What if Dr. Shaun Murphy could travel through time, revisiting the moments that shaped him? In The Good Doctor, Freddie Highmore’s portrayal of Shaun, a surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, feels like a journey across decades in a single heartbeat. Through Season 5’s flashbacks in “Yippee Ki-Yay” and the series’ finale, “Goodbye,” Highmore crafts a timeless hero whose growth captivates. Stream The Good Doctor on Hulu or ABC to join Shaun’s time-bending adventure.
In “Yippee Ki-Yay,” aired on March 7, 2022, flashbacks reveal Shaun’s childhood, where he faced bullying but found solace with his brother Steve. Highmore’s performance as adult Shaun, reflecting on these memories, is layered with nostalgia and pain. His soft voice and distant gaze make the past feel alive, as if Shaun’s stepping through a portal. The episode’s climax, where Shaun applies a childhood lesson to save a patient, showcases Highmore’s ability to bridge time. Fans on X called it “poignant,” praising Highmore’s emotional range.
In “Goodbye,” aired on May 21, 2024, Shaun delivers a TED Talk, envisioning a future inspired by his past. Highmore’s delivery—confident yet vulnerable—feels like Shaun speaking across time, from the boy who lost Steve to the doctor who saves lives. The scene, set against a montage of Shaun’s milestones, is a fan-favorite, with X posts lauding Highmore’s arc. His preparation, memorizing the speech weeks in advance, ensures every word lands.
Highmore’s Shaun is a time-traveler in spirit. In “Yippee Ki-Yay,” his childhood memories, visualized through sepia-toned flashbacks, shape his present. Highmore’s subtle shifts—a clenched jaw, a fleeting smile—make Shaun’s pain and resilience timeless, earning a Teen Choice Award. The episode’s blend of past and present, tied to a high-stakes surgery, appeals to sci-fi fans who love narrative depth.
In “Goodbye,” Highmore’s TED Talk is a portal to Shaun’s future. His scenes with Lea (Paige Spara) and Glassman (Richard Schiff), reflecting on their journey, feel like a time capsule opened. The finale’s autism representation, lauded by advocates, adds authenticity, while Highmore’s chemistry with the cast grounds the episode. Critics called it a “perfect end,” cementing The Good Doctor’s legacy.
Available on Hulu and ABC, The Good Doctor’s seven seasons are a time-travel epic. Highmore’s Shaun, a hero who defies time’s limits, invites you to relive his journey. From a boy’s dreams to a doctor’s legacy, this is a story that transcends eras. Stream now and let Highmore’s performance carry you through Shaun’s heartbeat.
