Don’t miss out to watch The Good Doctor Series Finale 2024 now! Freddie Highmore, the talented 32-year-old actor known for his role as Dr. Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor, found himself running late on set. His excuse? A commendable one stepping in as director for the day due to the original director’s illness. When Highmore, donning a blue checkered dress shirt and trousers, finally sits down with PEOPLE on the Vancouver set of San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital, the normally bustling halls are unusually quiet.
Highmore, who has portrayed the brilliant surgeon Shaun Murphy since the show’s debut in September 2017, will bid farewell to his character when the series finale airs on Tuesday, May 21. He promises a “satisfying” and “surprising” send-off, hinting that the ending will remind viewers of the beginning and tie together the journeys of Shaun and his fellow characters. “It will feel like in some ways we’ve come full circle, but at the same time see our characters off into the future,” Highmore shares.
The Good Doctor Cast Reflects on the Journey
Throughout its seven seasons, “The Good Doctor” has introduced viewers to the gifted surgeons of San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital, allowing them to witness their triumphs and tribulations. Onscreen, lives have been lost, love has blossomed, and invaluable life lessons have been learned, creating compelling drama for viewers and meaningful material for the show’s actors. The Good Doctor Cast Teases a ‘Surprising’ End to the Series Finale, leaving fans eager for the final chapter.
Fiona Gubelmann, who plays Dr. Morgan Reznick, describes filming the final episodes as “very surreal.” The reality of the show’s end hits hard as she faces the last moments of familiar scenes and routines. “Now as things start coming up, and you’re like, ‘Oh, this is the last time I’m doing this, or this is the last time I’m doing that,’ you start to get emotional,” Gubelmann, 44, confesses.
During a recent table read, her costar Will Yun Lee, who portrays Dr. Alex Park, was overcome with emotion. “Will started crying, teared up, and then I got choked up,” Gubelmann recalls. The emotional weight of the series’ end was palpable, causing her to momentarily step away from the Zoom session.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Will Yun Lee reflects on the bittersweet nature of working on the final season of “The Good Doctor.” The show has been a significant part of the cast’s lives, witnessing personal growth and significant milestones. Lee’s character has evolved significantly, sharing an adopted daughter with Morgan. The Good Doctor Cast Teases a ‘Surprising’ End to the Series Finale, a testament to the show’s impact on both its characters and its audience.
Lee’s personal life also intertwined with his role. His son Cash, diagnosed with moyamoya disease, inspired a poignant season 6 episode. “Before I leave this show, I felt like I owed it to all the doctors who took care of my son to get that message out there,” Lee explains.
Representation and Resilience
Bria Henderson, who became a series regular in season 5, cherishes her role as Dr. Jordan Allen. Henderson, 31, emphasizes the importance of representing a confident, plus-sized, dark-skinned woman on television. “Me representing a marginalized community and then getting a breakdown like that, starting to see a shift in what TV wants to push out there, it fit me,” she says proudly.
Christina Chang, portraying Dr. Audrey Lim, appreciates the character’s fair-mindedness and objectivity. The Good Doctor Cast Teases a ‘Surprising’ End to the Series Finale, promising an emotional farewell. Chang, 52, predicts there won’t be a “dry eye in the house” once viewers see the finale.
A Nuanced Portrayal of Autism
Reflecting on the show’s seven seasons, Freddie Highmore is immensely proud of how “The Good Doctor” portrayed Shaun’s autism. Shaun’s journey has challenged stereotypes and changed perceptions, which Highmore considers one of the show’s greatest achievements. “If there is anything I hope the show has done, I hope that in some small, tiny little way, it has helped challenge stereotypes, change people’s perceptions about autism,” he says.
Saying goodbye to his character will be tough for Highmore, but he believes parts of Shaun will always remain with him. “He is so hopeful and optimistic,” Highmore adds. “He reminds you, that even when we’re different — we’re all actually more the same than different — and I think, hopefully, he’s made me a better person.”
Conclusion
The Good Doctor Cast Teases a ‘Surprising’ End to the Series Finale, marking the end of an era for fans and actors alike. As the series concludes, viewers can reflect on the impactful stories, character growth, and the show’s significant contribution to television. The series finale of “The Good Doctor” airs on Tuesday, May 21, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, and will be available to stream the following day on Hulu.