‘The Good Doctor’ Says Farewell: Cast Teases a Surprising and Emotional Series Finale

After seven unforgettable seasons filled with groundbreaking surgeries, deeply human moments, and the journey of an extraordinary mind navigating an often-unforgiving world, The Good Doctor is officially preparing to take its final bow. As the beloved ABC medical drama gears up for its series finale, the cast and creators are opening up about what fans can expect—and according to them, it’s going to be a powerful and emotional ride to the very end.

Since its premiere in 2017, The Good Doctor has stood out for more than just its gripping medical cases. At the heart of the series has always been Dr. Shaun Murphy, portrayed by Freddie Highmore—a young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome, whose brilliance in medicine is matched only by the complexity of his emotional world. And as the story comes to a close, it’s Shaun’s growth, struggles, and triumphs that the finale aims to honor in full.

“The ending is not what people are expecting,” Freddie Highmore revealed in a recent interview. “It feels right for who Shaun is—it’s honest to the character we’ve come to know—but it still takes you by surprise. It’s the kind of ending that sneaks up on you emotionally. It’s satisfying, but not predictable.”

His co-stars echoed that sentiment, each offering their own perspective on how deeply moving the finale was to experience. Fiona Gubelmann, who plays Dr. Morgan Reznick, admitted that reading the script for the last episode was a moment she won’t soon forget. “I cried—more than once,” she said. “There’s something so special about how the writers have wrapped up these arcs. You can feel how much love went into it.”

Antonia Thomas, who returned this season to reprise her role as Dr. Claire Browne, added a thoughtful reflection: “What I love most about the finale is that it’s not just about saying goodbye—it’s about honoring the journey. It’s a celebration of how far these characters have come. It’s emotional, yes, but it’s also full of light and hope.”

Indeed, The Good Doctor has never been afraid to dig deep. Over the years, the show has fearlessly tackled topics like grief, addiction, ableism, trauma, identity, ethical gray zones in medicine, and the daily challenges—and victories—of living with neurodivergence. Through it all, the series maintained a tone of empathy and humanity, reminding viewers that even in a clinical, high-pressure world like a hospital, compassion is just as vital as knowledge.

Showrunner David Shore, the creative force behind both The Good Doctor and House M.D., emphasized that the finale is designed to leave a lasting impression: “We wanted to close out the series in a way that felt emotionally honest and uplifting. There won’t be a dry eye in the house,” he said. “We’ve always tried to tell stories that inspire hope, empathy, and understanding—and this finale is no exception. It’s not just an ending. It’s a celebration.”

While fans may find it difficult to say goodbye to Shaun, Glassman, Lea, Morgan, Park, and the rest of the San Jose St. Bonaventure family, the show leaves behind a legacy that will resonate far beyond its final episode. It changed the way audiences see autism on screen. It sparked conversations about inclusivity in medicine. And perhaps most importantly, it showed that brilliance can come in many forms—and that vulnerability, far from being a weakness, can be a profound strength.

As the lights dim on the hospital that became a second home to millions of viewers, one thing is clear: The Good Doctor wasn’t just a show—it was an emotional journey. And its ending, by all accounts, is one that will stay with fans for years to come.