The Good Doctor captured the hearts of millions across the globe. It brought to the screen a deeply emotional, socially relevant, and medically compelling drama led by a character unlike any other on television: Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. The show challenged perceptions, sparked meaningful conversations, and built a fiercely loyal fanbase. And yet, despite its impact, it never seemed to dominate awards season the way many expected.
The show premiered on ABC in September 2017 and instantly became a ratings powerhouse. Created by David Shore, who previously gave us the genre-defining House, this new medical drama brought something fresh: a lead character who didn’t fit the mold of a traditional television doctor. Shaun Murphy wasn’t sarcastic or self-destructive; he was gentle, literal, and brilliant. And he also happened to be neurodivergent.
Freddie Highmore’s performance was nothing short of transformative. Known previously for his work in Bates Motel and Finding Neverland, Highmore brought an authenticity and depth to Shaun that stunned both audiences and critics. In fact, he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series in 2018, a well-deserved nod that introduced the show to more viewers.
However, that Golden Globe nomination was one of the few major awards The Good Doctor ever received. Despite strong ratings, emotional storylines, and consistent praise for its inclusivity, the show was regularly left out of the Emmy and Critics’ Choice conversations in subsequent years. It became one of those rare shows that was adored by viewers but overlooked by the elite awards circuit.
Some critics argue that this disconnect is not uncommon in network television. Cable and streaming platforms tend to dominate award shows, with series like Succession, The Crown, and The Handmaid’s Tale soaking up nominations. In contrast, network dramas often get labeled as “too mainstream” or “too procedural” to be taken seriously. But this label ignores what The Good Doctor managed to achieve under the constraints of network TV.
Week after week, the show tackled incredibly difficult themes: systemic bias in healthcare, abortion access, mental health, end-of-life decisions, addiction, and grief. It featured storylines that humanized marginalized voices, brought attention to under-discussed medical conditions, and created authentic representation for the autistic community. While some media coverage questioned whether the depiction of autism was idealized, many praised the series for attempting something rarely seen on screen — and doing it with care.
Beyond the subject matter, the performances were award-worthy. Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Browne gave one of the most compassionate, nuanced portrayals of a female doctor in television memory. Hill Harper, Christina Chang, Will Yun Lee, and Paige Spara each delivered layers of complexity to their characters, balancing science with emotion in ways that deeply resonated with viewers.
Even the technical aspects of the show — from its high-quality makeup and prosthetics to its surgical choreography and use of visual effects to portray Shaun’s thought process — were exceptional. The 3D visualizations of Shaun’s brain during moments of diagnosis weren’t just cinematic; they were symbolic, helping viewers see the world the way he does. That kind of creative storytelling deserves more recognition than it got.
Despite limited major awards, The Good Doctor did not go unnoticed entirely. It won multiple Humanitas Prizes for its writing and moral messaging. It also received honors from the Autism Society of America, applauding its effort to increase visibility and understanding of autism. Internationally, the show was nominated for Best Drama at the Seoul International Drama Awards and received critical acclaim in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
The show consistently ranked in the top 10 most-watched prime-time dramas throughout its run. Social media platforms overflowed with stories from real-life doctors, nurses, and medical students who said the show inspired them. Parents of autistic children wrote long messages about how Shaun’s journey helped them feel seen. In a landscape flooded with TV content, The Good Doctor didn’t just stand out — it stood up for something.
So why didn’t it sweep the Emmys? Perhaps it didn’t fit the mold. Maybe its optimistic tone wasn’t edgy enough for critics. Or maybe its popularity with middle America made it seem “too safe.” But none of that diminishes its value. In fact, it only emphasizes how powerful storytelling doesn’t always wear a tuxedo on red carpets. The Good Doctor will be remembered not just for Shaun Murphy’s genius or for its emotional plotlines, but for daring to show that kindness is a form of courage, that different is beautiful, and that even in a world obsessed with perfection, imperfection can be heroic.
