The Good Doctor: A Review of the 2017-2024 Medical Drama
The Good Doctor is a 2017-2024 American medical drama series that is based on the 2013 South Korean series of the same name. The series is created by David Shore, the creator of the Fox medical drama House, and produced by Daniel Dae Kim, the actor who noticed the original series and bought the rights for his production company. The series airs on ABC and Netflix, and is the second-highest rated drama in Korean cable television history. The series has received mixed reviews from critics, who have praised Highmore’s performance but criticized the series’ storylines.
The series follows Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), a young autistic surgeon with savant syndrome, who relocates from a quiet country life in Wyoming to join the prestigious San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital in California. There, he faces the skepticism and prejudice of his colleagues and superiors, who doubt his abilities and question his suitability for the profession. He also struggles to connect with his patients and co-workers, and to cope with the challenges and emotions of his personal and professional life.
The series also features Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman, the president of the hospital and Shaun’s mentor and father figure, who supports and defends Shaun against the opposition of the board and the staff. Christina Chang, Will Yun Lee, Fiona Gubelmann, Paige Spara, Noah Galvin and Bria Samoné Henderson also star in the show as Shaun’s fellow doctors and friends. The series also features several guest stars and recurring characters, such as Nicholas Gonzalez, Antonia Thomas, Hill Harper, Tamlyn Tomita, Jasika Nicole, and others, who play important roles in Shaun’s journey.
The series is a compelling and inspiring story of a brilliant but unconventional doctor, who uses his extraordinary medical gifts to save lives and challenge the status quo. The series also explores the themes of autism, diversity, ethics, and compassion, and the impact of medicine on the human condition. The series showcases the charisma and talent of Highmore, who portrays Shaun with nuance and sensitivity, and delivers a remarkable performance that has earned him several nominations and awards. The series also features a talented and diverse cast, who bring depth and realism to their roles.
The series is not without its flaws, however. The series often relies on clichés and stereotypes, such as the arrogant and competitive surgeons, the evil and corrupt administrators, and the unrealistic and melodramatic cases. The series also fails to address the moral ambiguity and the social implications of Shaun’s actions, and to offer any insight into the complexity and diversity of autism. The series is more interested in delivering sentimental and uplifting moments, than in developing its characters or themes.
The Good Doctor is a series that appeals to fans of Freddie Highmore, Richard Schiff, and medical dramas in general. It is a well-made and enjoyable series that delivers what it promises: a touching and thrilling story that showcases the skills and charisma of its lead actors. The series does not aspire to be more than that, and it succeeds in its own terms. The series is rated TV-14 for some violence, language, and sexual content. The series is currently available on Netflix and on ABC.
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