The Good Doctor

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 25, 2017
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 133 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 106 out of 133
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 133
  3. Negative: 17 out of 133
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User Reviews

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  1. Ededed
    Mar 13, 2018
    4
    Love the premise - Doogie Houser meets Rain Man. As an educator with training in special needs students, the theme of the show is interesting and all too real for this population. Never been to med school, but one would assume they all had psych classes and training in special needs kids, so the overall negative vibe and summary judgment rejection of an autistic savant doctor doesn’t ringLove the premise - Doogie Houser meets Rain Man. As an educator with training in special needs students, the theme of the show is interesting and all too real for this population. Never been to med school, but one would assume they all had psych classes and training in special needs kids, so the overall negative vibe and summary judgment rejection of an autistic savant doctor doesn’t ring true to me. The main character’s back story is over the top as well. Since the ‘80’s there has been too much improvement in the system to not have big time support services available for this family and child protective services monitoring the home if anything seemed off. I could see the hospital trying to put this doctor on a diagnostic team hidden in the background, but to simply refuse to teach the kid would open up any teaching hospital to a nasty lawsuit. Make the kid prove his skills in the operating theater. Help him communicate better with patients and families. That’s what the teaching hospital is there for. Hope the writing team gets smarter about the supporting characters on this show. It’d be a shame to lose a show with promise because the plot and the characters are so one dimensional.

    Addendum: Recent shows are doing a bit better with the supporting cast to the detriment of the main character. Shaun is now less than central to the dynamic of the surgical team and now lost the girl next door - a sub-plot that should have been developed more slowly. It should have taken years for an autistic man to grow close to a neighbor, especially one who has lost so many important people in his life already.

    This show is beginning to feel like it’s settling into a cliche medical drama mode and Shaun is just a quirky minor character. The show is supposed to be about an autistic savant doctor who does amazing things, like in the pilot. Lately he has been wrong as much as he has been correct. Lowering my score until the writers and producers get the focus straightened out.    … Expand
  2. PeteyFlip
    Sep 26, 2017
    10
    I was really looking forward to this show. After watching the first episode I CAN'T WAIT to see more! It's great acting with the perfect blend of awkwardness and genius and emotion. It's going to be a phenomenal series. I could see it going as far as House did.
  3. Mgrasso99
    Oct 3, 2017
    10
    This show is great. I feel like this could be as good as House...love that when it was on. I wasn't sure I was going to like the concept but it was really well done.
  4. gay-boy-forever
    Oct 5, 2017
    10
    what a wonderful show, with such a GREAT story. David Shore has always been my favorite TV Show Creator, from House, to this, he is truly AMAZING! Freddie Highmore (Bates Motel/August Rush/ Charlie And The Chocolate Factory) plays the role of Shaun to a "T". Freddie Highmore, not only deserves to have the show Renewed for 2 additional seasons, but, an Emmy-Award WIN for his outstandingwhat a wonderful show, with such a GREAT story. David Shore has always been my favorite TV Show Creator, from House, to this, he is truly AMAZING! Freddie Highmore (Bates Motel/August Rush/ Charlie And The Chocolate Factory) plays the role of Shaun to a "T". Freddie Highmore, not only deserves to have the show Renewed for 2 additional seasons, but, an Emmy-Award WIN for his outstanding acting in a lead role! also, Hill Harper, is absolutely stunning, and he has come a long way since his Limitless role. overall, GREAT Show, and GREAT Monday night choice.… Expand
  5. TelevisionCr
    Sep 30, 2017
    10
    It is the dawn of the real human, relatable male protagonist. Why am I saying this? Because I know that Doctor Shaun Murphy will be the new Randall Pierce of this season. The Good Doctor nails so many aspects which so many shows need to be nailing. It gave us a pilot full of story and development rather than trying to be flashy or putting style above story. Freddie Highmore is phenomenal,It is the dawn of the real human, relatable male protagonist. Why am I saying this? Because I know that Doctor Shaun Murphy will be the new Randall Pierce of this season. The Good Doctor nails so many aspects which so many shows need to be nailing. It gave us a pilot full of story and development rather than trying to be flashy or putting style above story. Freddie Highmore is phenomenal, the depth he gives this character is insane and every facial expression and sentence that comes out of his mouth is believable. Finally, we have a male protagonist who isn't a stereotype and doesn't have the big muscles and the perfect face. That meant a lot to me because I could finally relate to a male character on a TV show. And the show gives us some of the most emotional flashbacks we will ever see on TV

