The Good Doctor
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Good Doctor
The Good Doctor (2017) is a medical drama that centers on Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, as he navigates his residency at a prestigious hospital. The series explores his professional triumphs and personal challenges, including his struggles with social communication and forming relationships. It delves into complex medical cases, ethical dilemmas, and the intricate lives of the hospital staff, providing a character-driven narrative. The show is generally aimed at older teens and adults, due to its mature medical content, emotional themes, and explorations of various social issues.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series features prominent LGBTQ+ representation, notably through the character of Dr. Asher Wolke, an openly gay former Hasidic Jew who is in a relationship with a male nurse. His storyline includes his journey of faith and sexual identity, culminating in his murder in a hate crime. Additionally, an early episode centers on a young transgender patient, discussing medical transition and family acceptance. Co-showrunner Liz Friedman is openly lesbian, highlighting an intentional approach to LGBTQ+ representation.
Dr. Asher Wolke (recurring in Season 4, main in Seasons 5-7) is openly gay and dates nurse Jerome Martel. Their relationship is depicted, and Asher is tragically murdered in a hate crime in Season 7 while on the verge of engagement. Season 1, Episode 14, titled 'She,' features a young transgender cancer patient named Quinn, whose storyline addresses topics such as pronouns, puberty blockers, and the process of transitioning at a young age, as well as family reactions.
Violence
The show, as a medical drama, frequently presents graphic surgical scenes, blood, and depictions of severe injuries and medical emergencies. Beyond clinical violence, the series includes interpersonal violence, such as physical assaults and a character's murder. These instances can be visually explicit and emotionally intense.
Romance and Sexual Content
The series includes numerous romantic relationships among its characters, with depictions of intimacy ranging from kissing to implied sexual activity. More serious content includes explicit discussions of sexual harassment and a character revealing a past rape. These themes contribute to a mature rating for sexual content.
Profanity
The series features a range of profanity, from mild to strong language. Occasional uses of words like 'damn,' 'hell,' 'ass,' 'crap,' and 'asshats' are present in dialogue, reflecting the stressful and intense hospital environment. Stronger expletives may also occur, as indicated by parental feedback.
Substance Use
Substance use is portrayed through characters struggling with addiction, instances of drunk driving, and references to drug-induced incidents. The consequences of substance abuse, including death and severe medical complications, are depicted.
Scary & Intense Content
The series contains frequently scary and intense content due to its medical setting, including graphic surgical procedures, emergency situations, and depictions of severe injuries, illnesses, and patient deaths. Emotional intensity arises from life-or-death stakes, character trauma, and violent attacks such as stabbings and a hate-crime murder.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
This series is recommended for ages 14 and older, primarily due to its frequent depictions of graphic medical procedures, intense emotional and violent situations, mature thematic discussions including sexual harassment and a character's rape, explicit LGBTQ+ storylines, and instances of strong language and substance abuse. The complex bioethical dilemmas and character-driven narratives are best suited for a more mature audience capable of understanding nuanced themes.
Good to Know
The portrayal of autism in the main character, Dr. Shaun Murphy, has received both praise for raising awareness and criticism for perpetuating the 'savant' stereotype. The show is produced by David Shore and Daniel Dae Kim and primarily filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia.
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