“The Good Doctor” is an American medical drama television series developed by David Shore, based on a South Korean series of the same name. It premiered on ABC in 2017 and follows the life and career of a young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome.
Main Characters
- Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore)
- A young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome. He has extraordinary medical skills and a photographic memory, which make him a brilliant surgeon, but he faces challenges in social interactions and communication.
- Dr. Aaron Glassman (Richard Schiff)
- The hospital president and Shaun’s mentor. He has a long-standing relationship with Shaun and acts as a father figure to him, helping him navigate the complexities of the medical field.
- Dr. Claire Browne (Antonia Thomas)
- A surgical resident who is compassionate and skilled. She forms a close friendship with Shaun and often helps him understand social nuances and emotional situations.
- Dr. Neil Melendez (Nicholas Gonzalez)
- An attending cardiothoracic surgeon and one of Shaun’s supervisors. Initially skeptical about Shaun’s abilities, he gradually recognizes his talent and becomes more supportive.
- Dr. Marcus Andrews (Hill Harper)
- An attending plastic surgeon and later the hospital president. He is ambitious and often involved in the administrative aspects of the hospital, sometimes clashing with other doctors.
- Dr. Audrey Lim (Christina Chang)
- An attending trauma surgeon and later the Chief of Surgery. She is a strong and decisive leader who becomes a mentor to Shaun and other residents.
- Dr. Alex Park (Will Yun Lee)
- A former police officer turned surgical resident. His past experience in law enforcement often provides a unique perspective on patient cases.
- Dr. Morgan Reznick (Fiona Gubelmann)
- A competitive and ambitious surgical resident. She often clashes with her colleagues but is deeply committed to her career and patient care.
- Dr. Carly Lever (Jasika Nicole)
- A pathologist who becomes romantically involved with Shaun. Their relationship explores the challenges of intimacy and communication for someone with autism.
- Lea Dilallo (Paige Spara)
- Shaun’s neighbor and later girlfriend. She provides emotional support and helps Shaun navigate personal and professional challenges.
Storyline Overview
Season 1:
Dr. Shaun Murphy relocates from a small town in Wyoming to San Jose, California, to join the prestigious San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital as a surgical resident. His hiring is controversial due to his autism and savant syndrome, but Dr. Aaron Glassman advocates for him, highlighting Shaun’s exceptional medical skills. Shaun struggles with social interactions and the skepticism of his colleagues while proving his capabilities as a surgeon. Key storylines include his interactions with patients, development of friendships with fellow residents, and the initial challenges he faces in the high-pressure hospital environment.
Season 2:
Shaun continues to prove himself in the surgical residency program while facing new challenges, including his complex relationship with Dr. Carly Lever and the evolving dynamics with his mentor, Dr. Glassman, who battles a serious health issue. Dr. Neil Melendez becomes more supportive of Shaun’s growth, and new characters, such as Dr. Alex Park and Dr. Morgan Reznick, add depth to the residency program’s dynamics. The season explores Shaun’s personal growth and the hospital’s internal politics.
Season 3:
The season delves deeper into Shaun’s romantic life as he begins dating Carly. Their relationship is tested by Shaun’s difficulties with physical intimacy and emotional connection. Meanwhile, professional challenges continue, with high-stakes medical cases and personal conflicts among the staff. Dr. Claire Browne faces personal tragedies, and Dr. Melendez develops a closer bond with her. The season culminates in a dramatic multi-part finale involving an earthquake that tests the skills and resilience of the hospital staff.
Season 4:
Shaun navigates the aftermath of his breakup with Carly and begins a new relationship with Lea. The COVID-19 pandemic impacts the hospital, bringing new challenges to the medical team. Dr. Lim suffers from PTSD due to the pandemic’s pressures, and Dr. Glassman adjusts to his reduced role at the hospital. New surgical residents join the team, introducing fresh dynamics and conflicts. The season also deals with Shaun and Lea’s relationship as they face unexpected challenges, including a pregnancy and its complications.
Season 5:
Shaun and Lea’s relationship continues to evolve as they plan their wedding, facing both personal and professional hurdles. Dr. Lim deals with her ongoing PTSD, and Dr. Glassman contemplates his future. The hospital undergoes significant changes under new leadership, affecting the dynamics among the staff. The season explores themes of resilience, change, and the importance of support systems.
“The Good Doctor” blends medical drama with a deep exploration of its characters’ personal lives, emphasizing themes of inclusion, empathy, and the challenges and triumphs of individuals with autism in high-stakes professions.
