Freddie Highmore talks 'The Good Doctor' series finale and future projects

Freddie Highmore bids farewell to 'The Good Doctor' after seven years. Emotional ending as the series wraps up its final season.

After seven remarkable years embodying the character of Dr. Shaun Murphy, Freddie Highmore bids farewell to his white coat as ABC's beloved medical drama series, The Good Doctor, reaches its conclusion.

In an exclusive interview with ET's Deidre Behar on the set of the show, the 32-year-old British actor expresses mixed emotions about the end of this chapter in his life, describing it as bittersweet. Drawing parallels to a graduation, Highmore reflects on the nostalgia of looking back at their accomplishments while feeling excited about the future.

Based on a Korean drama of the same name, The Good Doctor follows the journey of a surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, played by Highmore, and the medical team at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. The ensemble cast includes Richard Schiff, Hill Harper, Christina Chang, Paige Spara, Fiona Gubelmann, Will Yun Lee, and Antonia Thomas.

Highmore acknowledges the impossibility of remaining in their "magical little bubble" with the series coming to an end. He emphasizes the strong bond shared by the cast and crew, describing them as a family and expressing gratitude for the camaraderie that will be missed on a daily basis.

Reflecting on the impact of his character, Highmore admits to personal growth throughout the show's run, crediting Shaun for making him a better person. Despite not being on the autism spectrum himself, Highmore felt a moral responsibility to authentically portray Shaun's character.

As the show concludes, Highmore remains open to new opportunities and breaking out of the roles he has recently portrayed. He emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the industry and the excitement of embracing whatever comes next.

Looking back on the show's impact, Highmore hopes that The Good Doctor has challenged stereotypes and changed perceptions surrounding autism. He expresses pride in the show's ability to address wider issues and themes beyond entertainment.

In the upcoming series finale, viewers can expect a compelling conclusion as Dr. Shaun Murphy and his team tackle one last medical mystery to save their friend, Dr. Aaron Glassman. Highmore assures fans that the finale will provide a satisfying conclusion to a story that has unfolded over nearly a decade.

The Good Doctor series finale is set to air on Tuesday, May 21 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day. As Highmore bids farewell to this chapter, he looks ahead with optimism and anticipation for the future.