For seven compelling seasons, The Good Doctor has captivated audiences, drawing viewers into the world of Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), a brilliant surgical resident with autism and Savant syndrome at the fictional San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. This medical drama, adapted from a South Korean series, has become a staple on ABC since its debut in 2017, charting Shaun’s personal and professional journey through complex medical cases and interpersonal relationships. Although 2024 marked the final season for this beloved show, its legacy is cemented by numerous memorable episodes that have resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.
Certain episodes of The Good Doctor truly shine, distinguished by their gripping narratives, intricate medical dilemmas, and the rich emotional tapestry woven between the hospital staff. At its peak, the series masterfully blends heartwarming moments with touches of humor, all while navigating the high-stakes environment of life-and-death situations. The cast delivers powerful performances, particularly Highmore, who embodies Dr. Murphy with nuanced brilliance. However, the show doesn’t shy away from intensity and profound emotion, presenting challenging cases that often carry significant emotional weight for Shaun and his colleagues, sometimes without clear-cut, happy resolutions.
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Here, we delve into the top-rated episodes of The Good Doctor, according to IMDb, celebrating the moments that have made this series a standout medical drama. These are the episodes that fans consistently revisit, praising their storytelling, emotional depth, and the exceptional performances that define The Good Doctor experience.
15. “Claire” (Season 3, Episode 3) – IMDb Score: 8.5/10
Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Browne looking at the camera for a promo for The Good Doctor
“Claire” offers a deep dive into the character of Dr. Claire Browne (Antonia Thomas). This episode is pivotal as it marks Claire’s first time leading a surgery, a moment filled with both anticipation and apprehension. Her vulnerability is evident as she confides in Dr. Lim (Christina Chang), who offers reassurance and guidance. This episode stands out for its emotional core, exploring Claire’s internal struggles and growth as a surgeon. While the episode delves into her anxieties and heartfelt moments, it also maintains the series’ signature balance by incorporating lighter, more uplifting scenes. It’s a testament to Claire’s development and her journey within St. Bonaventure Hospital, making it a fan-favorite and a highly rated episode on IMDb.
14. “Point Three Percent” (Season 1, Episode 5) – IMDb Score: 8.5
In “Point Three Percent,” St. Bonaventure faces a puzzling medical crisis as multiple patients exhibit severe allergic reactions, baffling the medical team. Amidst this chaos, Dr. Murphy (Freddie Highmore) encounters a young patient who bears a striking resemblance to his late brother, Steve. This triggers a deeply personal and emotional storyline for Shaun. Observing an arm injury on the boy, Shaun orders a CT scan, which uncovers a cancer diagnosis. He learns the boy’s parents are already aware but are hesitant to disclose the grim news to their son. Shaun, unable to comprehend their silence, insists the boy deserves to know the truth about his condition.
In a poignant moment, Shaun informs the young patient, only to discover the boy is already aware and remarkably unafraid of death. This episode becomes a cathartic experience for Shaun as he grapples with the unresolved grief over his brother’s passing. He finds a sense of connection and solace in this young patient’s acceptance, making “Point Three Percent” a significant episode for Shaun’s character development and a highly regarded episode by IMDb viewers.
13. “Hurt” (Season 3, Episode 19) – IMDb Score: 8.6
“Hurt” marks the intense first chapter of the Season 3 finale, plunging San Jose into chaos with a devastating earthquake. As tremors rock St. Bonaventure Hospital, the staff springs into action, prioritizing the safety of patients and colleagues. However, Dr. Neil Melendez (Nicholas Gonzalez) and Dr. Aaron Glassman (Richard Schiff), attending a charity event off-site, find themselves in far greater danger, directly in the earthquake’s path.
This episode is characterized by its sheer pandemonium, with multiple crises unfolding simultaneously. Doctors navigate structural damage, trapped patients, and escalating emergencies, forcing them to make rapid, critical decisions under immense pressure. “Hurt” is a high-tension episode, showcasing the resilience and quick-thinking of the medical team as they confront a city-wide disaster, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats and contributing to its high IMDb rating.