    This is my first medical drama, so it will be very interesting to see how they balance Shaun's character development with the medical cases. It does need a bit work, like making these supporting characters more interesting and maybe visually a tiny bit as well as sound mixing. However, I hope everyone gives this a shot, if not for anything else than for the talent that is Freddie Highmore. And can we please give him an Emmy?!    … Expand
  6. andream
    Nov 11, 2017
    10
    wonderful, marvelous, emotional, fresh with a great actors. just love it and wait every week with impatience to see a new episode.
    You feel an immediate empathy for the main character, and it is really interesting to see his development.
  7. SkullBoy92
    Sep 26, 2017
    8
    After 1 episode I think i will give a chance to Good Doctor. Performance of Freddie Highmore is great and subtle. I Am curious and I want more of it ...
  8. bigbro29
    Sep 25, 2017
    9
    I got an advanced screening of this show and all I can say is wow I was impressed not that the show was good but by exactly how good it was I enjoyed this tremendously and can only hope it gets better with time this has easily became a hit in my book and it can only get better lets hope anyway I will for sure be tuning in Mondays to see this one ' haven't been this excited about Monday inI got an advanced screening of this show and all I can say is wow I was impressed not that the show was good but by exactly how good it was I enjoyed this tremendously and can only hope it gets better with time this has easily became a hit in my book and it can only get better lets hope anyway I will for sure be tuning in Mondays to see this one ' haven't been this excited about Monday in awhile' perfect way to end the evening and I hope dr murphy gets many more seasons… Expand
  9. knif
    Nov 6, 2017
    10
    This show is why I turn on my TV on Mondays. The concept and acting are terrific and intelligent, and the casting is perfect. It's simply the best of the best. What more is there to say?
  10. TVBug
    Mar 31, 2018
    8
    There is a sweetness to the show that allows us to forgive its many failings. Yes, the unrealistic portrayal of a young doctor with autism is troubling and uneven. The writing is sometimes dorky in the extreme. But the series' loving exhortation to see the person and not the disability and its general kindness makes it ultimately quite watchable.
  11. debbiegkatz
    Sep 26, 2017
    10
    I was really looking forward to watching this new series and thought it was great. It made me feel very emotional during certain scenes. I watched Freddie Highmore for 3 years on the bates motel and think he's an excellent, yet underrated actor. He's perfect for the part as the autistic surgeon. I hope this show succeeds and gains in popularity. Looking forward to next episode!
  12. wkyken
    Dec 19, 2017
    10
    I like the story lines, getting to know each character, and the cast is excellent. Freddie Highmore, as, Dr. Shaun Murphy, is outstanding. I can't wait for the January 8 episode.
  13. dalerhalimov
    Apr 5, 2018
    10
    I'm taking my hat off! What an outstanding performance by Freddie Highmore! I grew up on his films(Charlie and the chocolate factory, The Spiderwick chronicles, Arthur and the minimoys and so on). About a year ago started watching Bates Motel and Freddie was incredible! When I finished it I was very sad and I wanted another tv show with him and boom! There it was, The Good Doctor. PlusI'm taking my hat off! What an outstanding performance by Freddie Highmore! I grew up on his films(Charlie and the chocolate factory, The Spiderwick chronicles, Arthur and the minimoys and so on). About a year ago started watching Bates Motel and Freddie was incredible! When I finished it I was very sad and I wanted another tv show with him and boom! There it was, The Good Doctor. Plus David Shore is the creator( I love House so much and wanted medical drama for a long time). Obviously, the rest of the cast are doing a great job as well! The whole cast is amazing, great ideas, rare cases( my mom is a doctor so she loves it and I ask her what that means and she explains it to me like she did when we watched House). I want to congratulate the cast and can't wait for the season 2. Good luck guys!… Expand
  14. ameliastarr
    Apr 20, 2018
    3
    This show was great in the beginning but the main character is now lost in the drama of everyone else. No longer is he the savant but the guesser. He seems to no longer be the main character. They've allowed this character to be taken advantage of not only by his co-workers but by his own neighbors and he acts more stupid than a high functioning Doctor with autism. Where is his mentor,This show was great in the beginning but the main character is now lost in the drama of everyone else. No longer is he the savant but the guesser. He seems to no longer be the main character. They've allowed this character to be taken advantage of not only by his co-workers but by his own neighbors and he acts more stupid than a high functioning Doctor with autism. Where is his mentor, seriously. Where are the skills that he portrayed so valiantly in the beginning. Probably one more season and it'll be gone.… Expand
  15. sistab29
    Oct 23, 2017
    0
    Because the doctor is a high functioning autistic person does not mean he must sound like a 1960's robot. HOW insulting. I know several autistic people on various levels of the spectrum and NOT ONE sounds like this. Way to portray these people in such a sterotypical, insulting manner possible.
  16. shoulderoforion
    Oct 10, 2017
    8
    So far so good, bit cheesy & disjointed sure, but a good house-ish medical show just the same. Not having experience with anyone "on the spectrum" can't say how accurate or realistic this portrayal of an autistic doctor is, but the show's fun to watch.
  17. Eliasc
    Oct 30, 2017
    5
    An interesting show with potential, thought the first episodes I have watched have not yet demonstrated the ability to become an interesting medical drama. Freddie Highmore's portrayal of an autistic/asperger syndrome surgeon is a bit hard to believe. I can accept mild symptoms as a possibility but not the symptoms as presented on this series. Secondly, the medical procedures portrayedAn interesting show with potential, thought the first episodes I have watched have not yet demonstrated the ability to become an interesting medical drama. Freddie Highmore's portrayal of an autistic/asperger syndrome surgeon is a bit hard to believe. I can accept mild symptoms as a possibility but not the symptoms as presented on this series. Secondly, the medical procedures portrayed are a bit of a stretch and will have the medical community laughing in the aisles. Not even 'Grey's Anatomy' dives into the medical procedure impossibilities that this series writes into the script. 'The Good Doctor' needs a medical script advisor.… Expand
  18. boidiva02
    Oct 9, 2017
    6
    An interesting premise and a top-notch performance from Freddie Highmore in the lead role are not enough to make up for the muddled, confusing tone of the series and a set of unmemorable, boilerplate supporting characters. The central premise of a doctor with autism and savant disorder is engaging on its own, so we don't need the tear jerking back story or the boardroom debate overAn interesting premise and a top-notch performance from Freddie Highmore in the lead role are not enough to make up for the muddled, confusing tone of the series and a set of unmemorable, boilerplate supporting characters. The central premise of a doctor with autism and savant disorder is engaging on its own, so we don't need the tear jerking back story or the boardroom debate over whether Dr. Murphy is fit to be a surgeon. Hopefully the show can find its true tone in time and abandons this two-narrative structure in which we see both the present day story and Shaun's childhood.… Expand
  19. 3oz
    Dec 29, 2017
    9
    After watching the trailer, I knew I would like this show. I have began watching it with my dad, and he really enjoys it as well. This is very surprising as my father only really enjoys very specific shows.

