ABC’s The Good Doctor captivated audiences over seven seasons with Dr. Shaun Murphy’s journey as an autistic surgeon. From its gripping debut to the heartfelt 2024 finale, each season offered unique highs and lows. Ranking the seasons reveals why this medical drama, starring Freddie Highmore, became a beacon for autism representation and emotional storytelling.
Season 1: A Stellar Introduction
Season 1 tops the list, introducing Shaun Murphy, a brilliant surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. Highmore’s nuanced performance, alongside Dr. Aaron Glassman’s (Richard Schiff) mentorship, set a high bar. The season’s focus on Shaun’s professional and social struggles, paired with compelling medical cases, earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
Season 2: Deepening Relationships
Ranking second, Season 2 expanded Shaun’s world, exploring his romance with Lea (Paige Spara) and friendships with Dr. Claire Browne (Antonia Thomas). The season balanced intense medical drama with personal growth, though some repetitive conflicts slightly dulled its shine. Standout episodes, like Shaun’s family reconciliation, kept viewers hooked.
Seasons 3 and 4: Emotional Peaks and Pandemic Struggles
Season 3, third, leaned into Shaun and Lea’s evolving relationship, culminating in a powerful finale. However, Season 4, ranked fifth, faltered with heavy-handed COVID-19 storylines, though Shaun’s proposal to Lea provided emotional heft. Both seasons showcased Highmore’s range but faced pacing issues.
Seasons 5 and 6: Mixed Execution
Season 5, fourth, delivered Shaun and Lea’s wedding and strong ensemble arcs, like Dr. Morgan Reznick’s growth, but felt uneven. Season 6, sixth, introduced Shaun’s fatherhood, with gripping moments like Dr. Danny Perez’s overdose arc. Yet, inconsistent writing and rushed plots dimmed its impact.
Season 7: A Bittersweet Farewell
Season 7, ranked last, concluded with only 10 episodes, focusing on Shaun’s family and Glassman’s exit. While the finale was emotionally resonant, establishing the Dr. Aaron Glassman Foundation, the shortened season felt rushed, limiting character development. Still, its heartfelt closure honored the show’s legacy.
Conclusion
The Good Doctor’s seven seasons, led by Shaun Murphy’s inspiring journey, left an indelible mark on medical dramas. Season 1’s brilliance and the finale’s emotional depth bookend a series that championed autism representation. While not every season soared, the show’s heart and Highmore’s performance endured. Binge all seasons on Hulu to relive Shaun’s story. Which season is your favorite?
