ABC’s The Good Doctor has delivered seven seasons filled with emotional highs, heartbreaking moments, and gripping medical cases. The series, led by Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, has evolved over the years—introducing new characters, shocking fans with dramatic twists, and exploring complex personal and ethical dilemmas. But not all seasons are created equal. Some delivered peak storytelling, while others had uneven pacing or underwhelming plotlines. So, how do all seven seasons stack up? Here’s our ranking, from the weakest to the absolute best.
#7 – Season 5 (The Most Controversial Season)
Season 5 marked a shift for The Good Doctor, but not necessarily in a good way. The biggest controversy? The introduction of Dr. Salen Morrison (Rachel Bay Jones), a ruthless new hospital owner whose cost-cutting measures created chaos for the doctors. While the season had a few great moments—like Shaun and Lea’s wedding—Salen’s storyline dragged too long and felt more frustrating than compelling. The season also suffered from some weaker patient-of-the-week cases and a lack of character development for key cast members.
#6 – Season 6 (An Uneven but Emotional Ride)
Season 6 had its share of highs and lows. On the plus side, it gave us one of the most emotional storylines in The Good Doctor’s history—Dr. Lim’s paralysis after a shocking attack. Her recovery arc was one of the season’s best elements. However, the show also struggled with pacing issues and the introduction of new residents who didn’t immediately click with fans. Dr. Daniel Perez’s exit felt abrupt, and some subplots dragged on too long. That being said, Season 6 did deliver strong moments, especially for Shaun and Lea as they prepared to become parents.
#5 – Season 1 (A Strong Start with a Few Stumbles)
The debut season of The Good Doctor introduced the world to Dr. Shaun Murphy and set the stage for the show’s future. Freddie Highmore’s performance was instantly captivating, and the show found a great balance between emotional depth and medical drama. However, compared to later seasons, Season 1 had some early struggles with secondary characters feeling underdeveloped. The departures of Dr. Jared Kalu (Chuku Modu) and Dr. Jessica Preston (Beau Garrett) by the season’s end also left fans feeling like the show was still finding its footing.
#4 – Season 7 (The Emotional Final Chapter)
As the final season of The Good Doctor, Season 7 had the difficult task of wrapping up years of character arcs in a satisfying way. While the season felt a little rushed due to its shorter episode count, it still managed to deliver heartfelt moments, particularly for Shaun as he embraced fatherhood. The farewell to longtime characters was handled well, and while not every storyline landed perfectly, the show stayed true to its emotional core. It wasn’t a flawless season, but it provided a fitting sendoff for Shaun Murphy’s journey.
#3 – Season 3 (A Heart-Wrenching and Game-Changing Season)
If there’s one season that left fans emotionally drained, it’s Season 3. The show took major risks, including one of its most devastating storylines—Dr. Neil Melendez’s tragic death. His romance with Claire had just begun when he was killed off in a shocking finale that broke hearts everywhere. This season also saw Shaun take major steps in his relationship with Lea, leading to some of the most raw and emotional scenes between the two. The medical cases were intense, and the storytelling felt sharper than ever.
#2 – Season 4 (The Most Ambitious Season)
Season 4 had the difficult task of handling the COVID-19 pandemic while also introducing a new set of surgical residents. The early episodes realistically portrayed the emotional toll of the pandemic, making it one of the few medical dramas to tackle the crisis head-on. This season also explored Shaun’s struggles in leadership, his deepening romance with Lea, and some of the best patient storylines in the show’s history. The season ended with a shocking tragedy—Lea’s heartbreaking miscarriage—which led to some of Freddie Highmore’s most powerful acting moments.
#1 – Season 2 (The Gold Standard of The Good Doctor)
Topping the list as the best season of The Good Doctor is Season 2. This season had everything: gripping drama, character growth, emotional depth, and unexpected twists. Dr. Aaron Glassman’s cancer battle added an extra layer of emotion, while Shaun’s struggles with Dr. Han (Daniel Dae Kim) made for some of the most intense episodes in the show’s history. The season also saw Dr. Claire Browne shine, and the dynamics between the main characters felt stronger than ever. The pacing was perfect, the cases were memorable, and the emotional beats hit hard. This was The Good Doctor at its very best.
Final Thoughts: The Good Doctor’s Legacy
Throughout its seven seasons, The Good Doctor proved to be more than just another medical drama. It tackled important issues, showcased diverse and compelling characters, and delivered emotional moments that kept fans coming back for more. While some seasons had their struggles, others delivered peak television that will be remembered for years to come. No matter which season was your favorite, one thing is certain—Dr. Shaun Murphy’s journey has left a lasting impact.
