Since its debut in 2017, The Good Doctor has established itself as one of television’s most compelling medical dramas. With Freddie Highmore’s powerful performance as Dr. Shaun Murphy, a surgeon with autism and Savant syndrome, the series has balanced intense medical cases with heartfelt stories of growth, friendship, and resilience. Over the years, certain episodes have stood out to fans, receiving higher ratings on IMDb for their blend of emotional storytelling and gripping drama. Here’s a look at the ten best episodes of The Good Doctor, ranked according to IMDb.
The journey begins with Burnt Food, the pilot episode that first introduced Shaun Murphy to viewers. More than just a medical case-of-the-week, it set the tone for the entire series, showing Shaun’s ability to think differently, even when others doubted his place in the hospital. Closing out that first season, More reminded fans why they connected so deeply with the show. Its emotional storytelling and focus on human connection made it a standout finale, leaving an impression that carried into future seasons.
As the series moved forward, Season 2 became one of the most critically acclaimed, with several episodes still ranking among the very best. Faces delivered unforgettable surgical scenes and emotional intensity, while Breakdown pushed characters to their limits, earning high praise for its raw exploration of personal and professional struggles. The two-part Quarantine storyline showcased The Good Doctor at its most thrilling, plunging the hospital into chaos and forcing each doctor to rise to the occasion. The tension was relentless, and the stakes had never felt higher, making these episodes instant fan favorites. Season 2 closed on a particularly strong note with Trampoline, which explored Shaun’s mental health while giving viewers a powerful and deeply human portrait of a doctor struggling to find his place. It remains the highest-rated episode of the series, tied with Quarantine, and a defining moment in Shaun’s journey.
Later seasons continued the trend of mixing powerful medicine with deeply emotional arcs. Friends and Family in Season 3 offered one of Shaun’s most revealing personal journeys, while the season finale, I Love You, delivered heartbreak and hope in equal measure, reminding fans why they had become so invested in these characters. Season 5’s Expired proved the series still had the ability to shock and move its audience, tackling themes of life, death, and the fragility of time with sensitivity and emotional weight.
Taken together, these episodes represent the best of The Good Doctor — stories that balance high-stakes medical drama with deeply personal storytelling. From Shaun’s first day at the hospital to the crises that tested him and his colleagues, these episodes capture why the series resonates so strongly with viewers. They highlight not only the brilliance of Shaun Murphy as a character but also the heart of a show that has always been about more than medicine. It is about acceptance, growth, and the extraordinary ways people can connect, even in the most difficult circumstances.
