As Thanksgiving rolled in across the United States, the cast of The Good Doctor delivered an emotional wave of appreciation to fans who have supported the series through its memorable run. But amid the warm greetings shared by familiar faces, one update stood out more than the rest: a rare, heartfelt message from the show’s famously private lead, Freddie Highmore.

Highmore, who has long kept a low profile outside his on-screen persona as Dr. Shaun Murphy, delighted viewers with a brief but meaningful Thanksgiving note posted through the show’s official social media channels. The actor thanked fans for “years of unwavering kindness and encouragement,” a sentiment that quickly sent the internet buzzing. For loyal supporters who have grown accustomed to Highmore’s quiet presence, the gesture felt like an unexpected holiday gift.

The rest of the cast also joined in, sharing personal reflections about gratitude, growth, and the impact the show has had on their lives. Hill Harper expressed appreciation for “a community that continues to embrace our stories,” while Christina Chang shared a touching message about the friendships forged on set. Fiona Gubelmann and Will Yun Lee highlighted the importance of family—both on screen and off—emphasizing how deeply the cast has bonded throughout their time working together.

This year’s Thanksgiving messages carried extra emotional weight, as The Good Doctor prepares to close an important chapter. With the final season marking the end of a seven-year journey, many actors admitted that the holiday has made them think more deeply about what the show has meant to them. “We’ve grown together,” Richard Schiff shared in a short video clip. “It’s rare to find a project that becomes a second family. I’m grateful every day.”

But all eyes remained on Freddie Highmore’s contribution. Known for avoiding the spotlight and rarely posting personal updates, the actor’s Thanksgiving message was interpreted by fans as a sign of how meaningful the show’s community has been to him. Social media lit up with reactions such as “This is the most Freddie has said in months!” and “Best Thanksgiving surprise ever.” Some longtime viewers even speculated that Highmore’s decision to share a message may hint at future engagement with fans—though the actor has not made any official statements beyond his brief note.

The warm outpouring of gratitude from the cast served as a reminder of the series’ lasting impact. Since its premiere, The Good Doctor has sparked conversations about inclusivity, representation, and the emotional realities of working in healthcare. Year after year, fans have praised the show for its ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with meaningful social commentary, and this Thanksgiving, those emotions were reflected back by the actors themselves.

As the holiday weekend comes to a close, the cast’s messages—including Highmore’s rare appearance—have reignited excitement among fans awaiting the final episodes. For many, the sentiment from the cast feels like both a thank-you and a farewell, bridging years of connection through a season defined by gratitude.