Since its debut in 2017, The Good Doctor has captivated audiences with its unique blend of medical drama, emotional storytelling, and Freddie Highmore’s remarkable performance as Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. Across seven seasons, the series delivered moments of brilliance, heartbreaking character arcs, and a few missteps along the way. With the show now complete, it’s time to look back and rank all seven seasons from weakest to strongest.
7. Season 6
While still engaging, Season 6 is often considered the weakest entry in the series. The season struggled with pacing issues, uneven character development, and a reliance on melodrama over nuanced storytelling. Some plots felt recycled, and fan-favorite characters were underserved. Still, Highmore’s performance kept viewers invested.
6. Season 5
Season 5 promised fresh storylines but fell short of expectations. The focus shifted heavily toward personal drama, particularly Shaun and Lea’s wedding complications, which overshadowed the medical cases that had once been the show’s strength. The season had its highlights but left many longtime fans wanting more balance.
5. Season 2
Coming off the groundbreaking first season, Season 2 faced the difficult task of maintaining momentum. While it introduced compelling new characters and deeper hospital politics, it occasionally lost the emotional intimacy that made the debut season resonate. Nonetheless, it showcased Shaun’s growth as both a doctor and a colleague.
4. Season 4
Season 4 marked a turning point with the introduction of new residents, bringing fresh dynamics to St. Bonaventure Hospital. The season also explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with sensitivity and realism. Although uneven at times, its willingness to tackle contemporary issues helped it stand out.
3. Season 7
The final season wrapped up the series with heartfelt closure. While shorter than previous installments, it delivered emotional payoffs for major characters, including Shaun’s journey into fatherhood and his evolving professional role. Though bittersweet, the finale reminded fans why they fell in love with the show in the first place.
2. Season 3
Season 3 is often remembered as one of the strongest in terms of emotional depth and character arcs. From Shaun’s first romantic relationship to heartbreaking medical cases, it combined high-stakes drama with deeply personal storytelling. It was also the season that cemented The Good Doctor as more than just another medical show.
1. Season 1
Nothing compares to the debut season, which introduced audiences to Shaun Murphy and instantly set the show apart. Balancing moving medical cases with Shaun’s personal challenges, the first season struck the perfect balance of drama, inspiration, and heart. It remains the gold standard for the series and the reason fans stayed invested through all seven seasons.
The Good Doctor may have had its ups and downs, but its impact is undeniable. Across seven seasons, the show gave audiences a new kind of hero in Shaun Murphy—a doctor who proved that empathy, honesty, and determination can save lives both inside and outside the operating room.
