Ever since its premiere in 2017, The Good Doctor has gained a passionate and loyal following. With Freddie Highmore’s compelling performance as Dr. Shaun Murphy—a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome—the series carved out a unique space in the world of medical dramas. It’s a show that blends emotional storytelling with complex medical cases and important conversations about neurodiversity, compassion, and ethics.
Here’s a deep dive into the most divisive fan opinions about The Good Doctor—the ones that have created a storm among its dedicated fanbase.
1. Dr. Shaun Murphy Isn’t Always a Likeable Hero
While most fans adore Shaun Murphy for his honesty, vulnerability, and brilliance, others argue that he isn’t always easy to root for. Some viewers have expressed frustration with his rigidity, emotional outbursts, or how his bluntness occasionally crosses into insensitivity.
Critics of the character say that the show sometimes leans too heavily on Shaun’s condition to excuse behavior that wouldn’t fly with other doctors. Supporters push back, arguing that Shaun’s challenges are portrayed realistically, and his moments of growth are what make the character truly human.
2. Lea Dilallo Shouldn’t Have Been a Love Interest
One of the most debated storylines in The Good Doctor is the romance between Shaun and Lea. While many fans cheered for the pairing and were moved by their journey through dating, marriage, and pregnancy loss, others think the relationship never had enough chemistry to justify becoming a central plot.
Some fans argue that Lea was more compelling as a best friend and roommate, and her shift into a romantic role felt forced. Others believe the storyline distracted from Shaun’s professional development and reduced his arc to romantic drama.
3. Dr. Glassman’s Storyline Is Repetitive and Dragging
Dr. Aaron Glassman, played by the legendary Richard Schiff, was initially a fan-favorite as Shaun’s mentor and father figure. But as the series progressed, some fans began to feel his personal storylines—particularly those involving his health scares and relationship drama—became repetitive and less relevant.
While his bond with Shaun remains one of the emotional anchors of the show, some believe that Glassman’s arc has run its course and that he no longer serves a meaningful purpose in the hospital setting.
4. Too Much Romance, Not Enough Medicine
As with many long-running dramas, The Good Doctor has gradually shifted from a purely medical focus to more interpersonal and romantic drama. For some fans, this transition has been frustrating.
Viewers who were drawn to the medical cases, ethical dilemmas, and Shaun’s growth as a surgeon have expressed concern that the show now spends too much time on love triangles, personal drama, and soap opera-style storytelling.
5. The Representation of Autism Is Too Sanitized
Although many praise The Good Doctor for its representation of a lead character with autism, others argue that the show sometimes simplifies or romanticizes the experience.
Some fans within the autism community have noted that Shaun’s portrayal—while groundbreaking—doesn’t fully reflect the diversity of the spectrum. They argue that the show leans into the “autistic genius” trope and avoids the more difficult realities many autistic individuals face daily.
6. Claire Browne Deserved Better
Antonia Thomas’s Dr. Claire Browne was a breakout character early on—intelligent, compassionate, and quietly powerful. Her bond with Shaun was a fan-favorite dynamic, and many expected her to become a central figure for years to come.
So when Claire exited the show in Season 4, fans were split. Some felt her exit was graceful and logical, while others believed the show lost one of its strongest emotional pillars.
7. The Villainizing of Morgan Reznick Feels Lazy
Dr. Morgan Reznick, played by Fiona Gubelmann, is one of the more polarizing characters in the series. Competitive, blunt, and fiercely ambitious, Morgan often clashes with colleagues—and audiences.
Some viewers enjoy her complexity and unapologetic drive. Others, however, believe the writers have turned her into a one-note antagonist, rarely giving her a chance for meaningful development or redemption.
8. The Show Should’ve Ended Two Seasons Ago
As with many successful TV dramas, there’s always a point where fans begin to feel the story has overstayed its welcome. For The Good Doctor, that tipping point may have come after Season 5, according to some fans.
Critics of the later seasons argue that the show has become too melodramatic, with recycled storylines and character arcs that feel stretched thin. While loyal viewers still tune in, a growing faction believes the show should have wrapped on a high note rather than dragging things out.
No show is immune to controversy—especially one that tackles complex social themes, emotional drama, and a character as unique as Dr. Shaun Murphy. While The Good Doctor has its fair share of critics, the very existence of these debates proves one thing: fans are deeply invested.Whether you love Shaun and Lea’s romance or long for the medical drama of early seasons, The Good Doctor continues to inspire passionate discussion. And in today’s TV landscape, that’s a rare and valuable thing.
