Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital surgical unit. Alone in the world and unable to personally connect with those around him, Shaun uses his extraordinary medical gifts to save lives and challenge the scepticism of his colleagues.

St Bonaventure is a big place – you’re going to want a quick guide to who everyone is before jumping into The Good Doctor:

Before arriving in San Jose, Shaun Murphy’s life was a troubled one. Diagnosed with Autism and Savant Syndrome, he was bullied by his peers and abused by his alcoholic father. His one friend and protector – his younger brother Steve – tragically died in an accident, and Shaun was forced to live in foster homes. He finally found help in the form of Dr Aaron Glassman, who took Shaun in and raised him as a son, while recognising his potential as a doctor, mentoring him in how to control his emotions and remain calm in stressful situations.

Heading to San Jose to apply for a junior surgical residency at the esteemed St Bonaventure Hospital, (for which Dr Glassman was president). He was reluctantly accepted to the position, on the proviso that if he failed to be anything less than excellent, Dr Glassman would step down as hospital president. While overcoming his sceptics preconceptions was a challenge, in time he was able to prove he belonged at the hospital.

Dr Aaron Glassman is a neurosurgeon at St Bonaventure Hospital, having served as president there for several years. He is a mentor to Dr Shaun Murphy and helped him during his adolescence when he was sent into foster care. Glassman fought hard for Shaun to be considered for the residency program, putting his own position on the line for him. Dr Glassman has maintained this father-like relationship with Shaun through numerous ups and downs, including his own cancer diagnosis.

Dr Neil Melendez is attending cardiothoracic surgeon as St Bonaventure hospital. No nonsense and stern, he is one of Shaun’s main detractors when he joins the residency program. While he notices his skill, he is not prepared to take the chance on having difficulties arise from his Autism, and limits Shaun to suction during his surgeries. In time, however, Shaun wins his respect, and Melendez works to help Shaun improve rather than keep him from harm.

Dr Claire Browne is a fellow surgical resident at St Bonaventure and a peer of Shaun’s. She proves to be a key ally for Shaun in overcoming others’ preconceptions as she helps him interpret and recognise professional social cues. Claire has her own history of emotional and physical trauma but is emotionally intelligent enough to prove your past does not define who you are.

Another of Shaun’s fellow residents, Dr Jared Kalu is a British surgical resident who becomes a firm friend of Shaun’s, willing to back him when he comes under criticism. In fact, the two share the same trait of having difficulty controlling their emotions, with Jared occasionally struggling to control his temper. He also has an exclusively sexual relationship with Dr Browne.

Jessica Preston is St Bonaventure’s in-house attorney, and one-time fiancée of Dr Melendez. She’s also the granddaughter of the hospital’s founder and works hard to prove she is deserving of her position.

Dr Marus Andrew is head of the hospital’s surgical department, and later president after Dr Glassman steps down for reasons of poor health. He is one of the hospital board members that opposes his admission, only relenting when Dr Glassman offers to step down and relinquish the position of president to him should Shaun not work out. However, he does acquiesce and support Shaun as the series develops.

Attending trauma surgeon, and later chief of surgery and co-president at St Bonaventure, Dr Audrey Lim was a one-time rival and later close friend of Dr Melendez during her residency. She is recognised as one of the best trauma surgeons in America.

Lea is a neighbour of Shaun’s who becomes a friend and later girlfriend. Their relationship progresses throughout the series.

It’s been confirmed that The Good Doctor’s upcoming ten-episode seventh season will be its last, capping the series at 126 episodes.

You can watch all six series of The Good Doctor on demand on Sky, with new episodes from the final seventh season airing weekly this April on Sky Witness. It is not available on Netflix, Disney + or Amazon Prime.