The Good Doctor marches toward its final goodbye, emotions are running high — and no storyline has fans more on edge than the uncertain fate of Dr. Aaron Glassman. Played by Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Schiff, Glassman has been the heart and soul of the series alongside Freddie Highmore’s Dr. Shaun Murphy. But after a heartbreaking health scare and a noticeable absence from the operating room, viewers are asking: Will Dr. Glassman die in Season 7, Episode 7?
Glassman’s health has been in question ever since his second stroke — a storyline that began in Season 6 and carried over into Season 7. His cognitive decline became noticeable in subtle ways: forgetfulness, physical instability, and difficulty maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.
In Episode 3 of Season 7, Shaun reluctantly confronted the reality that Glassman might no longer be fit to practice medicine. Their emotional conversation ended with Shaun removing Glassman from a surgery — a moment that devastated fans and highlighted the role reversal between the two characters.
By Episode 7, Glassman’s appearances had become more limited, and his silence more unsettling. Though he remained alive, his diminished presence — emotionally and physically — signaled something deeper. And with only a few episodes left, many fear a tragic farewell is looming.
Episode 7 (“Faith”) didn’t explicitly confirm Glassman’s death. In fact, the episode focused more on Shaun’s internal struggle — how he processes grief, confronts change, and redefines his identity in the face of loss. However, the absence of Glassman in key emotional scenes was impossible to ignore.
While his death hasn’t occurred yet, the groundwork seems laid for a possible emotional farewell in one of the upcoming episodes. The writers may be saving that final gut-punch for Episode 9 or the finale, “Goodbye,” set to air May 21, 2024.
It’s worth noting that The Good Doctor rarely kills off characters unless it serves a powerful narrative purpose. The death of Dr. Asher Wolke earlier in the season was one such example — a shocking and painful reminder that life in a hospital drama is fragile. If Glassman dies, it would no doubt be used to push Shaun toward his final stage of personal growth.
Richard Schiff has been relatively quiet about Glassman’s fate — a move that’s only added fuel to the speculation fire. In earlier interviews, Schiff did express how much he values the emotional depth of the role and the relationship with Shaun. “Playing Glassman was a gift,” he said. “To be part of a story that matters — that means something to people — is all an actor can hope for.” He also hinted that the final season would be “beautifully painful” and “honest to the journey we’ve all been on.” That kind of language has led many to believe his character’s arc will conclude with sacrifice, reflection, or possibly death.
Social media platforms lit up after Episode 7 aired, with fans sharing their theories — and their tears.
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“If they kill off Glassman I’m DONE. My heart can’t take it.”
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“It would be poetic in a painful way… Shaun started with Glassman, and maybe he has to let him go to truly grow.”
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“He’s been the soul of the show. I’m scared to watch the next episode.”
These comments reflect a larger truth: Dr. Glassman’s character represents not just a plot point, but an emotional anchor. Losing him would symbolize the end of an era — not just for Shaun, but for the show itself.
If Glassman dies in the final stretch of episodes, it could mark the final test for Shaun Murphy. For seven seasons, Glassman guided Shaun through life — from medical school decisions to personal relationships and family milestones. With Shaun now a father and a lead surgeon, he may need to learn how to stand fully on his own. Glassman’s death, if it happens, would be the final “lesson” in their story: teaching Shaun to lead not just with intellect, but with the heart and wisdom passed on to him over the years.
The Good Doctor has never shied away from emotional risk, and the potential loss of Dr. Glassman would be one of the show’s most devastating — but narratively powerful — decisions. While Episode 7 left his fate uncertain, all signs point to a farewell coming soon. For now, fans can only wait, hope, and prepare themselves. If this really is the end for Dr. Glassman, it won’t just be a goodbye to a character — it’ll be the end of a friendship that defined The Good Doctor from the very beginning.
