new projects, including a return to the New York stage, he believes The Good Doctor will remain a touchstone for adult viewers for years to come. “At its heart, the show isn’t about medicine—it’s about humanity,” he said. “And that’s something we all relate to, no matter our age.”
