When Freddie Highmore steps into the role of Dr. Shaun Murphy on ABC’s The Good Doctor, he does more than deliver another convincing performance. He embodies a character whose perspective challenges audiences to see the world differently. In a recent conversation for The Contenders Emmys series, Highmore reflected on the impact of playing Shaun and what viewers can take away from the character’s journey, particularly as the show entered its second season.
“Shaun encourages us to look at life with fresh eyes,” Highmore said. “He approaches every situation without the same preconceptions many of us carry. I think there’s a lesson in that for all of us—about empathy, patience, and trying to understand people who may experience the world differently.”
Highmore’s portrayal of Shaun Murphy, a surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome, has been widely praised for its sensitivity and authenticity. The role demands more than mastering medical jargon; it requires an ability to convey vulnerability, intelligence, and resilience in equal measure. Highmore, who is also a producer on the series, acknowledged the responsibility that comes with such a part. “It’s important that Shaun’s story feels genuine,” he said. “We work closely with consultants to make sure we’re portraying his experiences with accuracy and respect.”
As The Good Doctor entered its second season, the show expanded its storytelling by diving deeper into Shaun’s personal growth and professional challenges. Highmore explained that season two aimed to balance the procedural aspects of a medical drama with Shaun’s evolving relationships. “We wanted to show Shaun not just as a surgeon but as a friend, a colleague, and someone navigating everyday life. It’s about his growth outside the hospital as much as inside,” he noted.
The actor also emphasized that the success of the show rests on its ensemble cast and collaborative environment. “Everyone contributes to making The Good Doctor what it is,” Highmore said. “It’s not just about Shaun—it’s about the team around him and the stories we’re able to tell together.”
Highmore’s performance has earned him recognition not only from critics but also from communities who see Shaun as a rare example of meaningful representation on network television. For Highmore, that response is both humbling and motivating. “If the show can help spark conversations about inclusivity, then that’s something I’m incredibly proud of,” he said.
Reflecting on his career trajectory—from child stardom in Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the darker complexities of Norman Bates in Bates Motel—Highmore admitted that Shaun feels like a defining role. “It’s been such a privilege to play him. He’s a character who resonates with people on so many levels, and that’s rare.”
As Emmy season approached, Highmore remained characteristically modest about the show’s accolades and awards buzz. “Recognition is lovely, of course, but what matters most is the impact the show has on people,” he said. In both his words and his work, Freddie Highmore makes it clear: Shaun Murphy isn’t just a character—he’s a reminder that empathy and understanding are qualities we could all use a little more of.
