If you are looking for the best Big Bang Theory episodes to binge this weekend, then you’ve come to the right place. As a unique comedy that’s been around since 2007, it’s definitely got a strong following. Swipe down for clips from each episode, or read on for more information.
What is The Big Bang Theory?
BBT (Big Bang Theory) is one of television’s most famous sitcoms. While many will disagree on the show’s overall quality, its 12 seasons and absurdly high viewership allow it to lay claim to that coveted title. It’s a pretty recent sitcom, too, as it only went off the air in 2019.
The show features a slew of amusing and complicated characters: Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Raj, and Howard. All of them were the initial gang members whereas Bernadette, Amy, and, to a lesser extent, Stuart were later added as full-time cast members. The premise surrounds Penny who moves in across the hall from Sheldon and Leonard who are scientists employed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) along with Raj and Howard. Penny is a waitress and aspiring actress, so the humor begins when she doesn’t understand their lifestyle or their physics-based banter. The friend group of male scientists also happen to have a huge crush on her.
Numerous awards have been bestowed upon the series and its stars including Emmys, Golden Globes, and a People’s Choice Award. The following list shows the best Big Bang Theory episodes, as nominated by the show’s fans:
5. The Opening Night Excitation Season 9, Episode 11
After years of watching Sheldon and Amy’s love progress incrementally, the time had come for them to lose their virginity to one another.
It’s a scenario you rarely see on television – two individuals well into adulthood meeting at the perfect time – and the script and direction treat both characters with the deference and real affection they’ve earned.
It all comes together in the second half of the episode, as Leonard, Howard, and Raj are shown watching The Force Awakens and feel almost as nervous as their friends back home do. The entire episode is an emotional roller coaster. It’s a celebration of geek culture, of odd pairings falling in love, and of both things coexisting in people’s lives. It’s a great episode and one of the best in the series.
4. The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition Season 5, Episode 10
When Amy (Sheldon’s friend) joins the boys on their weekly excursion to the comic book store, she attracts the interest of Stuart, the comic book store’s proprietor.
Stuart has Leonard consult Sheldon before approaching Amy, who replies that the question is irrelevant, as Amy is a renowned neurologist who would never have been interested in Stuart.
Sheldon exhibits numerous classic indicators of jealousy after Amy dates Stuart, including stalking Stuart on Facebook, being excessively defensive, and making Amy jealous by asking out Penny. Finally, Sheldon matures and proposes to Amy.
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3. The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis Season 2, Episode 11
“The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis” is ranked as second on the best Big Bang Theory episodes list based on IMDB’s ratings. It has a 9.2/10 and shows Sheldon at his best and most enthusiastic.
Leonard is unhappy when Penny develops feelings for a gorgeous physicist at the university. Meanwhile, Sheldon is stumped as to what to get Penny for Christmas, so he goes above and beyond the duty of friendship. She ends up getting him a pretty terrific gift and Sheldon can barely handle his excitement. You can preview the episode and watch his reaction in the scene embedded above.
2. The Barbarian Sublimation Season 2, Episode 3
Penny has truly had it as she’s been in California for nearly two years and hasn’t landed a single acting gig. She’s in desperate need of a raise at The Cheesecake Factory and to top it all off, she informs a bemused Sheldon that she hasn’t slept with anyone in six months.
As if that wasn’t enough, her automobile key is jammed in the door of her flat. Penny stays in Sheldon’s apartment while he plays online video games. Much to Leonard’s dismay, Penny becomes entirely absorbed in the realm of multiplayer gaming and begins to neglect all of her responsibilities for this new hobby.
Penny goes from being an attractive, well-dressed waitress to swallowing Red Bulls, brushing Cheeto dust from her shirt, and rapidly tapping away on her keyboard. By the end of the episode, she is acting in a way that you’ve never seen her before and her neighbors feel the same way.
1. The Pilot Season 1, Episode 1
As one of the best Big Bang Theory episodes in history and a true staple in the show, the pilot lands itself as our number one rank. Leonard and Sheldon meet their new neighbor, Penny, in this episode and Leonard’s secret crush starts right away. The opening scene takes place at a sperm bank where Sheldon is preparing to donate sperm, which is funny enough on its own.
It’s a memorable episode with Penny, Leonard, and Sheldon meeting for the first time and exchanging hellos and goodbyes. Additional highlights include a MySpace reference, Howard’s Nintendo controller belt, and Penny accidentally taking Sheldon’s place.
Where Can I Stream the Best Big Bang Theory Episodes?
If you’ve read this article and want to get right into watching the best Big Bang Theory episodes, all seasons are available for streaming on HBO Max. If you don’t have HBO Max, you can also pay for these episodes on Amazon Prime. This show is a great one to binge, so make sure you know that you’ll be setting aside some time and getting through it very quickly. You’ll laugh, root for love, and even learn a few interesting scientific facts along the way.
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