The Good Doctor has been a long-running show on ABC since 2017. The show follows Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, as he relocates and joins a prestigious hospital's surgical unit. With seven seasons and counting, it is no surprise that some episodes have been better than others. Here we will explore the worst episodes for The Good Doctor, as ranked by fans and critics alike.
When it comes to the worst episodes of The Good Doctor, there are a few that stand out. Whether it be due to the plot, characters, or just the overall feeling of the episode, these are the ones that got a lot of criticism. We will take a look at these episodes, and discuss why they are considered the worst of the series.
From characters not being developed to uninteresting storylines, the worst episodes of The Good Doctor have a lot of issues. Despite this, these episodes are a part of the show's history, and it is important to talk about them in order to understand why the show is so loved. So, let's take a look at the worst episodes of The Good Doctor and see why they are ranked so low.
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!
As Chief of Surgery Dr. Audrey Lim struggles to cope with the residual emotional trauma of COVID-19, she encounters a young war veteran fighting debilitating PTSD. After discussing his case with the team, Dr. Claire Browne suggests a radical treatment to help him. Meanwhile, still reeling from the recent loss of his mentee’s patient, Dr. Shaun Murphy declares he doesn’t want to teach the new residents anymore. And elsewhere, an eccentric patient keeps the team entertained.
The episode was rated 7,64 from 1110 votes.
The St. Bonaventure team travels to Guatemala on a surgical mission to help patients at a rural hospital. Once there, the team faces a small community that is in desperate need of their help but are assigned the daunting task of identifying who they can help most. And while Shaun seems to be thriving in Guatemala, Lea is still struggling with the loss of her baby.
The episode was rated 7,64 from 910 votes.
Dr. Shaun Murphy questions his decision to give the new residents autonomy when one of his intern's misdiagnosis of a patient has dire consequences. Meanwhile, Dr. Claire Browne, Dr. Alex Park and Dr. Jordan Allen treat a patient with a ruptured cyst affecting key functions of her brain. And elsewhere, Dr. Morgan Reznick and Park bond over failed relationships.
The episode was rated 7,67 from 1127 votes.
Shaun has a hard time balancing his fears and concerns about potentially jeopardizing Lea's health and wanting to be with the woman he loves. Claire looks for a way to grieve Melendez's death. Park and Mia discuss their future together.
The episode was rated 7,67 from 1190 votes.
Dr. Claire Brown and the team must face hard truths about what lines they are willing to cross when one of Claire's idols becomes her patient.
The episode was rated 7,67 from 923 votes.
The team treats a teenage gymnast who experiences complications from her intensive training. Meanwhile, Shaun meets Lea's parents for the first time.
The episode was rated 7,68 from 1076 votes.
After a political protest turns violent, the team races to save two young gunshot victims.
The episode was rated 7,68 from 990 votes.
Dr. Morgan Reznik and Dr. Shaun Murphy's pregnant patient with twins is having pain and they are forced to grapple with a decision no one wants to make. Meanwhile, Shaun asks Lea to move back in despite her reservations
The episode was rated 7,68 from 1116 votes.
When the hospital is hit with a cyberattack threatening to shut down life-saving machines, Lea rises to the challenge and looks to outsmart the hackers to prove herself. Meanwhile, the team treats an inspirational cancer survivor-turned-successful-philanthropist who harbors a dark secret.
The episode was rated 7,68 from 1019 votes.
Dr. Morgan Reznick discovers her patient’s wealth and obsession with extending his life is a dangerous mix that could end up costing more than he can afford.
The episode was rated 7,68 from 1046 votes.
When a renowned surgeon comes to St. Bonaventure for treatment, the team’s enthusiasm is quickly overshadowed by the doctor’s behavior. After studying his case, Dr. Shaun Murphy sees a pattern he recognizes. Meanwhile, Shaun and Lea are forced to make a life-changing decision that will alter the course of their relationship.
The episode was rated 7,69 from 1025 votes.
Dr. Murphy treats a patient who has an illness that is not only unpredictable in nature, but also unlike anything he or the team has seen before. Dr. Claire Brown continues to work through her grief, still reeling from Dr. Neil Melendez's death.
The episode was rated 7,70 from 1314 votes.
Shaun struggles with his role as Lea's partner after complications arise with the pregnancy and his instincts as a medical professional kick in. Meanwhile, Dr. Park, Dr. Andrews and Asher disagree on how to address an elderly patient's wishes.
The episode was rated 7,73 from 933 votes.
After bringing in an incredibly unique and complicated spinal surgery, Dr. Aaron Glassman challenges the residents for an opportunity to join him in the operating room. Meanwhile, Shaun and Morgan disagree on how to treat a comatose patient with a cancerous tumor.
The episode was rated 7,79 from 1038 votes.
The Good Doctor's season finale, Vamos (2), was an emotional rollercoaster for viewers and fans alike. Dr. Shaun Murphy must perform a risky surgery on a patient without electricity when the power suddenly goes out, while Lim and Dr. Mateo Rendón Osma’s relationship deepens as they overcome difficulties during the surgery. This episode was a true testament to the show's writers and cast, as many of the viewers were moved to tears by the powerful performances from the actors.
Claire, in particular, was a standout in this finale. Her character arc throughout the season has been particularly moving, and her performance in the finale was no exception. The tension and emotion of the scene was palpable, and the audience could feel the fear in her voice as she tried to keep the patient alive. Her ability to capture the moment and bring it to life was impressive and truly captivating.
The episode was rated 8,00 from 916 votes.