    I thoroughly enjoy how this tv shows has a very unique and interesting plots. I have never heard of a tv show this same type of storyline, and I congratulate it for that purpose.    After watching the trailer, I knew I would like this show. I have began watching it with my dad, and he really enjoys it as well. This is very surprising as my father only really enjoys very specific shows.

    I thoroughly enjoy how this tv shows has a very unique and interesting plots. I have never heard of a tv show this same type of storyline, and I congratulate it for that purpose. Great actors and great show. I would give it a 10 out of 10. but my socks are not completely blown off. It is quite close.    … Expand
  20. 21grams
    Oct 3, 2017
    4
    The good doctor? Or should I say The evil personnel?

    This TV show seriously hurts my intellect, literally. Something that should have been serious doesn't take itself seriously whatsoever. It's more of a comedy, than drama touching serious problems of person with autism. The good doctor is filled with cheap and cheesy tricks to catch attention of typical 'popcorn' viewer. The premise    The good doctor? Or should I say The evil personnel?

    This TV show seriously hurts my intellect, literally. Something that should have been serious doesn't take itself seriously whatsoever. It's more of a comedy, than drama touching serious problems of person with autism. The good doctor is filled with cheap and cheesy tricks to catch attention of typical 'popcorn' viewer. The premise was great, but realization of it is absolutely disgusting.

