Freddie Highmore, widely recognized for his breakout role in The Good Doctor, has officially crossed into darker territory with his new British crime series, The Assassin. The shift has paid off: the Prime Video original debuted to strong reviews, earning an impressive 86% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a successful reinvention for the actor.
For years, Highmore has captivated audiences as Dr. Shaun Murphy, the brilliant surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. His performance not only earned critical acclaim but also established him as one of television’s most versatile young actors. With The Assassin, Highmore leaves behind the scrubs and sterile hallways of a hospital to dive into the gritty, morally complex world of crime drama.
A New Kind of Role
In the series, Highmore plays a man entangled in a web of conspiracy, violence, and ethical dilemmas. His character must navigate the dangerous line between survival and complicity, a journey that requires both vulnerability and intensity. Critics have praised Highmore’s nuanced performance, noting how convincingly he embodies a protagonist torn between right and wrong.
“This is a far cry from Shaun Murphy,” wrote one critic. “Highmore proves he’s capable of leading a darker, more cerebral series with the same depth and authenticity that made The Good Doctor resonate.”
Critical Acclaim vs. Audience Reaction
The 86% critics’ score reflects strong support from reviewers, who praised the show’s atmosphere, cinematography, and focus on character-driven storytelling. However, the audience score has been notably less enthusiastic, with some viewers finding the series’ pacing slow and the narrative dense.
This divide highlights The Assassin’s deliberate approach—it isn’t designed as fast-paced action entertainment. Instead, it leans into psychological tension, demanding that viewers pay attention to detail and savor the slow unraveling of secrets.
The Allure of British Crime Drama
What sets The Assassin apart is its embrace of classic British crime storytelling traditions. Unlike formulaic thrillers, the show emphasizes moral ambiguity, layered characters, and a sense of unease that lingers after each episode. Its moody cinematography and tightly constructed narrative add to its immersive quality, earning comparisons to acclaimed UK dramas like Broadchurch and Line of Duty.
A Strategic Career Move
For Highmore, the timing of this project is significant. With The Good Doctor wrapping after seven seasons, The Assassin offers him a chance to redefine his career trajectory. It showcases his ability to transition seamlessly from the sympathetic doctor who saves lives to a conflicted figure navigating the criminal underworld.
Industry insiders see this move as an important step for Highmore, who began his career as a child star in films like Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Assassin reaffirms his talent for choosing roles that challenge both him and his audience.
What’s Next
As The Assassin rolls out on Prime Video worldwide, its critical acclaim may help it build momentum despite divided audience reactions. For Highmore, however, the series has already achieved something vital: it has expanded his range and proven his ability to lead compelling projects beyond the long-running medical drama that defined him for much of the past decade.