12. “Friends and Family” (Season 3, Episode 10) – IMDb Score: 8.6
“Friends and Family” delves into the complex family dynamics of Dr. Shaun Murphy. Ethan Murphy, Shaun’s estranged and ailing father, requests to see his son one last time, introducing a wave of emotional turmoil. Concurrently, doctors Melendez, Park, Reznick, and Browne attend to a high school football player with a severe spinal injury. This case triggers Dr. Browne to confront her own mental health challenges, adding another layer of emotional depth to the narrative.
This episode profoundly explores Shaun’s fractured relationship with his family, highlighting years of dysfunction and unresolved emotions. Shaun’s mother, Marcie, offers insights into her relationship with Ethan, expressing love and absolving Shaun of any blame for their strained family dynamics. “Friends and Family” is a deeply dramatic episode, rich with family conflict and intense emotional confrontations, making it a memorable and well-received episode reflected in its IMDb score.
11. “Unconditional” (Season 7, Episode 9) – IMDb Score: 8.7/10
“Unconditional” marks the highly anticipated return of Dr. Claire Browne from Guatemala, but her homecoming is bittersweet as she reveals a breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Glassman continues to struggle with Hannah, who remains unresponsive to his attempts to help her, adding to the episode’s emotional weight. In a lighter subplot, Dr. Alex Park and Morgan Reznick embark on a quest to plan a spontaneous wedding.
Claire’s reunion with Jared, her former love interest from Season 2, rekindles their romance, albeit briefly, before Claire’s health news casts a shadow. It’s also revealed that Claire has transformed her career by becoming Chief of Surgery in Guatemala and revitalizing the hospital there. “Unconditional” balances moments of joy and romance with the stark reality of Claire’s diagnosis and Glassman’s ongoing struggles, creating a poignant and emotionally resonant episode that resonated with IMDb voters.
10. “Burnt Food” (Season 1, Episode 1) – IMDb Score: 8.6/10
“Burnt Food,” the series premiere of The Good Doctor, introduced audiences to Dr. Shaun Murphy and the staff of St. Bonaventure Hospital. On his way to his first day of work, Shaun’s immediate medical instincts are showcased when he stops to assist a young boy injured by shattered glass. Simultaneously, within the hospital walls, Shaun’s arrival is met with skepticism and doubt from the staff, with Dr. Glassman acting as his unwavering advocate and mentor.
Fittingly, the pilot episode, “Burnt Food,” is recognized as one of the series’ best, effectively laying the foundation for the show’s premise and character dynamics. It immediately establishes Shaun’s extraordinary intelligence, surgical skill, and deep passion for medicine, highlighted by his impromptu life-saving intervention and his moving speech about his motivations for becoming a doctor. The episode also firmly establishes the crucial relationship between Shaun and Glassman, emphasizing Glassman’s profound belief in Shaun’s abilities, contributing to its high IMDb rating and lasting impact.
9. “Faces” (Season 2, Episode 14) – IMDb Score: 8.6/10
The cast of
In “Faces,” Dr. Andrews (Hill Harper) persuades a grieving mother to donate her deceased teenage daughter’s face for transplant to a young girl disfigured in a gun accident. The episode then focuses on the intricate and rare procedure of a face transplant. In a parallel storyline, Shaun takes a personal day to check on Glassman, leading to a lighter, more comedic interlude as they inadvertently consume Glassman’s CBD-infused nausea medication.
“Faces” masterfully interweaves two contrasting narratives—the gravity of a pioneering face transplant and the heartwarming, often humorous, friendship between Shaun and Glassman. Underlying both storylines is a deeper exploration of identity and what fundamentally defines a person. A particularly poignant moment is the “Walk of Honor,” where hospital staff line the corridors as the grieving mother accompanies her daughter’s body to surgery, creating a deeply moving scene and solidifying the episode’s high IMDb ranking.