    I'm not buying it, feels to cheap    … Expand
  21. geminiblack
    Nov 7, 2017
    10
    I love this show. It's very interesting to watch how each episode will unfold as each one is different. Love Freddie Highmore's character, he truly plays him well. Really looking forward to new episodes.
  22. LewisDanny
    Oct 31, 2017
    3
    Hamfisted, heavy-handed - whatever turn of phrase you want to use, there's absolutely no doubt the show MEANS well. The issue is the execution - from the 'kick the dog' moments of Freddie Highmore's dad (how else would you know he's a bad guy? Couldn't do it through, y'know, good and balanced writing), to the impassioned (and incredibly unneccesary plot line) of Richard Schiff chewing theHamfisted, heavy-handed - whatever turn of phrase you want to use, there's absolutely no doubt the show MEANS well. The issue is the execution - from the 'kick the dog' moments of Freddie Highmore's dad (how else would you know he's a bad guy? Couldn't do it through, y'know, good and balanced writing), to the impassioned (and incredibly unneccesary plot line) of Richard Schiff chewing the scenery with the hospitals board, being used as a vehicle to talk about acceptance in them most "after-school special" way. I want to like this, I really do - David Shore is excellent, and usually his shows are brilliant. But this is just painful to watch. If they dialled it back, removed the sense of self-important gravitas, and injected TINY bit more levity, this could be a truly great show.… Expand
  23. anonymous133
    Feb 7, 2018
    7
    The flashbacks to Shaun’s childhood are ridiculous. Shaun is a good character but they ruin it by giving him a background story that is completely ridiculous and overall poorly portrayed. The rest of the show luckily makes up for it with good performances especially from Freddie Highmore. The show has some rough edges but they managed to bring something interesting and new to the medicalThe flashbacks to Shaun’s childhood are ridiculous. Shaun is a good character but they ruin it by giving him a background story that is completely ridiculous and overall poorly portrayed. The rest of the show luckily makes up for it with good performances especially from Freddie Highmore. The show has some rough edges but they managed to bring something interesting and new to the medical drama genre.… Expand
  24. Iamcritical86
    Feb 13, 2018
    7
    This show's not too bad but I think more people should die. It's not realistic enough in that department. Everytime a patient has a risky surgery, they come so close to death and then it's like God comes to the rescue EVERY SINGLE TIME and they miraculously survive.
  25. AkumaJack
    Apr 30, 2019
    4
    The premise is good but they try to stuff to many political agendas into it. It gets tiresome and almost ridicolous after a couple of episodes. Too bad because the main premise of an autistic doctor was intriguing enough. But when you try to raise awarness about:
    Ableism, sexism, racism, trans rights, ecc it gets pretty messy. Hopefully they will stop doing that in season two.
    It's also    The premise is good but they try to stuff to many political agendas into it. It gets tiresome and almost ridicolous after a couple of episodes. Too bad because the main premise of an autistic doctor was intriguing enough. But when you try to raise awarness about:
    Ableism, sexism, racism, trans rights, ecc it gets pretty messy. Hopefully they will stop doing that in season two.
    It's also bad because Shaun quickly becomes just a comprimary with a minor quirk instead of the main protagonist.    … Expand
  26. fairyelle93
    Nov 21, 2017
    10
    I love The Good Doctor! It's a very entertaining show with an easy to follow story line. The actors in this show do a great job at conveying the emotion of their character. I've been hooked since episode 1. Please please make a season 2! Also I enjoy the medical references in the show because I am in nursing school and it's cool to see a show actually use medical terminology correctly. II love The Good Doctor! It's a very entertaining show with an easy to follow story line. The actors in this show do a great job at conveying the emotion of their character. I've been hooked since episode 1. Please please make a season 2! Also I enjoy the medical references in the show because I am in nursing school and it's cool to see a show actually use medical terminology correctly. I love this show!!! Oh and my boyfriend even watches it with me so it's great for everyone.… Expand
  27. TomPaal
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    53 review Metacratic for the good doctor? I think I will ignore Metacritic for TV series from now. For games is OK.
  28. brkzcn
    Feb 20, 2022
    9
    it was a good series for me and it makes me feel happy and sad at the same time which ı guess is so imprtant for those kind of series

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Jen Chaney
    Sep 25, 2017
    50
    There’s a lot going on here; too much, really. Like so many TV pilots, this one is auditioning for our attention and trying to cram every key character, theme, and backstory into that first tryout. It’s possible that once the show settles in, it could improve. ... Its two leads, Highmore and Schiff, are both excellent and manage to make some very heavy-handed dialogue sound less didactic than it otherwise might.
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Darren Franich
    Sep 25, 2017
    58
    The various cuts to Shaun’s tragic youth suggest tragedy that the show’s glibness can only render in the broadest strokes; bad dad, kind brother, dead symbolic rabbit. It’s actually a relief when the show separately establishes itself as a sudsy Diet Grey’s Anatomy riff, with British actress Antonia Thomas as an ambitious doctor-who-cares and Nicholas Gonzalez as a McDream-ish surgeon-who-doesn’t.
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  3. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Alex McLevy
    Sep 25, 2017
    67
    Shore has established the boilerplate world, and thanks to his leads, it has potential to evolve. But this first episode leans hard into the sudsy pontificating; hopefully, it’s just opening-night jitters for a show featuring a person with a condition rarely showcased on TV outside of A Very Special Episode.
    Read full review
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