Over its six seasons, The Good Doctor has delivered its fair share of emotional storylines, but few have resonated with fans as deeply as the journey of Dr. Aaron Glassman, played masterfully by Richard Schiff.
While the character’s struggles with health, personal loss, and his relationship with Shaun Murphy have always tugged at the heartstrings, there’s a behind-the-scenes reason why Glassman’s story feels especially poignant. According to show insiders, much of Glassman’s emotional arc was inspired by real-life experiences from the show’s creative team. Showrunner David Shore revealed in an interview that several writers drew from personal stories of caring for aging parents, facing illness, and navigating complicated mentor-protégé relationships.
“These aren’t just plotlines—they’re reflections of things we’ve lived through,” Shore explained. “We wanted to make sure Glassman’s story felt authentic, not just for the audience, but for us as storytellers.” This authenticity shines through in the delicate way the show handles Glassman’s battle with brain cancer, his struggles with vulnerability, and his evolving role in Shaun’s life. Richard Schiff, who has brought Glassman to life with depth and nuance, also played a significant role in shaping the character’s emotional journey. The actor has spoken openly about his own experiences with loss and resilience, which he channelled into his performance.
“Glassman is a character I understand on a very personal level,” Schiff shared in an interview. “His fears, his stubbornness, his love for Shaun—it all comes from a real place.” Schiff’s collaboration with the writers helped elevate Glassman’s storyline, ensuring it struck a chord with viewers while remaining grounded in authenticity.
One of the most compelling aspects of Glassman’s story is his relationship with Shaun. Their bond, which has oscillated between fatherly affection and professional mentorship, mirrors the complexities of real-life relationships between mentors and mentees.
“Glassman’s journey isn’t just about his struggles—it’s also about how those struggles impact the people around him,” Shore explained. “His relationship with Shaun is a core part of the show, and we wanted to explore how it evolves under the weight of his personal challenges.” Whether it’s Shaun learning to support Glassman in moments of vulnerability or Glassman grappling with the idea of stepping back, their dynamic has provided some of the series’ most powerful moments.
