The Good Doctor is a medical drama that has been on ABC since 2017. It follows the story of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, as he navigates his new life in a prestigious hospital's surgical unit. The show has been a hit on ABC, with 7 seasons and counting. If you’re looking for the best episodes of The Good Doctor, here are some episodes that have been ranked by fans.
One of the best episodes of The Good Doctor according to fans is the season 2 finale called "Heartfelt". In this episode, Shaun and Lea are tasked with repairing a young girl's heart. However, the surgery proves to be a challenge and Shaun is forced to make a difficult decision. This episode is a gripping, emotional finale that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Another great episode of The Good Doctor is season 5 episode 8, titled "Facing the Music". In this episode, Shaun and the rest of the team are forced to confront the consequences of their past decisions. As the team deals with the repercussions, Shaun must confront his own guilt and learn to accept responsibility for his actions. This episode is a powerful exploration of human emotion and the importance of accountability.
Written by Sophie and last updated on apr 10, 2024.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
The new chief of surgery, Dr. Jackson Han, believes Dr. Shaun Murphy is a liability more than an asset and works to keep him out of the operating room permanently.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 1753 votes.
Shaun’s blunt honesty with a distraught mother of a critically ill newborn baby causes the new chief of Surgery to question keeping him on as a resident.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 1786 votes.
Dr. Neil Melendez, Dr. Morgan Reznick and Dr. Claire Brown grapple with a patient’s wish to perform an operation that would keep him from acting on his pedophilic urges; and Dr. Shaun Murphy learns a lesson in empathy.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 1881 votes.
Shaun recalls his own past to help an intellectually disabled teenager face separation from his mother, while Claire is put between an injured teenage rock climber and her worried parents. Meanwhile, Glassman’s post-op hallucinations force him to confront a personal tragedy.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 2079 votes.
Throughout the episode, Shawn's comedic timing always brings a light-heartedness to the situation. He makes jokes about everything from shallow husbands to failed marriages, always finding a way to make the audience laugh. His hilarious quip about Dr. Glassman not liking carrots is particularly memorable.
Ultimately, the episode is a testament to the power of the show's characters. They each bring something unique to the table, combining their talents and knowledge to come up with creative solutions to complex problems. It's a great demonstration of the importance of teamwork and shows how the characters always find a way to make the best out of challenging situations.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 2043 votes.
The episode culminates in a hilarious ending, as Morgan and Shaun disagree over whether toilet paper should be used ‘inney’ or ‘outey’. While the direction of toilet paper may not be the most important decision, it does show just how passionate the two are about their patient’s welfare. Lea is also praised for her amazing performance in this episode.
The debate between ‘inney’ and ‘outey’ also serves as a reminder to viewers that minor details can still have a big impact. As demonstrated in this episode, even something as mundane as the direction of toilet paper can cause a stir, showing that we should always be mindful of the potential consequences of our decisions.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 1943 votes.
This episode of "The Good Doctor" garners mixed reviews. On the one hand, viewers appreciate the writing for Claire Brown and the way she handles an "impossible situation" with grace and dignity. On the other hand, some viewers are tired of hearing about Claire and her refusal to admit she was wrong, and feel that the show is straying too far from its focus on Shaun and the trials and tribulations he faces. Some viewers also regret watching the episode, as it did not make it onto the list of top ranked episodes according to ranker.com.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 1918 votes.
The Good Doctor episode Middle Ground follows Shaun as he fights against Dr. Melendez to treat a sickly hospital janitor, while Dr. Lim risks a lawsuit to repair a teenage girl’s ritual circumcision. Dr. Glassman is intent on choosing the best doctor he can for his upcoming brain surgery.
The episode deals with two controversial topics: religion and parental rights. Though the episode attempts to show the parents as good people, not everyone is convinced. Some viewers have commented that the show is “pandering” to certain cultures by avoiding discussing the real issues. Others are frustrated that the problem won’t be solved by ignoring reality. The Good Doctor is sure to have a powerful message to share with this episode.
The episode was rated 7.82 from 2236 votes.
The 36th episode of The Good Doctor had Dr. Melendez, Dr. Brown and Dr. Park faced with the difficult decision of saving the wife’s life or her and her husband’s future ability to start a family. Meanwhile, when Dr. Lim had to take care of personal business, she left the emergency room in the hands of Dr. Murphy and Dr. Reznick. Dr. Glassman’s post-op recovery left him struggling to get the rest he needs while also confronting his relationship with his daughter.
The episode is said to be the funniest in the show, starting with the song "I'm walking on sunshine". Fans are excited to see more of Dr. Lim and the young daughter of the poorly Dr. Glassman, Cricky. Although the episode was entertaining, it was still difficult to watch as Cricky died. It left viewers wondering what she was on again.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 2107 votes.
In the episode of The Good Doctor, titled “Faces”, Dr. Andrews faces a difficult task of convincing a family to donate the face of their teenage daughter to another young girl who was badly disfigured in an accident. It is a moving episode that has viewers in tears, as the family is asked to make a difficult decision. Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, viewers are also moved by the walk of honor given to the teenage girl as her body is taken away.
