The formerly Orthodox character on 'The Good Doctor' is inspired by the creator's family

(JTA) - Writer and producer David Shore didn't have to look far when developing a key new character for his hit ABC-TV series "The Good Doctor." He went straight to his nieces and nephews, the children of his Orthodox rabbi brothers.

The show, which returns with new episodes on Jan. 11, focuses on Shaun Murphy (played by Freddie Highmore), an autistic doctor who is able to diagnose complicated illnesses and come up with creative treatments. But its fourth season introduced some new faces.

"We wanted to bring in some doctors junior to Dr. Murphy, some characters who have less experience than hi...