The incredibly popular sitcom The Big Bang Theory came to an end in 2019, bringing the show to a close after an incredible 12-season run with some truly outstanding episodes. The show follows a group of scientist friends with a variety of nerdy hobbies: Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Sheldon (Jim Parsons), their neighbor Penny (Kaley Cuoco), and their other friends. The Big Bang Theory also saw such success that the last season overlapped with the first season of its spinoff, Young Sheldon, which follows Sheldon growing up in Texas as a child genius.

Since The Big Bang Theory‘s ending, the cast has continued to expand upon their prominent careers but are still best remembered for their roles in the show. With a whopping 279 episodes under its belt, The Big Bang Theory shocked fans by ending after season 12. The bingeworthy show had plenty of episodes that could be considered its best, but some stand out more than others.

10.The Big Bang Theory Season 5, Episode 21

“The Hawking Excitation”

In “The Hawking Excitation,” Stephen Hawking visits the university as a visiting lecturer, and in typical Sheldon fashion, he manages to mess up his chances of meeting the scientific legend. To make it up to him, Howard (Simon Helberg) sends Sheldon off to perform ridiculous menial tasks for him. “The Hawking Excitation” is full of hilarious moments from Jim Parsons as Sheldon, including his reaction to seeing Hawking for the first time. However, the episode doesn’t quite tick enough of the relevant boxes to land at the top of the list of best episodes.

9.The Big Bang Theory Season 3, Episode 23

“The Lunar Excitation”

In “The Lunar Excitation,” the Big Bang Theory gang gathers on the apartment roof to perform a lunar ranging experiment. This episode kicks off the relationship between Sheldon and Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik), having the characters meet during its run. The two share a hilarious first interaction, and the similarities between the two characters see an interesting shift in The Big Bang Theory‘s format going forward. “The Lunar Excitation” contains some great jokes from the entire cast, but Bialik’s performance sets up Amy’s character beautifully, providing an almost caricature replication of Parsons’ performance as Sheldon.

8.The Big Bang Theory Season 4, Episode 1

“The Robotic Manipulation”

“The Robotic Manipulation” finds Howard borrowing a robotic arm from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. After a series of events, he ends up with it connected to a rather unfortunate part of his body. “The Robotic Manipulation” offers a great performance from Helberg, really cementing Howard’s character in the earlier seasons of the show and making the development seen in later seasons even more impactful. Although “The Robotic Manipulation” is hilarious, it doesn’t warrant the title of The Big Bang Theory‘s best episode, and its main joke about Howard could be considered a little too forthright.

7.The Big Bang Theory Season 7, Episode 9

“The Thanksgiving Decoupling”

“The Thanksgiving Decoupling” sees the usually straight-thinking Sheldon Cooper getting drunk, resulting in some hilarious and emotional moments for the character. Sheldon is distracted by Bernadette’s father, Mike (Casey Sander), and the two bond over football. Sheldon reveals more about his own father, who was a high school football coach during his childhood. Sharing several beers with the older man, Sheldon talks openly about George Cooper Sr.’s death, prompting the episode’s most heart-wrenching moments. Sheldon litters details of his family’s life throughout The Big Bang Theory, but “The Thanksgiving Decoupling” allows the character to fully open up about his past.

6.The Big Bang Theory Season 9, Episode 11

“The Opening Night Excitation”

“The Opening Night Excitation” brings about huge character development for Sheldon. Stressed about picking a birthday present for Amy, he tells Penny and Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) that he is considering having sex with her. As Sheldon’s been a non-sexual character, the two women are completely taken aback by how casually he approaches the topic, resulting in a hysterical moment for all. Not only is “The Opening Night Excitation” one of the show’s best episodes because of the huge changes seen for Sheldon, but it also contains one of Fowler’s funniest moments: Amy giddy with excitement over what is going to happen and enthusiastically shouting about getting waxed.

5.The Big Bang Theory Season 3, Episode 22

“The Staircase Implementation”

“The Staircase Implementation” is a flashback episode that reveals more about the backstories of each of the Big Bang Theory‘s four main characters, showing how the men’s paths crossed. Despite only going back in time by seven years, each of the characters (except Sheldon) is dressed like it’s the early ’90s, offering a funny but trope-filled representation of time. The episode allows more of an understanding of how Raj, Howard, and Leonard end up with Sheldon despite his challenging behavior. The reveal of how the apartment’s lift broke provides a sweet moment between the four characters and gives more context to their friendship.

4.The Big Bang Theory Season 12, Episode 24

“The Stockholm Syndrome”

“The Stockholm Syndrome,” The Big Bang Theory finale, brings the show to a fitting end after 12 seasons, with the characters traveling to Stockholm to see Amy and Sheldon be awarded the Nobel Prize. The highly anticipated finale sees Sheldon arguing with his friends one last time, as he and Amy nervously prepare for their acceptance speech. These scenes also feature an appearance from Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s Sarah Michelle Gellar, Raj’s date for the ceremony.

Sheldon’s emotional speech as he thanks his friends one by one tugs at the heartstrings and delivers a perfect ending for the characters. Although tear-jerking, “The Stockholm Syndrome” doesn’t have the same level of humor as earlier episodes, especially those in the final season. The installment still deserves a spot among the show’s strongest episodes for its emotional final moments, which see the gang sitting in the apartment eating food together with an acoustic version of The Big Bang Theory‘s theme playing.

3.The Big Bang Theory Season 2, Episode 3

“The Barbarian Sublimation”

“The Barbarian Sublimation” follows Penny at a low point, as she’s frustrated with her lack of dating and professional progress. She becomes addicted to an online video game, neglecting other areas of her life in favor of playing. “The Barbarian Sublimation” allows for some hilarious scenes that see Penny breaking out of the “perfect girl next door” trope. The episode’s best joke comes from its final moments, as Penny encounters Howard’s character in the game and agrees to visit a tavern with him. Realizing what she’s gotten herself into, she throws her computer across the room. This gag alone makes this episode one of The Big Bang Theory‘s best.

2.The Big Bang Theory Season 3, Episode 8

“The Adhesive Duck Deficiency”

“The Adhesive Duck Deficiency” is an episode that proves Sheldon and Penny’s friendship is one of The Big Bang Theory‘s strongest. Penny falls in the shower, and Sheldon is the only person who can assist her. Sheldon spends a few awkward moments trying to help Penny get out of the bathroom and to the hospital. Sheldon breaks out of his comfort zone to show his friend compassion. Not only does “The Adhesive Duck Deficiency” contain some of The Big Bang Theory‘s best jokes, but it also showcases the earliest instances of Sheldon’s character development. Despite this, it doesn’t quite hit the top spot for The Big Bang Theory‘s best episode.

1.The Big Bang Theory Season 8, Episode 15

“The Comic Book Store Regeneration”

“The Comic Book Regeneration” features a surprisingly emotional The Big Bang Theory moment compared to the cheerful and sarcastic sitcom’s status quo. With no warning, one scene sees Howard taking a phone call before announcing the death of his mother. “The Comic Book Regeneration” showcases some incredibly emotional performances from the cast, and it offers a nice palate cleanser. Although the episode still contains the great jokes the show is known for, its combination of humor and heartbreak makes it stand out as The Big Bang Theory‘s best episode.