While season 4 airs on TF1, the original version of The Good Doctor medical drama is streaming on Netflix.
For over three years, millions have been captivated by Dr. Shaun Murphy, the autistic surgical resident portrayed by Freddie Highmore in TF1's phenomenon series The Good Doctor. Available on Salto VOD, it's absent from platforms like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV. However, Netflix offers a compelling alternative: the Korean original.
Contrary to what many believe, the ABC Studios series isn't entirely original. It closely adapts a 2013 South Korean drama of the same name, delivering the same heartfelt story of a brilliant autistic doctor.
In the Korean version, Joo Won stars as Park Shi-on, mirroring Shaun's innocence, candor, and extraordinary skills in high-stakes scenarios. Their backstories align strikingly: both endured childhood trauma, including abuse and a brother's tragic death in an accident. Even Park's cherished childhood toy—a plastic scalpel—echoes Shaun's.
As TF1 broadcasts season 4 and ABC airs season 5, the Korean series, directed by Kim Min-soo and Kim Jin-woo, ran for only one season. Despite its brevity, it garnered numerous accolades shortly after airing.
If you're intrigued, check out the trailer for this groundbreaking original The Good Doctor:
