After seven emotional seasons, The Good Doctor has officially come to a close, and with it, fans had to say a heartfelt goodbye to one of the show’s most beloved characters: Dr. Aaron Glassman, portrayed by the legendary Richard Schiff. Known for his wisdom, compassion, and sometimes gruff demeanor, Dr. Glassman served as the heart and conscience of the series. His departure marks the end of an era, not just for the show, but for its millions of loyal viewers around the globe.
But why did Richard Schiff leave The Good Doctor, and how did the writers give his character the sendoff he deserved? Let’s take a closer look at what made Glassman’s final chapter so memorable — and why it resonated so deeply. Richard Schiff, already known for his Emmy-winning work on The West Wing, brought a quiet gravitas to The Good Doctor. His portrayal of Dr. Glassman wasn’t flashy or melodramatic. Instead, it was subtle and deeply human — qualities that made him a fan favorite. Schiff infused Glassman with equal parts sarcasm, intellect, and vulnerability. Whether he was navigating a cancer diagnosis or struggling with Shaun’s increasing independence, Glassman always felt real. That’s what made his departure so hard to accept: it felt like losing someone we knew personally.
In the series finale, Dr. Glassman receives heartbreaking news — his brain cancer has returned, and this time, it’s terminal. After years of fighting and healing, he chooses to forego aggressive treatment. Instead, he decides to embrace what time he has left, spending it with the people he loves and reflecting on a life well-lived.
It’s a powerful and deeply emotional storyline, and one that mirrors real-life decisions many people must face. Glassman’s choice isn’t about giving up — it’s about choosing how to live, even in the face of death. The episode doesn’t sensationalize his passing. Instead, it celebrates his legacy and shows the quiet strength in letting go. Perhaps the most emotional part of Glassman’s exit is how it affects Shaun. Their final scenes together are filled with love, silence, and an unspoken understanding. Shaun, who once relied on Glassman for everything, now stands tall on his own — a testament to how far both characters have come. In a touching time jump, viewers see that Shaun has gone on to create a foundation in Glassman’s name — a symbol of how his mentor’s legacy will live on through him. It’s not just a farewell. It’s a passing of the torch.
In interviews, Schiff has spoken about his departure with a mix of gratitude and reflection. At the North Fork TV Festival, he joked: “How they sent me off, they killed me!” But he also acknowledged how special his time on the series was, especially his on-screen bond with Freddie Highmore. “Freddie and I had a really good time exploring that over seven years,” he said. “We had a very unique and emotionally intimate relationship that mirrored some of the best mentor-mentee relationships on TV.”
Richard Schiff’s portrayal of Dr. Aaron Glassman leaves behind a legacy that goes beyond the show itself. His character was a rare depiction of mentorship rooted in empathy, patience, and tough love. For many fans, Glassman was more than just a fictional doctor — he was a reminder that we all need someone who believes in us when we don’t yet believe in ourselves. As The Good Doctor closes its final chapter, it’s clear that Schiff’s performance was one of the show’s greatest strengths. He showed us that healing isn’t just about surgery or medicine — it’s about connection, listening, and choosing to be present, even when time is running out.
Not every show gets the opportunity to give its characters a meaningful goodbye. But The Good Doctor did just that with Dr. Glassman. His death wasn’t sudden or sensational. It was quiet, honest, and painfully beautiful — much like the man himself. For fans, watching Richard Schiff leave the series is like saying goodbye to a trusted friend. But if there’s one lesson Dr. Glassman leaves behind, it’s that goodbyes aren’t the end — they’re just another beginning.
