After 12 brilliant seasons, The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019, creating an enormous void in fans’ hearts. It’s unpredictable that a sitcom about four nerdy scientists and their hot next-door neighbor is so popular and is renowned for its nerd community-friendly characters, relatable situations, character arcs, deft literary manipulation, and seamless pop culture references.

 

With an IMDb rating of 8.2, it is clear that this show had an impact on both its viewers and critics. Fans have lived and grown with these characters over the course of 280 episodes, so it makes sense that they would know which episode of the program is the finest.

Updated on October 9, 2023, by Jessie Nguyen:

Despite having ended for some time, The Big Bang Theory is still one of the most-watched sitcoms nowadays. Since both new and returning viewers of the show frequently update their opinions and choose the top-rated episodes of the show, here are the 20 best ones during TBBT‘s 12-season run for fans to check out.

20“The Hawking Excitation”

Season 5, Episode 21 (2012)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

The episode sees an ecstatic Howard (Simon Helberg) who has been requested to maintain the equipment on Stephen Hawking‘s wheelchair for the duration of his visit to the university for a lengthy guest lecture series. Howard then plans to introduce Sheldon (Jim Parsons) to Hawking. However, he decides to utilize his new position to try and instill some humility in Sheldon after Sheldon instantly insults him, as usual.

There have been criticisms that Sheldon has been overly cruel at times this season, even acting like a bully in one episode. Finally, things went in the other direction, and Howard was able to exact revenge on Sheldon for his condescending behavior throughout the years, satisfying both fans and other characters’ desire for some vengeance. Moreover, the episode always welcomes Hawking as one of the best guest stars on the show, making fans excited.

19“The Good Guy Fluctuation”

Season 5, Episode 7 (2011)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

In the episode, Leonard (Johnny Galecki) asks Penny (Kaley Cuoco) for romantic advice after becoming interested in a hot comic book artist named Alice (Courtney Ford) whom he met at Stuart’s (Kevin Sussman) bookstore. In the meantime, Sheldon is attempting to exact revenge on Leonard, Howard, and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) for the Halloween prank they played on him that caused him to pass out and urinate.

The Halloween episode from the previous season was challenging to top, but this season’s pranks made it impossible. Additionally, the storyline about Leonard cheating in this episode enrages fans, who are already falling for Alice and want to see her on screen more often.

18“The Roommate Transmogrification”

Season 4, Episode 24 (2011)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Even though Howard is pleased for Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) to obtain her degree in the episode, his ego could have a little trouble with this. Meanwhile, Raj finds it difficult to deal with Leonard and Priya (Aarti Mann) playing Star Trek role-playing fantasy in the Koothrappali residence. He ultimately moves in with Sheldon because he is exhausted and needs a place to rest. Leonard also unintentionally discovers some details concerning Priya’s future.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger with Raj and Penny having sex, and everyone witnesses their walk of shame the morning after. Moreover, despite the disapproval of the fans for their union, Sheldon and Raj actually steal the program since their relationship as roommates seems more engaging and sincere.

17“The Vegas Renormalization”

Season 2, Episode 21 (2009)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Howard is feeling bummed after Leslie Winkle (Sara Gilbert) dumps him, despite the fact that he thought of their relationship as “friends with benefits” and that it had no emotional overtones as such. Thus, Leonard and Raj take him to Las Vegas to blow off steam. Meanwhile, Sheldon anticipates spending a quiet weekend alone at the apartment but he is forced to spend the weekend with a disgruntled Penny after locking himself out and being without a superintendent to let him in.

Fans can treat themselves to Penny and Sheldon’s antics in the episode, showing how much they care and love each other even though they don’t express it, aside from the fact that Howard becoming emotional after being dumped by a woman is somewhat out of character because he isn’t the type of person who gets emotionally attached.

16“The Tangerine Factor”

Season 1, Episode 17 (2008)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Mike, Penny’s most recent lover blogged about their extramarital affairs, thus, she breaks up with him. Along with being ashamed of the blog’s content, she is also upset with herself for what she perceives to be her bad choice in men. Thus, she decides to go on a date with Leonard. However, afterward, both of them have second thoughts about the date and both turn to Sheldon for advice who tells them they have to risk opening the box to find out what’s inside. ​​​​​​

The season finale of the sitcom included a fair amount of drama by sitcom standards. The episode felt very different from all of the earlier episodes as a result. Thank goodness Sheldon stepped up and was a major part of what made the show funny.

