Milestones in television are rare. In today’s fast-moving entertainment landscape, only a handful of shows reach the 100-episode mark, and even fewer maintain both audience loyalty and critical acclaim while doing so. The Good Doctor, ABC’s hit medical drama starring Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, accomplished exactly that. To celebrate this achievement, Highmore appeared on Good Morning America to reflect on the series’ journey, the growth of his character, and the emotional impact of crossing such a symbolic threshold.
Speaking on Good Morning America, Freddie Highmore emphasized how playing Dr. Shaun Murphy has been one of the most rewarding challenges of his acting career. Known for his earlier roles in Bates Motel and as a child star in films like Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Highmore acknowledged that Shaun has pushed him to grow as both an actor and a person.
He highlighted the responsibility of portraying a character on the autism spectrum authentically. From the very beginning, he worked closely with consultants, medical professionals, and advocates to ensure Shaun’s mannerisms, communication style, and perspective were grounded in reality rather than caricature. Highmore shared that the show’s creative team constantly revisits this commitment, reminding themselves that accuracy and respect are more important than dramatic shortcuts.
During the GMA interview, Highmore described the 100th episode as “emotional and surreal.” For him and the cast, filming the milestone felt like both a celebration and a reminder of how far they had come together. The actor pointed out that longevity in television is never guaranteed. Every season of a show brings uncertainty—renewals depend on ratings, budgets, and audience engagement. Reaching 100 episodes is, therefore, not just a creative achievement but also a testament to teamwork, persistence, and fan dedication.
One major theme Highmore discussed was Shaun Murphy’s growth across the seasons. When audiences first met him, Shaun was a resident struggling to prove himself in a skeptical hospital environment. Colleagues doubted his abilities, patients hesitated to trust him, and he wrestled with intense personal insecurities.
Over time, Shaun has developed not only as a surgeon but as a human being navigating relationships, heartbreak, mentorship, and moral dilemmas. The 100th episode symbolized how far Shaun had come—transforming from a nervous newcomer to a respected figure in the medical team. Highmore explained that this progression mirrors real life: growth happens gradually, with setbacks along the way, but the cumulative effect is powerful.
Another highlight from the GMA discussion was Highmore’s gratitude toward his colleagues. Working on a television series for over six years means building a second family on set. He described the camaraderie among the cast and crew, noting how they have supported one another through long shooting schedules, emotional storylines, and the challenges of filming during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He mentioned that reaching 100 episodes felt like a collective victory. Each department—writers, directors, medical consultants, set designers, camera operators—played a role in sustaining the quality and consistency of the show. Highmore expressed pride in being part of such a dedicated team. While reflecting on the past, Highmore also hinted at the future. Without revealing spoilers, he suggested that upcoming storylines will continue to challenge Shaun both personally and professionally. The show aims to explore new dimensions of leadership, responsibility, and relationships while maintaining its signature balance of medical intensity and emotional depth.
Highmore also noted that the series’ longevity gives it a unique advantage: the ability to build long-term character arcs. Viewers who have been watching since season one can appreciate subtle shifts in Shaun’s behavior, decision-making, and interpersonal dynamics. These gradual changes, he said, mirror real human development more authentically than quick television fixes. For Freddie Highmore himself, Dr. Shaun Murphy has become a defining role. Although he had already achieved critical acclaim as a young actor, The Good Doctor allowed him to transition seamlessly into adult roles while also taking on greater creative responsibilities—he serves as a producer on the series as well.
On GMA, he admitted that while the 100th episode is a milestone for the show, it is also a milestone in his own career. It represents not only years of hard work but also a legacy he will carry long after the final episode airs. The Good Morning America interview captured what makes The Good Doctor’s success so remarkable. It is not simply a medical drama with compelling cases. It is a story about resilience, representation, and the human capacity to grow against all odds. Freddie Highmore’s reflections on the 100th episode underline the delicate balance the show has struck—entertaining audiences while also shaping cultural conversations about diversity and inclusion.
As the series moves beyond its 100th episode, fans can expect more heartfelt stories, more challenges for Shaun Murphy, and more opportunities to see how compassion and determination can change lives. For now, though, the milestone stands as proof that television, when crafted with sincerity and purpose, can leave a lasting mark on both viewers and the industry.