The episode also features a controversial storyline involving Shaun, as he begins dating a woman who is a patient of his. Viewers are divided on this situation, with some feeling it is inappropriate and others feeling it is a touching gesture. In the end, the episode focuses on the importance of organ donations and the power of family in making difficult decisions.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 1841 votes.
The Good Doctor's episode "Hello" focuses on Dr. Shaun Murphy as he puts forward a treatment for a homeless patient that puts him at odds with Dr. Andrews. Meanwhile, Claire attempts to persuade Dr. Melendez to take on a risky heart operation. Finally, Dr. Glassman has to make a difficult decision regarding his health.
Many viewers are in love with the show and the performance of Freddy Highmore, who plays the main character. Some viewers who are medical professionals feel like the show is quite far from reality, and that it has some comedic elements to it.
This episode is a great start to the season, and viewers are already feeling the potential of the rest of the season. The ending of this episode left viewers with a range of mixed emotions and they are eager to find out what will happen next!
The episode was rated 7.85 from 2376 votes.
The Good Doctor's episode, "Quarantine (1)", follows Dr. Shaun Murphy and Dr. Alex Park as they treat two patients who have collapsed in the local airport. The symptoms point to a possible infection that could become airborne and the staff must work quickly to contain it before it spreads to the rest of the patients in the ER. This results in a hospital quarantine during the holidays.
Viewing this episode in the midst of a global pandemic made it all the more dramatic. With worries about Dr. LIM, anticipation for the upcoming episode in January, and the unfortunate news that we have to wait until mid January for the next episode, it's no surprise that this episode was well received.
The episode was rated 7.91 from 1902 votes.
In the episode Breakdown of The Good Doctor, Dr. Shaun Murphy is desperate to join the team on a dangerous procedure involving a patient’s tumor removal. However, his supervisor Dr. Jackson Han has removed him from the surgery team, forcing him to use his talents to figure out the cause of an infant’s injuries. This episode had an emotional and intense climax, with Freddie Highmore delivering a powerful performance. Claire is one of the only characters who shows human compassion, while Dr. Han remains unlikeable.
Meanwhile, Dr. Melendez and Dr. Lim are about to make their relationship official. It is unclear if Dr. Han will be on board with it, and it is clear that Shaun is standing up to him in a brave move. This episode was highly praised by viewers, as it showcased the best performance from Freddie Highmore. It is a pivotal episode for the show, as it builds up to the relationship between Melendez and Lim, and shows Shaun's emotional journey.
The episode was rated 7.98 from 1753 votes.
The Good Doctor's second episode, Quarantine Part Two (2), is by far the best episode after the S1 Pilot, according to viewers. In this episode, Dr. Shaun Murphy is overwhelmed by the chaos and noise in the emergency room, while Dr. Morgan Reznick struggles to keep her patients alive and Dr. Audrey Lim fights for her life. Dr. Neil Melendez and Dr. Claire Browne must find a way to complete their patient’s bone marrow transplant, despite the quarantine.
The episode left viewers with feelings of relief after everything turned out okay-ish. Many viewers have expressed that this might be the best episode this season. This episode shows the resilience of the characters and their dedication to patient care, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. It also highlights the emotional toll that the quarantine is having on all the characters, as they struggle to cope with the situation and make the best decisions for their patients.
The episode was rated 8.03 from 1957 votes.
In the episode "Trampoline" of The Good Doctor, we see Dr. Shaun Murphy finding himself seeking treatment at St. Bonaventure’s after a barroom altercation. Meanwhile, tensions rise as Dr. Alex Park and Dr. Audrey Lim clash over an elderly woman’s post-operative symptoms, adding a layer of drama to the hospital's bustling corridors. The episode also sees the public revelation of the romance between Dr. Neil Melendez and Dr. Lim, much to the intrigue of their colleagues and viewers alike. And amidst it all, Dr. Aaron Glassman continues his pursuit of a romantic connection with a close friend, keeping the emotional stakes high.
The comments from viewers show a range of reactions to this episode, from sheer delight to a sense of anticipation for what's to come. The portrayal of Shaun's journey and the intricate dynamics between the hospital staff have clearly struck a chord with fans, leaving them eagerly awaiting the next installment. With twists and turns in both personal and professional relationships, "Trampoline" manages to blend heartwarming moments with unexpected developments, showcasing the complexity of life within the medical world of The Good Doctor.
As the episode unfolds, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, with some finding it to be the pinnacle of the season, praising the storytelling prowess of show creator David Shore. However, not everyone is convinced, with some feeling that the tone of the episode may have been a bit off-kilter. Nevertheless, standout moments like Shaun's clever maneuver with his roommate and his unconventional approach to asking out a fellow doctor leave a lasting impression, adding layers of humor and intrigue to this compelling installment of The Good Doctor.
The episode was rated 8.19 from 1780 votes.
