Based on the South-Korean TV show 굿 닥터 (Good Doctor), The Good Doctor’s main character Shaun Murphy, portrayed by Freddie Highmore, is an autistic medical resident who works at a hospital in San Jose. While many of the administrative staff were originally against bringing Murphy in due to his communicative struggles, they let in. As time passes, many of the staff learn to appreciate Murphy’s work as he is good at visualizing trauma that patients are experiencing and using creative solutions to help treat them.

While the cases and trauma shown in the show often portray possible real-life scenarios, it is not based on a true story and contain many exaggerated elements. In many situations, the suggested treatment needs a lot of time to be prepared or completed in real life yet is portrayed as something quick and simple. Additionally, there are also many episodes that include technology that hospitals do not typically have at their disposal. There is also the fact that the same doctors tend to deal with a whole range of different sub-specialties which is highly unlikely, to say the least.

Despite the medical shortcomings, The Good Doctor makes the viewer experience a rollercoaster of emotions. At times it can be heartbreaking, other times it is hilarious, and sometimes, even extremely stressful and full of tension. While the medical accuracy of the show is not perfect, it’s important to remember that The Good Doctor is a TV show and not a documentary. It’s made to entertain, not to educate.

As someone who doesn’t normally watch medical oriented shows, it’s very captivating, entertaining, fairly family-friendly and is a good show to watch with others.

Rating: ★★★★