Leading the charge both on and off screen is Freddie Highmore, who plays Dr. Shaun Murphy, the show’s brilliant surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. But Highmore isn’t just the star—he’s also a producer on the series, deeply involved in its storytelling, tone, and character development.

Despite his leadership role, Highmore is known for his humility and quiet strength. According to several co-stars, he leads not with ego, but with empathy. He often helps younger or guest actors understand Shaun’s character and how to connect with him authentically.

The Magic of Real Medical Consultants

Part of what makes The Good Doctor stand out is its commitment to medical realism. While the show is undeniably dramatic, it doesn’t sacrifice authenticity. That’s thanks to the presence of real-life medical consultants who are deeply involved in the production process.

Every script goes through a thorough review by professionals in surgery, emergency medicine, and pathology. These consultants guide everything from the terminology used to the accuracy of procedures shown on screen. They even coach the actors on how to hold instruments, make incisions, and move through an operating room.

Scenes involving complex surgeries are often choreographed like dance numbers—every hand movement, tool placement, and surgical phrase is timed and executed with precision. Cast members have gone through hands-on training to mimic surgical behavior convincingly, including learning how to suture, intubate, and even operate laparoscopic tools.

This dedication results in scenes that not only look real, but feel real. It’s a large part of why viewers—especially those in the medical field—praise the show for its attention to detail.

An Unexpected Bond During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic brought numerous challenges to the television industry, and The Good Doctor was no exception. During lockdowns and production halts, the cast and crew had to learn new protocols, adapt filming styles, and operate in a high-stress, socially distanced environment.

Yet, rather than pulling people apart, the pandemic brought the Good Doctor family closer together. Cast and crew lived in strict quarantine bubbles, often only seeing each other for weeks at a time. In those isolated moments, they found a new level of trust and emotional support.

Freddie Highmore once described the experience as “both difficult and deeply unifying,” adding that the limitations forced them to focus more on the emotional heart of the story. Episodes filmed during this period are some of the most emotionally powerful in the show’s history, and the bonds formed behind the scenes continue to shape the series today.

Even now, that unity remains. Cast members often attend each other’s milestone events—baby showers, birthdays, and even weddings. The friendships formed on set have continued off-screen, showing just how authentic the show’s spirit truly is.

From Script to Screen: A True Collaboration

Creating a Good Doctor episode is no small task. It starts in the writers’ room, where stories are carefully crafted not just for shock value, but with emotional resonance. The writers work closely with medical advisors, producers, and actors to ensure that each episode aligns with the show’s core themes: empathy, growth, and human connection.

Freddie Highmore is also heavily involved in shaping Shaun’s journey. His role as a producer gives him insight into the full creative process—from approving scripts to helping direct the emotional tone of key episodes. His collaboration with creator David Shore is a key part of the show’s success.

The rest of the cast also contributes to the show’s realism. Paige Spara, who plays Lea, has spoken about how she works with the directors to depict realistic relationships, especially as her character becomes a mother. Will Yun Lee brings his own family experiences into his portrayal of Dr. Park as a single father.

Behind the Drama: Joy and Humor Keep It Alive

For all its emotional weight, The Good Doctor is also a show that knows how to laugh. Between takes, the cast often shares jokes, sings on set, or competes in trivia games during lunch breaks. Even the most intense scenes are sometimes followed by impromptu dance-offs or shared snacks in the cast trailers.

In one behind-the-scenes video, Fiona Gubelmann bursts into laughter after a fake heart prop falls on the floor mid-surgery scene. Another shows Freddie Highmore trying to stay serious while his co-stars make funny faces from off-camera. These moments are more than just entertainment—they’re the glue that holds a long-running show together. In an industry known for high stress and burnout, the joyful energy of The Good Doctor set is something truly special.

The Good Doctor has earned its reputation as one of the most emotionally honest dramas on television. But what many fans don’t see is the real humanity behind the camera—actors who care deeply about each other, writers who work tirelessly to honor their characters, and consultants who help ground the drama in truth. While what we see on screen is powerful, it’s the love, trust, and joy behind the scenes that truly brings the show to life. For the cast and crew, The Good Doctor isn’t just a job—it’s a family. And for the millions who tune in each week, that connection is what makes all the difference.