The Good Doctor's Best Friendship According To Fans
"The Good Doctor" has been on ABC since 2017 and is close to the end of its fifth season. It stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, a brilliant young surgeon who has trouble navigating life outside of the surgery theater due to his neurodivergent brain. But overall, though, Dr. Murphy is only a part of a show about several different medical professionals trying their best to create a healthy work-life balance.
Naturally, it's difficult for Shaun to get by in a neurotypical world without the help of loving, supportive friends. Dr. Aaron Glassman (Richard Schiff) is basically a surrogate father to him; his girlfriend Lea (Paige Spara) is very patient and supportive, even when his quirks challenge their relationship; and many of his other colleagues depend on his wisdom and knowledge in order to give their patients the best possible care. But there's one friendship that clearly stands above the rest.
Fans agree: Claire and Shaun are the best besties
Dr. Claire Brown (Antonia Thomas) has been on the show since the very first episode. Unfortunately, her character departed from the series in Season 4 Episode 20, "Vamos," after performing a life-saving surgery and being offered a very prestigious and well-paying position at a Guatemalan hospital. Before she leaves, Shaun hugs her for the very first — and perhaps, final — time in the history of their friendship.
Based on this Reddit thread, many fans agree that Shaun's relationship with Claire is one of the closest and most wholesome on the entire show. The original poster, u/Milianviolet, starts off their thread with a bold statement: "I don't care what anyone says, Claire is absolutely Shaun's bestest friend." They then back up this theory by pointing out that the second Shaun got engaged to Lea, his first thought was "I have to tell Claire!" Other commenters agreed, including u/Chloe_Vee7, who insisted that "[In my opinion] the show will never be the same!!!" due to Claire's departure. Although not everyone in that thread is a fan of Claire, it's clear that her dynamic with Shaun on the show will be missed by most fans.