The Good Doctor Cancellation Sparks Debate Over Autism Portrayal!
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But both the platform formerly known as Twitter, now X, as well as Instagram, showed how The Good Doctor has divided viewers. And though some felt sad over the cancellation, others applauded because they view the show as unfair to those with autism.
Fans Praise Beloved Show’s Depiction Of Autism
The show-runner for the medical drama House, David Shore, created The Good Doctor. And he based it on a 2013 South Korean series of the same name. However, when The Good Doctor first premiered in 2017, the spotlight went to Freddie Highmore in the lead role of Dr. Shaun Murphy.
And the medical drama followed the autistic surgeon haunted by his troubling past as well as the challenges in the medical field. But many social media fans expressed heartbreak over the show ending. For instance, one wrote, “This can’t be happening.” And another shared, “This show was so good.”
However, some expressed gratitude for what The Good Doctor offered. For example, one fan shared, “Sad to see it go. But grateful for the great moments it provided.” And others reflected on Dr. Murphy’s fictional struggles with autism.
“Thank you for creating a show that portrays autism in such a positive light – with all the highs and lows. Will miss this show and all the characters I have come to know and love,” wrote a viewer. And another fan commented, “I’m autistic and I think it felt good to be represented in a way that others can see what we go through.”
One viewer revealed, ”I had just received my diagnosis of autism when I started watching TGD. Shaun helped me to understand myself better, and I felt so deeply understood. I still remember things this series taught me, through hard days and sleepless night, you all will always have a special place in my heart.”
Seeking ‘Actual Autistic Representation’
However, some social media critics didn’t agree with the way that The Good Doctor portrayed autism. For instance, one wrote, “Unpopular take. I hate The Good Doctor. And I’m so glad its ridiculous portrayal of autism has been canceled.”
But some urged that networks seek a more accurate representation of autism. And one critic wrote about the cancellation, “Good. Now let’s get actual good autistic representation next.” Another revealed, “I’m on the spectrum. And I thank this decision. This show [ridiculed] people like me just for a so-called actor can be praised by people who have no idea what autism is.”
And many felt that The Good Doctor offered too many “stereotypical autism portrayals,” calling for studios to “create authentic ones.”
Dr. Murphy is an extension of ‘Rainman’ an socially awkward male that is extremely skilled in some areas. It is unrealistic that a person like would, never be hired. The last few seasons were way too soap opery for my taste. OTOH his autistic traits both helped and got him in trouble. And unlike
The Big Bang Theory the autistic traits were not there for laughs.
Hopefully for the last season they will learn from there mistakes. I am not optimistic, the show is dated as shows such
Extraordinary Attorney Woo and
A Kind Of Spark have far surpassed it in representation.
The show arrived 4 years after my diagnoses. An openly autistic lead character on a network television was something I doubted I would see in my lifetime. Despite its flaws I will always look back fondly at the show for that reason. That it is dated now is a good thing.
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Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity
It is Autism Acceptance Month
“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman
23 Jan 2018, 10:00 pm
