At the core of The Good Doctor’s revolution is Shaun Murphy, a character who defies the archetypal TV doctor. Unlike the brash genius of House M.D.’s Gregory House or the charismatic leads of Grey’s Anatomy, Shaun’s heroism lies in his quiet determination and unfiltered compassion. Highmore, who earned a 2018 Golden Globe nomination for the role, brought Shaun to life with meticulous care, working with autism consultants to ensure authenticity, as noted in a Variety interview. His portrayal—marked by subtle tics, earnest eye contact, and a rhythmic cadence—made Shaun’s brilliance accessible and his struggles universal.
The show’s pilot, which drew 15.6 million viewers per Nielsen, set the tone with Shaun saving a child’s life in an airport, his savant-like recall paired with Highmore’s vulnerable delivery. Fans on X, especially in Vietnam where the series streamed on Netflix and FPT Play, praised Shaun’s “pure heart,” with posts like “Shaun Murphy makes me believe in kindness.” Highmore’s ability to balance Shaun’s clinical genius with emotional growth—seen in moments like his Season 3 confession of love to Lea (Paige Spara)—redefined the medical hero as someone who heals through empathy, not just skill.
Rewriting the Medical Drama Playbook
The Good Doctor broke new ground by centering a character with autism, challenging stereotypes and sparking global conversations about neurodiversity. Highmore’s performance was the linchpin, grounding complex medical cases in human stories. Unlike traditional medical dramas that lean on melodrama, The Good Doctor used Shaun’s perspective to explore themes like prejudice, mental health, and inclusion. A Season 2 episode, “Hello,” where Shaun connects with a nonverbal autistic patient, moved fans to tears, with X users in Vietnam calling it “a lesson in humanity.”
The show’s global impact was immense, syndicated in over 100 countries and ranking among Netflix’s top streamed series in 2024. In Vietnam, where medical dramas resonate due to cultural respect for doctors, The Good Doctor inspired viewers, with X posts noting how Shaun’s perseverance motivated students to pursue medicine. Highmore’s influence extended to the writers’ room, where he penned episodes like Season 5’s “Expired,” showcasing Shaun’s moral dilemmas. His creative input, praised by co-star Richard Schiff in Deadline as “visionary,” ensured the show’s authenticity, setting it apart from peers like ER or Chicago Med.
Highmore’s Quiet Power
Highmore’s genius lies in his understated intensity. Unlike his chilling role as Norman Bates in Bates Motel, Shaun required a softer touch, which Highmore delivered through expressive eyes and deliberate gestures. A Season 7 scene, where Shaun grapples with a terminal patient’s death, showcased his ability to convey grief without words, earning X praise like “Freddie’s eyes tell Shaun’s whole story.” His preparation—studying medical texts and shadowing surgeons, per a TVLine interview—added credibility to Shaun’s expertise, while his fluency in Spanish endeared him to international fans.
Highmore’s off-screen humility amplified his impact. He forged bonds with co-stars like Antonia Thomas (Dr. Browne), whose X post called him “the heart of our show.” His advocacy for autism awareness, including partnerships with Autism Speaks, won accolades, with the organization lauding his “respectful portrayal.” Fans globally, from Hanoi to Hollywood, rallied behind #TheGoodDoctor, sharing stories of how Shaun inspired them to embrace differences, making Highmore a cultural bridge.
A Lasting Legacy
The Good Doctor’s heartbeat—its focus on empathy and diversity—owes everything to Highmore’s soulful performance. Like Chicago P.D.’s emotional arcs, Shaun’s journey resonates for its raw humanity, from overcoming bias to finding love and fatherhood. With the series streaming on Hulu and Netflix, its legacy endures, fueled by Highmore’s 2025 projects, including rumors of a directorial debut. X posts like “Freddie Highmore changed TV forever” reflect his impact, while Vietnamese fans credit Shaun with teaching them resilience.
Highmore’s work proves that medical dramas can heal as much as they entertain. Rewatch The Good Doctor on Netflix, follow @freddiehighmore on Instagram, or join the #ShaunMurphy conversation on X. Shaun Murphy’s heartbeat, brought to life by Highmore’s brilliance, reminds us that the best doctors—and actors—touch lives with heart.
