Top 5 Reasons You Should Be Watching The Good Doctor

The series primarily centers on Shaun Murphy, a surgical resident living with autism and savant syndrome. Like “The A Word” and “Atypical,” “The Good Doctor” has been thoughtful in its portrayal of autism, but there’s much more to the show than Shaun’s condition. It features a strong cast of supporting players who are all interesting in their own right. Up-and-coming actors Antonia Thomas and Chuku Modu both turn in effective work as Shaun’s fellow residents. We also get some compelling performances from seasoned character actors like Nicholas Gonzalez, Hill Harper, and Richard Schiff (who we’ll talk more about later). Together, they’ve developed the show into a solid ensemble piece with multiple engaging character arcs.

Freddie Highmore has been acting for most of his life, starting out young in films like “Finding Neverland” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Not every child actor makes a smooth transition as they enter adulthood, but that, fortunately, hasn’t been the case for Highmore. He made the iconic role of Norman Bates his own for five seasons and continues to demonstrate his impressive acting range in “The Good Doctor.” Highmore delivers a genuine performance as Shaun, nailing the body language and speech patterns of somebody on the autism spectrum. With this part, Highmore felt it was his responsibility to provide an authentic depiction of autism and it’s safe to say he’s succeeded.

While society has become more aware of autism, that doesn’t mean everyone understands the condition. A lot of quote unquote “normal people” assume that autism means “strange” and “limited.” Shaun faces these prejudices upon arriving at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital, as many of his superiors underestimate his gifts. While Shaun does struggle in some areas, particularly social situations, he excels in others, and can see things most medical professionals would never catch. “The Good Doctor” shows that people with autism, and other disorders for that matter, are often more capable than they initially appear. They need support and acceptance in order to share their beautiful minds with the world.

Richard Schiff is best known for playing Toby Ziegler on “The West Wing." In “The Good Doctor,” he plays Aaron Glassman, the president of St. Bonaventure who has known Shaun since age 14, acting as both mentor and a father figure of sorts. Recognizing his protégé’s amazing abilities, Glassman fights for Shaun’s right to be at the hospital, even putting his own job on the line. In what’s arguably the best role he’s had in over a decade, Schiff gives an empathetic and powerful performance. After playing several antagonistic characters in recent years, Schiff was especially eager to portray someone who could actually have a positive impact.

David Shore created one of the most acclaimed medical dramas of all time with “House,” and “The Good Doctor” is another knockout winner for this showrunner. There are indeed a few parallels between these two programs, as both revolve around brilliant doctors with disabilities who don’t always have the best bedside manner. A Season 3 episode of “House” even addressed Asperger syndrome, which is a mild form of autism. Of course, outside of a few similarities, the optimistic Shaun Murphy and the cynical Gregory House couldn’t be more different. This helps to distinguish “The Good Doctor” as a unique, inspirational, and bold series that still retains the singular qualities we’ve come to expect from a talent like Shore.