As the acclaimed medical drama “The Good Doctor” approaches its series finale, the spotlight shines not only on the compelling storylines but also on the talented ensemble cast that has brought these characters to life for seven seasons. Recently, during a Television Critics Association press tour, the cast and producers offered insights into the show’s journey, its impact, and the bittersweet emotions surrounding its conclusion. This press tour unveiled a particularly poignant moment with Will Yun Lee, who portrays Dr. Alex Park, highlighting the deep personal connections forged during the show’s run.
The Good Doctor, centered around Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism played by Freddie Highmore, has captivated audiences with its blend of medical cases and character-driven narratives. While Freddie Highmore has been the central figure from the beginning, the supporting cast has been crucial to the show’s success, evolving and expanding over the years. Many current cast members, including Will Yun Lee and Fiona Gubelman (Dr. Morgan Reznick), joined after the initial season, becoming integral parts of the San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital family.
During the press event, when asked about the experience of joining an established show, Will Yun Lee’s response was unexpectedly emotional. Reflecting on his early days on “The Good Doctor,” Lee became choked up, sharing a deeply personal story that underscored the unexpected ways life and art can intersect. He recounted starting on the show in late 2017, a period coinciding with immense personal stress as his young son, Cash, had suffered two strokes in close succession and was diagnosed with Moyamoya, a rare cerebrovascular condition.
Lee revealed that the hospital setting of “The Good Doctor,” meant to be fictional, became a stark reminder of his real-life experiences. “I was in the hospital a lot with my son,” he explained, his voice breaking, “After the first episode, I was, like, ‘I don’t think I can do this show.’” The intensity of portraying a doctor in a medical environment while simultaneously navigating his son’s health crisis was almost overwhelming. He even considered leaving the show, feeling the emotional toll was too heavy to bear.
However, Lee chose to stay, a decision that proved transformative. He specifically recalled a Season 2 episode directed by showrunner David Shore, where a scene required him to express deep sadness. This experience, he described, was cathartic. “He cured me of being sad and crying all the time,” Lee stated, highlighting how the show, despite its initial challenges, became an unexpected avenue for emotional processing and healing. His journey on “The Good Doctor” became intertwined with his personal life, demonstrating the powerful and sometimes unpredictable impact of acting.
Beyond Lee’s poignant story, the press tour also touched upon the broader themes of change and conclusion within “The Good Doctor.” The show’s longevity, spanning seven seasons, is a significant achievement in television, and the cast has witnessed considerable evolution both on and off-screen. Paige Spara, known for her role as Lea Dilallo-Murphy, Dr. Shaun’s wife, expressed sadness about the impending finale, emphasizing the strong bonds formed over the years. Echoing this sentiment, executive producer Erin Gunn acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the show’s end, feeling both grateful for its successful run and emotional about saying goodbye.
The producers, David Shore and Liz Friedman, addressed the topic of cast turnover and the narrative adjustments required over the seasons. They highlighted the dynamic nature of writing for a show that has seen characters come and go, emphasizing the opportunities this presented for new storylines and character development. While the departure of “The Good Doctor” is undoubtedly melancholic for both the cast and its dedicated fanbase, Shore and Friedman assured that the series finale has been carefully planned to provide a satisfying conclusion. Despite a shortened final season due to industry-wide factors, the creative team is committed to delivering a finale that resonates with viewers and honors the journey of Dr. Shaun Murphy and the entire cast of “The Good Doctor.”
As “The Good Doctor” approaches its final episodes, the reflections from the cast and producers underscore the deep connections and emotional investments that have been made throughout its run. Will Yun Lee’s story offers a particularly moving example of how the professional and personal can intertwine, highlighting the human element at the heart of this beloved medical drama. The series finale promises to be a significant moment for viewers, marking the end of an era for “The Good Doctor” and its memorable cast.
