‘The Good Doctor’ EP Liz Friedman Reveals Real-Life Parent Helped During Episode 1 Baby Scene
Behind every great television moment lies a fascinating behind-the-scenes story, and the Season 1 premiere of The Good Doctor is no exception. Executive Producer Liz Friedman recently shared an amusing and unexpected detail about filming the baby-changing scene in the pilot episode: a real-life parent had to step in to make it happen.
The scene in question features Dr. Shaun Murphy, played by Freddie Highmore, assisting with a baby in distress. While the medical aspects of the sequence were meticulously planned, it was the diaper-changing portion that posed an unexpected challenge.
“None of us on set that day were particularly skilled in the art of diaper changing,” Friedman admitted with a laugh. “It’s not something you think will become a production issue until you’re standing there with a squirming baby and no one quite sure what to do next.”
Enter a real-life parent who happened to be present on set—an off-camera crew member who offered their expertise to ensure the scene went smoothly. “They swooped in like a superhero,” Friedman recalled. “We all watched in awe as they effortlessly handled what had turned into a mini-crisis.”
The anecdote underscores the collaborative nature of television production and the unexpected moments that can arise even in tightly controlled environments. It also added a touch of authenticity to the scene, which became a memorable introduction to Shaun’s character and the show’s heartfelt tone.
For fans, the story offers a glimpse into the challenges of creating The Good Doctor’s impactful moments. “It’s these little behind-the-scenes stories that remind us how many hands—and sometimes diapers—go into making a show like this,” Friedman concluded. The pilot episode remains a standout in the series, and now fans have one more reason to smile when revisiting that memorable baby scene.
