Season 5 of The Good Doctor marked a new chapter in the beloved medical drama, continuing the journey of Dr. Shaun Murphy and his colleagues at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. While fans were thrilled to see familiar faces return and new storylines unfold, many couldn’t help but notice one thing: the season felt shorter. So, how many episodes are there in Season 5? The answer is 18 episodes—slightly fewer than some of the earlier seasons, but no less impactful. Despite the reduced episode count, Season 5 delivers compelling drama, emotional depth, and crucial turning points that keep viewers fully invested.
The season premiered on September 27, 2021, and concluded on May 16, 2022, running across two parts. The first half aired in the fall of 2021, and after a winter break, the second half returned in early 2022 to wrap up the storylines. Though shorter than the typical 20-episode run of earlier seasons, the tighter structure allowed for more focused storytelling and high-stakes developments.
One of the major factors contributing to the 18-episode format was the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as productions resumed, strict health protocols, limited crew sizes, and adjusted schedules meant that shooting a full-length season was no easy task. Additionally, network strategies have evolved, with many opting for slightly shorter seasons to cut costs while maintaining quality. For The Good Doctor, this meant concentrating on key narrative arcs rather than stretching stories across a longer run.
Despite the shortened length, Season 5 introduces major changes that shake the foundation of the hospital. The arrival of Salen Morrison, a new hospital owner portrayed by Rachel Bay Jones, sets off a chain reaction. Salen’s tech-forward, profit-first approach clashes with the traditional values of the medical staff, including Shaun and Dr. Glassman. Her presence sparks tension, resistance, and moral dilemmas as doctors must choose between doing what’s best for patients or protecting their careers.
Meanwhile, Shaun’s relationship with Lea takes center stage. Their engagement is tested by emotional scars, miscommunication, and the pressures of planning a future together. The season dives deep into their vulnerabilities, showing how love isn’t always a fairytale—it’s messy, raw, and sometimes heartbreaking. Their dynamic adds an emotional core to the season that resonates with many viewers, especially as they navigate grief, trauma, and trust issues.
Season 5 is also notable for its evolving cast. While Antonia Thomas (Dr. Claire Browne) departed as a main character at the end of Season 4, she makes a heartfelt return in the finale, bringing closure and nostalgia. New faces like Dr. Mateo Rendón Osma and Nurse Villanueva step into larger roles, helping the show maintain its energy and fresh perspectives. The balance of old and new characters helps the series grow while still honoring its roots.
Several episodes in the season stand out for their emotional weight and storytelling. The season opens with “New Beginnings,” a deceptively hopeful episode that quickly reveals the challenges ahead. In “Expired,” the seventh episode, a tragic patient case leaves lasting scars on the team and marks a turning point in the season’s emotional tone. “Cheat Day” and “My Way” deal with Shaun’s struggle to balance personal and professional pressures. The season finale, “Sons,” ties everything together with emotional goodbyes, reunions, and a preview of what’s to come in Season 6.
When compared to previous seasons, the episode count aligns with some of the show’s earlier installments. Season 1 also had 18 episodes, while Seasons 2 and 3 had 18 and 20, respectively. Season 4 had 20 episodes, partly due to the pandemic’s delayed start. Season 6 would go on to have 22 episodes, while the final Season 7 wrapped up with just 10 episodes, reflecting a trend toward shorter, more concise storytelling in recent years.
The 18 episodes of Season 5 strike a balance between character development and plot advancement. Rather than filling time with standalone patient stories, the season focuses more on emotional arcs and larger themes—power dynamics, mental health, romantic relationships, and the evolving definition of success in a high-pressure medical world. For fans of serialized storytelling, this approach results in a more satisfying viewing experience, with every episode carrying weight and meaning.
Though the episode count may seem like a minor detail, it reflects broader changes in how television is produced and consumed. Viewers now expect quality over quantity, and Season 5 of The Good Doctor delivers just that. With tight pacing, strong performances, and memorable moments, the season proves that sometimes, less is more.
In summary, Season 5 of The Good Doctor contains 18 episodes, airing between September 2021 and May 2022. While slightly shorter than some previous seasons, it’s filled with dramatic twists, emotional growth, and pivotal changes for the characters we’ve come to love. Whether you’re watching for Shaun and Lea’s evolving relationship, the clash between doctors and administrators, or the personal journeys of the hospital staff, Season 5 offers a rewarding experience from start to finish. It’s a reminder that the heart of The Good Doctor isn’t just in its medical cases—it’s in the stories of hope, struggle, and resilience that unfold with every episode.