The Good Doctor heads into the emotional territory of Season 7, fans on Reddit are igniting passionate debates about how the show should—and could—end. With Freddie Highmore’s Dr. Shaun Murphy having gone through years of personal and professional growth, the community is deeply divided: should the series offer a tearful goodbye, a hopeful new beginning, or something completely unexpected?
The fan conversation, which began after ABC confirmed Season 7 would be the final one, has exploded across subreddits dedicated to medical dramas and TV finales. Many longtime viewers feel emotionally invested in Shaun’s journey. After all, they’ve seen him transition from an awkward, socially isolated surgical resident into a confident, married attending surgeon. His marriage to Lea, the birth of their son Steve, and his difficult relationships with colleagues like Dr. Glassman have all been touchstones in a larger narrative about perseverance, empathy, and identity.
Some Reddit users argue that a tragic ending would feel most realistic. “This is a show that never shied away from heartbreak,” one fan wrote. “Shaun has faced discrimination, grief, and health challenges. If the show ends with another devastating loss, it’ll be staying true to its tone.” Others think the final season should go in the opposite direction—offering a redemptive, uplifting finale that celebrates Shaun’s growth. “Let the man be happy for once,” another user countered. “Give him a peaceful family life and a successful career. He deserves it.”
Interestingly, a significant faction of Reddit users has proposed a full-circle ending. “It would be poetic if Shaun becomes the new mentor,” one post read, suggesting that Shaun take on the role Dr. Glassman once played for him. Training a new autistic doctor could offer not only closure but also a powerful message about legacy and progress in the medical world.
What further fuels speculation is the uncertainty surrounding Dr. Glassman’s fate. The character, played by Richard Schiff, has struggled with cognitive decline and was last seen confronting the possibility of early-onset dementia. If Glassman dies in the final season, fans believe it could either push Shaun toward a deeper emotional evolution—or completely break him. This ambiguity is part of what makes the fan debate so intense. No one really knows which direction the writers will choose.
On the other side of the debate are fans who are concerned about the show becoming too sentimental or safe. “I don’t want a sugar-coated ending where everything just magically works out,” one commenter noted. “Shaun’s journey has been complex. The ending should reflect that.” That line of thinking has led to predictions that the final episode might include a time jump, perhaps showing Shaun as an older man, reflecting on his legacy.
Then there’s the Lea dilemma. While many fans adore her, others believe her storyline has occasionally overshadowed Shaun’s medical development. Will the finale focus on their family life, or will it bring Shaun back into the spotlight as a surgeon? Some Redditors are even calling for a return to more intense surgical scenes in the final episodes, suggesting that the show has recently leaned too heavily on melodrama at the expense of hospital-based storytelling.
Outside of Reddit, speculation is also swirling among television critics. With Freddie Highmore being both star and executive producer, many believe he’ll have significant input into how the story concludes. In previous interviews, Highmore has expressed a desire for the series to end on a note that is both satisfying and true to the characters. He’s also hinted that he’d prefer a finale that reflects the values of the show—empathy, hope, and resilience.
This season is already delivering on fan expectations with high-stakes drama. Recent episodes have seen the hospital facing budget cuts, staffing issues, and ethical dilemmas—problems that mirror real-world medical challenges. Against this backdrop, Shaun must navigate fatherhood, career uncertainty, and deep personal loss.
As for how the series will wrap up? All signs point to a finale that won’t please everyone, but one that will likely spark emotional reactions. Whether Shaun ends up leading his own department, taking a teaching position, or simply settling into family life, viewers agree on one thing: this character’s story has mattered. For many fans, The Good Doctor has offered not just entertainment, but also representation, understanding, and inspiration.
In the coming weeks, Reddit will no doubt be flooded with theories, leaks, and passionate opinions. But one thing is certain: when the final episode airs, the fanbase will be watching—tissues in hand, ready for the goodbye.
