Since its debut in 2017, ABC’s The Good Doctor has stood out as a medical drama with a unique perspective. Anchored by Freddie Highmore’s remarkable portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, the series has delivered moments of heart, heartbreak, and humanity that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. Now that the show has concluded its seven-season run, it’s the perfect time to revisit and rank the ten best episodes that defined the series.
10. “Burnt Food” (Season 1, Episode 1)
The pilot episode remains iconic, introducing viewers to Shaun’s extraordinary abilities and emotional challenges. It set the tone for the series, highlighting themes of resilience, compassion, and the power of unconventional thinking.
9. “Trampoline” (Season 2, Episode 18)
This season finale explored Shaun’s personal growth outside the hospital, including his budding social life and triumph over a bully. It showcased Highmore’s range and gave fans a glimpse of Shaun’s evolving confidence.
8. “Friends and Family” (Season 3, Episode 10)
In this moving episode, Shaun visits his hometown to confront painful memories and reconcile with his past. It was a turning point in understanding his character’s emotional depth.
7. “I Love You” (Season 3, Episode 20)
The heartbreaking season three finale dealt with devastating losses following an earthquake. It forced the surgical team to face unimaginable choices while delivering one of the series’ most emotional crescendos.
6. “Frontline” (Season 4, Episodes 1 & 2)
The two-part premiere tackled the COVID-19 pandemic head-on, honoring frontline workers while exploring its toll on the characters. Its realism and sensitivity struck a chord with viewers worldwide.
5. “Autopsy” (Season 2, Episode 15)
Shaun’s attempt at dating led to one of the show’s most tender and humorous episodes. It captured the challenges of intimacy for someone on the spectrum while keeping his humanity at the forefront.
4. “Not the Same” (Season 4, Episode 1)
This episode explored racial bias in medicine, following Claire and Shaun as they navigated a case that raised questions of inequality in healthcare. It remains one of the show’s most socially resonant stories.
3. “More” (Season 1, Episode 18)
The season one finale delivered high-stakes drama as Shaun’s job hung in the balance. It perfectly balanced hospital politics with Shaun’s personal journey, ending the season on an emotional high.
2. “Hurt” and “Fault” (Season 6, Episodes 17 & 18)
This two-part arc left viewers shaken, as Dr. Lim’s life was put in jeopardy after a brutal stabbing. The storyline tested both Shaun’s skills and the resilience of the hospital staff, making it one of the most gripping arcs in the series.
1. “More Than Love” (Series Finale, Season 7, Episode 10)
The final episode brought Shaun’s journey full circle, delivering closure to long-standing arcs while celebrating his growth as a surgeon, friend, and husband. It was a bittersweet goodbye, cementing the show’s legacy.
The Legacy of The Good Doctor
Across its seven seasons, The Good Doctor proved that medical dramas can be more than procedural storytelling—they can challenge perceptions, spark conversations, and inspire empathy. These ten episodes represent the heart of a series that will continue to resonate long after its final curtain.
