In 2015, something unexpected happened on the television landscape: the powerhouse drama NCIS, which had long been the undisputed king of TV viewership, was dethroned by a new show. That show was The Good Doctor, a medical drama starring Freddie Highmore. What makes this particularly fascinating is not just that The Good Doctor beat NCIS in ratings, but that it became the most-watched drama in TV history, a feat that few shows have ever achieved.
It’s been eight years since The Good Doctor made its debut, and it’s still going strong. This article takes a deep dive into the historical moment when NCIS lost its crown, how Freddie Highmore’s series captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, and why it stands as a milestone in TV history.
The Reign of NCIS: A TV Empire
Why NCIS Was the Most Watched Show
Before The Good Doctor came on the scene, NCIS was the titan of television. Premiering in 2003, the procedural drama quickly became a staple of CBS’s lineup. By 2015, it had solidified its spot as one of the most-watched shows in America, attracting millions of viewers each week. Its mix of compelling crime-solving, quirky characters, and intricate plots made it a fan favorite. With characters like Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, NCIS delivered a perfect blend of action, humor, and heart.
But as with all reigns, there comes a time when even the greatest must step aside. NCIS had been at the top of its game for over a decade, but a new contender was emerging, ready to take on the crown.
Enter The Good Doctor: Freddie Highmore’s Game-Changing Role
A New Kind of Medical Drama
The Good Doctor arrived in 2017, bringing with it a fresh take on the medical drama genre. The show focuses on Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome, played by Freddie Highmore. The series tackles deep issues such as the challenges of living with autism, medical ethics, and the complexities of human relationships, all while keeping audiences riveted with its emotional storytelling and medical mysteries.
What made The Good Doctor stand out, though, was Highmore’s incredible performance. Fans of Bates Motel had already seen his range as an actor, but The Good Doctor allowed him to shine in a completely new light, portraying a character whose intelligence and unique perspective challenged not just medical norms, but human connection itself.
The Historic Dethroning of NCIS in 2015
The Ratings Battle
When The Good Doctor premiered in September 2017, its numbers were immediately impressive. But the real shocker came when the show beat NCIS in viewership during a critical ratings period. After dominating the TV ratings for years, NCIS was now facing stiff competition from The Good Doctor, a medical drama that was quickly gaining traction among audiences.
The ratings weren’t the only story here. The Good Doctor also brought in a new demographic—viewers who might not have tuned into a typical procedural drama like NCIS. The emotional depth, representation of a character with autism, and innovative storytelling drew in both younger audiences and those looking for more progressive TV narratives.
By the end of its first season, The Good Doctor had become one of the most-watched shows in the country. It not only dethroned NCIS, but it also solidified itself as a groundbreaking drama, attracting viewers in droves and making television history.
What Made The Good Doctor So Revolutionary?
A Fresh Take on Medical Dramas
Unlike traditional medical dramas such as Grey’s Anatomy or House, The Good Doctor had a unique focus: a lead character with autism. This was groundbreaking, as it offered a perspective that had not been explored in depth on television before. Shaun Murphy’s character added layers to the medical drama genre by combining the intellectual brilliance of a surgeon with the social challenges of autism, giving viewers a compelling character to root for.
The show’s success also highlighted a shift in how television was beginning to embrace diversity—not just in terms of race or gender, but in terms of mental and developmental differences. Shaun’s journey wasn’t just about solving medical mysteries; it was about showing the humanity behind an often-overlooked condition.
Freddie Highmore’s Outstanding Performance
At the heart of The Good Doctor’s success was Freddie Highmore’s performance. Known for his role as Norman Bates in Bates Motel, Highmore was already an established actor, but The Good Doctor showed a new side of him. His portrayal of Shaun was nuanced, emotional, and truly groundbreaking. He didn’t just play a character with autism—he brought Shaun’s world to life, showcasing his brilliance, his struggles, and his journey toward acceptance both in the medical world and in his personal relationships.
The authenticity of Highmore’s performance helped audiences connect with the character on a deeper level. It also opened up discussions about autism and how it is portrayed in media, making the show a cultural touchstone in its own right.
The Cultural Impact of The Good Doctor’s Success
Breaking Barriers and Starting Conversations
While it was a hit in terms of ratings, the success of The Good Doctor also had cultural significance. The show became a platform for discussions about the portrayal of people with disabilities, particularly autism, in mainstream media. It was praised for raising awareness and showing viewers a perspective they might not have considered before.
In a world where TV shows often reflect and influence society, The Good Doctor became part of a much-needed conversation about inclusivity and representation. The show proved that there was an audience for stories about characters who were different, and it set a precedent for more inclusive storytelling in the years to come.
What Happened to NCIS After Losing Its Top Spot?
Adapting to New Competition
Though The Good Doctor dethroned NCIS in terms of sheer viewership, the long-running procedural drama didn’t lose its place in the TV landscape. NCIS continued to remain a top performer, though it faced new competition from emerging dramas and shifting audience tastes. It also helped that NCIS had a loyal fanbase and a proven formula that kept it relevant over the years.
In fact, NCIS has since been revitalized with spin-offs such as NCIS: New Orleans and NCIS: Los Angeles. The franchise has also successfully weathered changes in its cast, most notably the departure of Mark Harmon, and it continues to be one of the most-watched shows on television.
Why The Good Doctor Still Reigns as TV’s Most Watched Drama
Longevity and Continued Success
Since its debut, The Good Doctor has gone from strength to strength. The show has become a staple of ABC’s primetime lineup, with its compelling mix of medical drama and character-driven storytelling. Even though it was initially overshadowed by NCIS, The Good Doctor proved that its success wasn’t just a flash in the pan. It’s remained one of the most-watched dramas in TV history, with new seasons that continue to captivate audiences.
As of 2023, The Good Doctor has been renewed for additional seasons, proving that its popularity is far from fleeting. With its dedicated fanbase, strong performances, and commitment to telling authentic stories, it’s clear that the show is here to stay.
Conclusion: A Historic TV Moment
Eight years ago, Freddie Highmore’s The Good Doctor dethroned NCIS as TV’s most-watched drama. This was more than just a ratings battle—it was a cultural shift. The success of The Good Doctor not only highlighted the power of inclusive storytelling but also proved that audiences are hungry for fresh, innovative content.
While NCIS remains a beloved staple, The Good Doctor has proven that even the most established shows can be dethroned, and new ideas and diverse perspectives can take the spotlight. In the ever-changing landscape of television, one thing is clear: The Good Doctor changed TV history and continues to lead the charge for greater representation and inclusive storytelling.
FAQs
1. Why did The Good Doctor dethrone NCIS?
The Good Doctor brought a fresh, unique perspective to TV with its portrayal of a surgical resident with autism, which captivated audiences and generated impressive ratings.
2. What made The Good Doctor different from other medical dramas?
The show focused on a lead character with autism, showcasing his challenges and brilliance, which was a groundbreaking approach for a medical drama.
3. How did Freddie Highmore’s performance impact the success of The Good Doctor?
Highmore’s nuanced and authentic portrayal of Shaun Murphy made the character relatable and helped elevate the show’s emotional depth, contributing to its widespread success.
4. What has happened to NCIS since The Good Doctor overtook it?
NCIS remains a strong performer on TV, adapting to new competition and continuing to attract a loyal fanbase with its spin-offs and evolving storylines.
5. Is The Good Doctor still on the air?
Yes, The Good Doctor has been renewed for additional seasons and continues to be one of the most-watched dramas on television.
