How a South Korean medical drama became a seven-season American television success story

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Good Doctor, a medical drama starring Freddie Highmore as an autistic surgeon with savant syndrome, captivated audiences for seven seasons. Adapted from a 2013 South Korean series by actor Daniel Dae Kim, the show navigated complex hospital politics and personal growth at the fictional San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital.

The journey of The Good Doctor began when Daniel Dae Kim secured the rights to the original South Korean series. After an initial rejection from CBS, Kim persisted, eventually partnering with Sony Pictures Television and David Shore—the creator of the hit medical drama House—to develop the project for ABC. The show premiered on September 25, 2017, and concluded on May 21, 2024, spanning 126 episodes across seven seasons.

At the heart of the narrative is Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon from Casper, Wyoming, whose near-photographic recall and attention to detail define his practice. Throughout the series, Murphy evolves from a surgical resident into a Chief of Surgery, balancing professional challenges with a personal life that includes his marriage to Lea Dilallo and the raising of their children. The show explores themes of neurodiversity, mentorship, and the high-stakes environment of a prestigious teaching hospital.

Critical reception remained mixed throughout the show's run. While reviewers frequently praised Freddie Highmore’s nuanced performance, they often critiqued the series' storylines and its specific depiction of autism. Despite these debates, the show maintained a dedicated following, anchored by a rotating cast of characters who faced everything from the COVID-19 pandemic to personal tragedies, such as the loss of mentors and the sudden death of colleagues in hate crimes or accidents.

The series finale provided a glimpse into the future, revealing that Murphy eventually leads the Dr. Aaron Glassman Foundation for Neurodiversity in Medicine. This conclusion underscored the show's central focus: the integration of unique perspectives into the medical field. By the time the final credits rolled in 2024, the series had established itself as a significant, albeit debated, contribution to the landscape of American medical television.

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