8. “Quarantine, Pt. 2” (Season 2, Episode 11) – IMDb Score: 8.7/10
“Quarantine, Pt. 2” concludes a tense two-part episode arc, continuing the hospital-wide quarantine initiated by a dangerous virus outbreak. The emergency room is overwhelmed by chaos and heightened anxiety, deeply affecting Shaun. Adding to the crisis, Dr. Lim contracts the virus, placing her life in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Melendez and Claire face immense challenges in completing a critical bone-marrow transplant under quarantine conditions.
This episode effectively escalates the high-stakes scenario, placing immense physical and emotional strain on the hospital staff. Shaun’s heightened stress and overwhelm, coupled with Lim’s life-threatening illness, create intense emotional moments. Lim’s fear of death and her colleagues’ desperate efforts to save her amplify the episode’s tension. The uncertainty surrounding her fate and the successful completion of the transplant contribute to “Quarantine, Pt. 2″‘s gripping narrative and strong IMDb rating.
7. “I Love You” (Season 3, Episode 20) – IMDb Score: 8.7/10
“I Love You,” the season 3 finale, is set in the aftermath of the San Jose earthquake, with hospital staff heroically working to aid the injured. Many doctors risk their own safety in the chaotic aftermath. Shaun finds himself trapped with a woman named Vera, whose life he manages to save, but only after vowing to move on from Lea. Upon his rescue, Lea greets Shaun with a passionate kiss and confesses her love. Tragically, Melendez, among those injured in the earthquake, succumbs to internal bleeding, resulting in his death.
This episode is an emotionally charged conclusion to the two-part finale, highlighting the extraordinary lengths the hospital staff will go to save lives, especially when one of their own is critically injured. Melendez’s death serves as a heartbreaking but powerful moment, marking a significant loss for the team and the audience. “I Love You” is remembered for its intense emotional impact and Melendez’s poignant farewell, earning its high IMDb score and status as a standout episode.
6. “Breakdown” (Season 2, Episode 17) – IMDb Score: 8.8/10
In “Breakdown,” Dr. Han (Daniel Dae Kim), the new Chief of Surgery, reassigns Shaun to pathology, removing him from surgery. Despite this setback, Shaun becomes determined to rejoin the surgical team for a tumor removal case. He also takes on the case of an infant with injuries initially suggestive of abuse, but Shaun’s insight reveals a subdural bleed from birth. Shaun confronts Han, passionately arguing for his return to surgery, leading to a heated confrontation and ultimately, Shaun’s termination.
“Breakdown” is aptly named for Shaun’s intense emotional outburst, triggered by Han’s discriminatory decision. The episode showcases Shaun’s breaking point as his advocacy for himself escalates into a raw, emotional confrontation. Freddie Highmore’s performance in “Breakdown” is particularly lauded, capturing the depth of Shaun’s distress and his fervent passion for surgery. This episode is pivotal for its raw emotional honesty and Shaun’s powerful stand, making it a critically acclaimed and highly rated episode on IMDb, often cited for its portrayal of autistic representation.
5. “More” (Season 1, Episode 18) – IMDb Score: 8.8/10
“More,” the season 1 finale, presents a medical mystery as a college student arrives at the hospital with unexplained injuries, his condition rapidly deteriorating. The team races against time to diagnose him. Simultaneously, Dr. Glassman receives a devastating diagnosis of brain cancer. Amidst these crises, Shaun is preoccupied with the loss of his cherished toy scalpel, a gift from his brother, which significantly impacts his focus and threatens his job.
“More” effectively concludes the first season by layering professional and personal challenges for the characters. The episode is compelling for both Shaun and Glassman, showcasing Shaun’s diagnostic brilliance despite his personal turmoil. Despite making a serious error, Shaun demonstrates his ability to rectify it, highlighting his resilience and skill. “More” is a powerful finale, balancing high-stakes medical drama with character-driven emotional arcs, contributing to its strong IMDb rating.
