The Good Doctor has won over audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and beloved characters, not every character has been met with fan approval. Some have sparked debates, frustration, and even outright dislike. Whether due to questionable decisions, clashing personalities, or poor treatment of others, these characters are often remembered for all the wrong reasons. Here are five of the most disliked characters from The Good Doctor and why they stirred controversy among fans.
1. Dr. Jackson Han (Daniel Dae Kim)
Dr. Jackson Han’s tenure as Chief of Surgery was brief but left a lasting impression — and not in a good way. His decision to remove Dr. Shaun Murphy from the surgical team due to his autism angered fans, who felt it was a direct attack on Shaun’s abilities. While Dr. Han’s actions were framed as pragmatic, many saw him as a cold and unsympathetic character, which made it hard to root for him.
2. Dr. Morgan Reznick (Fiona Gubelmann)
Dr. Morgan Reznick is one of the most polarizing characters on the show. Her cutthroat ambition, blunt attitude, and occasional lack of empathy often rub fans the wrong way. While Morgan has shown moments of vulnerability and growth, her tendency to put her career above personal relationships has made it difficult for some viewers to fully embrace her.
3. Lea Dilallo (Paige Spara)
Lea Dilallo’s relationship with Dr. Shaun Murphy has been a major focus of the series, but it’s also a source of contention among fans. While many root for Lea and Shaun as a couple, others have criticized her for being inconsistent and emotionally manipulative at times. Her handling of difficult situations, such as their pregnancy storyline, left some viewers frustrated with her character.
4. Dr. Coyle (Eric Winter)
Dr. Coyle is one of the most universally disliked characters in The Good Doctor. His predatory behavior toward Claire Browne and other female colleagues was despicable, and his lack of accountability only added to the disdain fans felt for him. Thankfully, his storyline served as a turning point for Claire to stand up against workplace harassment, giving viewers a sense of justice.
5. Ethan Murphy (Jimmy Simons)
Ethan Murphy, Shaun’s estranged father, was another character who earned the ire of fans. His abusive treatment of Shaun during his childhood and his dismissive attitude toward him as an adult made him hard to watch. While the show attempted to give Ethan a redemptive arc in his final episodes, many viewers found it difficult to forgive his past actions.
Why These Characters Matter
Despite their unpopularity, these characters played crucial roles in shaping the show’s narrative. They created conflict, highlighted important social issues, and pushed the main characters to grow and evolve. Love them or hate them, these individuals contributed to the richness of The Good Doctor’s storytelling, leaving fans with plenty to discuss and debate. In the end, The Good Doctor is a show that thrives on its complex characters, and even the most disliked ones have a place in its success. Whether they made you angry, frustrated, or simply uncomfortable, their presence added depth and realism to the world of St. Bonaventure Hospital.
