The Good Doctor viewers ‘mind blown’ after realising where they’ve seen Shaun actor before

Need something to binge now that all the Christmas telly has come to an end and the Stranger Things finale has been and gone?

You're in luck - all seven seasons of The Good Doctor have just dropped onto Netflix in the UK, and fans are just now realising where they recognise the main character from.

If you're unfamiliar with the TV show, it follows talented surgeon with autism and savant syndrome joins a prestigious hospital, where he faces skepticism from both the patients and staff.

The medical drama ran between 2017 and 2024, with Freddie Highmore portraying the protagonist, Dr Shaun Murphy.

His character is a young surgical resident, who moves to California to work at the San Jose St Bonaventure Hospital and the show follows him as he progresses his career.

The Good Doctor is officially on Netflix - and fans recognise the main actor from somewhere else (Craig Sjodin / Contributor / via Getty)

Also in the cast are Paige Spara as Lea Diallo, Antonia Thomas as Dr Claire Browne, Will Yun Lee as Dr Alex Park, and Christina Chang as Dr Audrey Lim.

The Good Doctor earned a solid 71 percent on Rotten Tomatoes' audience rating and has built up a dedicated fanbase over the years - and it's expanding now the show is available on Netflix.

One Twitter user wrote: "The Good Doctor Season 7 is now on Netflix and it’s the best new year present. Underrated medical drama."

While another added: "Finallyyyy!! I found a comfort drama series to watch!!! The Good Doctor."

And a third said: "Obsessed with The Good Doctor, I started it just two days ago.

"The story of an autistic child with extraordinary memory and abilities, and his struggle to become a surgeon while living with autism, is deeply moving. Every episode makes me emotional in some way #TheGoodDoctor."

But, as we mentioned, fans are also only just realising where else they've seen actor Freddie Highmore before.

One person wrote on Reddit: "Just come to the realisation that Shaun and Charlie from the chocolate factory are the same f***ing person!!"

Highmore starred in the 2005 version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (far left) (Warner Bros. Pictures)

A second chimed in with: "I realised that earlier this week as well! I was shocked."

Someone else simply penned: "Mind blown!"

Another social media user added: "I was today’s years old when I found out that Dr. Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor was also Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

That's right, as a child he starred in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) as none other than Charlie Bucket, alongside Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka.

He also played Norman Bates in Bates Motel (Universal Television)

And that's not all - the actor has an impressive resume and you'll also recognise him from The Spiderwick Chronicles, Finding Neverland, August Rush and Five Children and It.

He also starred as Norman Bates in the series Bates Motel between 2013 and 2017.

Highmore in 2004's Finding Neverland (Miramax Films)

One Reddit user pointed out: "And also August Rush! He was AMAZING in that movie!"

Somebody else commented: "I loved him in Bates Motel! His performance was very chilling!"

A final user admitted: "I realised that the other day and I sat there in shock."

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