Freddie Highmore is proving there is life — and remarkable success — after The Good Doctor. The British actor, best known for his award-nominated portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy on ABC, has quietly climbed to the center of a new streaming victory with his latest project, “The Assassin.” Early reports say the thriller has become one of Prime Video’s most talked-about new releases, even earning a striking “90%” praise indicator across entertainment outlets, signalling a strong critical response and a surprisingly warm welcome from international viewers.
Highmore stars in the six-episode limited series as Elliot, the son of a former government assassin whose past comes violently crashing back into his life. Forced into an uneasy partnership with his estranged mother, Elliot finds himself navigating a world of secrets, fugitives, shadow agencies, and morally fraught choices — a far cry from the operating rooms of St. Bonaventure Hospital. For longtime fans, the role marks a sharp departure from Highmore’s gentle, logical, emotionally layered Shaun Murphy, and critics have noted that he “thrives in the darker, faster-paced territory.”
Industry analysts believe part of the show’s momentum comes from this very contrast. With The Good Doctor concluding in 2024 after a seven-season run, audiences were eager to see what the actor would tackle next. Rather than returning to another procedural or playing a familiar archetype, Highmore leaned into something edgier — and, according to many reviewers, more cinematic. The series’ razor-tight editing, grounded performances, and tense mother–son dynamic have all been highlighted as key strengths.
Still, The Assassin is not without its debates. While some outlets have enthusiastically cited a “90% Rotten Tomatoes score,” the official critic rating fluctuates between the low-70s and mid-80s depending on region and update timing. Audience ratings, meanwhile, are more divided, reflecting a broader trend with thriller series that balance intense action with heavy emotional stakes. Several reviewers have pointed out inconsistencies in pacing and occasional thin character motivations, though these concerns have done little to slow the show’s online traction.
On social media, fans of Highmore have rallied behind the project, praising his maturity as an actor and his ability to reinvent himself. Many have commented that this is “the most surprising role” he has taken since Bates Motel, where he delivered another critically acclaimed performance far outside the boundaries of traditional network television. Some observers suggest that The Assassin could open doors for a new chapter in his career — possibly leaning toward prestige British drama or international co-productions.
For now, The Assassin stands as one of Prime Video’s most notable early-year success stories, demonstrating both Highmore’s enduring star power and audiences’ appetite for compact, character-driven thrillers. Whether the series eventually lands award nominations or expands into a second chapter remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Freddie Highmore’s post–Good Doctor era is already off to a compelling start.