4. “Expired” (Season 5, Episode 7) – IMDb Score: 8.9/10
In “Expired,” the mid-season finale, Shaun and Lea encounter a car accident while returning from a wedding venue visit. They find a critically injured pregnant woman in one of the vehicles. At the hospital, her condition worsens, leading to a premature delivery. Tragically, the infant dies due to expired medication administered by the hospital staff. Overwhelmed by guilt and grief, Shaun unleashes his frustration, smashing vials of expired drugs and confronting Glassman and Lea in an emotional outburst.
“Expired” is an intensely emotional and tragic episode, deeply affecting Shaun. The loss of the baby has a profound impact, culminating in Shaun’s powerful reaction to the systemic failure of using expired medications. Highmore’s portrayal of Shaun’s anguish and outrage is particularly impactful, showcasing his character’s deep empathy and moral compass. This episode is memorable for its raw emotion and Shaun’s powerful stand against negligence, earning its high IMDb score.
3. “Trampoline” (Season 2, Episode 18) – IMDb Score: 8.9/10
“Trampoline,” the season 2 finale, turns the focus onto Shaun as he becomes the patient. After an awkward encounter at a bar where Shaun inadvertently insults a patron and is physically attacked, he collapses in the operating room and requires hospitalization. His attacker is also injured in the altercation. Meanwhile, Park and Lim clash over a patient’s post-operative symptoms, and Melendez and Lim make their relationship public.
The episode takes an unexpected turn when Shaun’s social awkwardness leads to physical harm, highlighting his vulnerability despite his brilliance. It’s notable to see Shaun assert himself, even if the situation escalates negatively. “Trampoline” is significant for shifting perspectives on Shaun, demonstrating that even he is not immune to vulnerability and error. This episode is a compelling season finale, balancing personal and professional dramas, contributing to its high IMDb score.
2. “Quarantine” (Season 2, Episode 10) – IMDb Score: 8.9/10
“Quarantine,” the season 2 mid-season finale, initiates a hospital lockdown after two patients collapse at an airport exhibiting symptoms of a contagious respiratory virus. Shaun and Dr. Park work to contain the outbreak, leading to a chaotic quarantine during the Christmas holiday season. Panic and fear grip the emergency room as the staff faces an unknown threat. Lim contracts the virus and collapses, ending the episode on a cliffhanger. Adding to the tension, Glassman learns his cancer has returned.
“Quarantine” is the first part of a gripping two-part episode arc. The episode excels in building tension as the staff grapples with an unknown and spreading virus. The stakes are exceptionally high, creating numerous emotional moments as patients succumb to the illness, including Lim, whose fate is left uncertain. Glassman’s cancer recurrence adds another layer of impending crisis, making “Quarantine” a high-stakes, emotionally charged episode and a top-rated IMDb favorite.
1. “The Good Lawyer” (Season 6, Episode 6) – IMDb Score: 9.1/10
Felicity Huffman smiles at someone in The Good Doctor spinoff The Good Lawyer
“The Good Lawyer” stands out as the highest-rated episode of The Good Doctor on IMDb. When Shaun faces a lawsuit, Glassman recommends Janet Stewart (Felicity Huffman), a seasoned lawyer he knows. However, Shaun chooses Joni (Kennedy McMann), a young, less experienced lawyer with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder who has never tried a case. Shaun identifies with Joni and recognizes her potential, a decision that ultimately proves successful as Joni wins the case.
Originally intended as a backdoor pilot for a Good Doctor legal spinoff, which unfortunately did not materialize, “The Good Lawyer” is a compelling episode in its own right. It beautifully parallels Shaun’s and Joni’s journeys as individuals navigating professional challenges alongside their neurodivergent conditions. Shaun’s faith in Joni, despite her inexperience and Lea’s reservations, highlights his insightful nature and empathy. “The Good Lawyer” is celebrated for its engaging storyline and the introduction of a compelling new character, making it the top-rated episode according to IMDb.
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