Freddie Highmore has spent years saving lives on The Good Doctor, but now he’s stepping behind the camera — and into the fire. In a surprising and exciting move, the Golden Globe-nominated actor has directed an upcoming episode of CBS’s hit action-drama Fire Country, bringing his thoughtful storytelling sensibilities to a completely new world of danger, redemption, and community.
While fans are used to seeing Highmore in front of the camera as Dr. Shaun Murphy, this isn’t his first time directing. In fact, he’s helmed multiple episodes of The Good Doctor, earning praise for his emotional depth and sharp visual instincts. But Fire Country marks the first time Highmore has directed outside of the ABC medical drama — and viewers are already buzzing about what his creative eye will bring to the high-stakes world of wildfire rescue. Freddie Highmore’s journey from child star to accomplished actor, producer, and now director has been remarkable. With critically acclaimed performances in Bates Motel, August Rush, and The Good Doctor, Highmore has always chosen roles that demand emotional precision and depth. That same care and detail are what he now brings to Fire Country.
The episode, slated to air in Fall 2025, is said to feature “some of the most emotionally intense and visually ambitious scenes of the season,” according to CBS insiders. Highmore, ever humble, describes the experience as both challenging and deeply rewarding. “Directing Fire Country was completely different from what I’m used to,” he shared in an official press release. “There’s an urgency and physicality to every scene. The cast and crew welcomed me with open arms, and together we crafted something really special — full of heart, tension, and surprising moments.”
Highmore, a fan of the show since Season 1, said he was drawn to its unique combination of adrenaline and humanity. According to series star Max Thieriot, who also co-created the show, Highmore brought a calm intensity to the set. “Freddie’s one of the most focused directors I’ve ever worked with,” Thieriot said. “He knows exactly what emotion he wants out of a scene, but he gives actors space to get there. And coming from someone who’s been in front of the camera so much, that kind of trust means everything.”
Freddie Highmore’s arrival on the Fire Country set was met with enthusiasm from the entire cast and crew. Diane Farr (Sharon Leone) shared that Highmore’s background in drama gave him a strong command of pacing and emotion — two elements that are key to the show’s success. “Freddie directs with empathy,” Farr explained. “He listens. He adjusts. And he’s not afraid to hold a shot a little longer to let a character breathe. That makes a huge difference in a show like ours, where the emotional stakes are just as high as the physical ones.”
Cast members also praised Highmore for taking the time to understand the technical aspects of firefighting sequences. Before shooting, he reportedly shadowed several of the show’s stunt coordinators and fire consultants to ensure the fireline scenes were as realistic — and safe — as possible. Given how smoothly the collaboration went, fans are already asking if Highmore might return to direct future episodes — or even make a guest appearance on Fire Country. While there’s no official word on that just yet, series producers haven’t ruled it out.
“He’s got the eye and the instincts,” said Tia Napolitano, one of the executive producers. “If he ever wants to come back — behind the camera or in front — we’d welcome him in a heartbeat.” It’s not hard to imagine Highmore slipping into the world of Fire Country as a calculating fire investigator, a mystery patient from Sharon’s past, or even a prison therapist with ties to Bode’s former life. The possibilities are endless.
Freddie Highmore has never been one to chase the spotlight for its own sake. Since the beginning, he’s made careful, thoughtful career moves — always choosing stories that challenge him and mean something to audiences. With each directorial project, he’s proving that his talent goes far beyond performance. With The Good Doctor now concluded after seven seasons, Highmore is in a position to redefine his next chapter. And directing episodes like Ashes and Echoes could be a sign of where he’s heading. “I love telling stories — whether I’m acting, producing, or directing,” he said. “As long as I get to be part of something that resonates with people, I’m happy.”
Freddie Highmore directing an episode of Fire Country might seem like a curveball, but it’s exactly the kind of inspired crossover TV needs more of. Blending his signature emotional intelligence with the show’s high-adrenaline atmosphere, Highmore’s episode is poised to be one of the most unforgettable of the season. So whether you’re a longtime Good Doctor fan or a Fire Country newcomer, mark your calendar. Ashes and Echoes, directed by Freddie Highmore, airs this fall on CBS — and it’s guaranteed to leave viewers burning for more.