15“The Lunar Excitation”

Season 3, Episode 23 (2010)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

The episode sees Penny and Leonard still in the “post-coitus” phase of their relationship when they still find it hard to do casual activities together. In the meantime, Howard and Raj decide to experiment to find a match for Sheldon, which unexpectedly leads to him meeting Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) for the first time.

The episode is pivotal since it marks the introduction of Amy to the show, who becomes a recurring and beloved character. It also sets up the relationship between Sheldon and Amy, which thrives into one of the most popular storylines of the series. Moreover, the episode also explores the complex relationship between Leonard and Penny with the cliffhanger ending leaving the audience wanting more and setting up events for the next season.

14“The Justice League Recombination”

Season 4, Episode 11 (2010)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

The episode sees the guys decide to enter a costume contest at the comic book store dressed as the Justice League. However, their plans are disrupted when Zack (Brian Thomas Smith), Penny’s then-boyfriend, shows up and expresses an interest in joining their group. As a result, Zack then takes Leonard’s place as Superman since it raises the chance of winning while Penny should dress as Wonder Woman.

The episode is such a fun one, especially with Raj reluctantly dressing as Aquaman. The episode also brings Zack back, who is a fan favorite side character on The Big Bang Theory. His presence adds an extra layer of humor and tension to the episode.

13“The Panty Piñata Polarization”

Season 2, Episode 7 (2008)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Except for Sheldon, the men develop a new interest in life after Penny introduces them to America’s Next Top Model on television. Howard and Raj are specifically attempting to identify the house the models are residing in so that they can visit it each week. Penny, who has already received Sheldon’s third strike, chooses to speak out against Sheldon’s “three strikes, you’re out” rule in the meantime.

The episode is hilarious because it demonstrates how Howard and Raj have evolved throughout the course of the program. It also criticizes the awful reality of stalked celebrities living in Los Angeles and the stereotype of nerds as stalkers. The episode also demonstrates how Penny alters Sheldon’s routine and way of life by getting someone to quit catering to his needs and be ready to oppose him.

12“The Scavenger Vortex”

Season 7, Episode 3 (2013)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

The rewatchable Big Bang Theory episode centers on Raj’s latest attempt to include everyone in an intellectual scavenger hunt. Randomly drawing names, Sheldon and Penny are paired, Howard and Amy are partnered and Leonard and Bernadette are stuck together. Bernadette displays her killer instinct while playing games, but Leonard is still preoccupied with how he would make amends to Penny for refusing to be her companion.

The episode is hilarious because it shows everyone’s true personalities while they are playing games, from Raj and his desire to amuse others to Bernadette and her killer and aggressive attitude. It also demonstrates the duo that converses the least, Howard and Amy, who enjoy singing Neil Diamond songs together in the most carefree manner while the other brutally searches for clues.

11“The Robotic Manipulation”

Season 4, Episode 1 (2010)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Sheldon has known neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler for four months by the time the episode aired, and he believes she is both his intellectual and emotional feminine equivalence. After persuading Sheldon to meet Amy in person before talking about having a child with her, Penny ends up accompanying Sheldon on their first date. In the meantime, Howard uses a robotic arm in an odd way and, somewhat embarrassingly, ends up at the hospital ER.

The episode sees more of Amy as she shows lots in common with Sheldon. Her unique personality and quirks remind viewers of a female Sheldon. The episode – from one of the best seasons of TBBT – is humorous as a result of Howard’s mishap, which appears to occur frequently.

10“The Barbarian Sublimation”

Season 2, Episode 3 (2008)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Penny who is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with her lack of acting success, finds solace in the online game that Sheldon is playing but she ends up going too far. By the second half of the episode, Penny is downing Red Bulls, blotting Cheeto crumbs from her shirt, and typing quickly.

Since the girls don’t often partake in the same nerdy pursuits as their boyfriends, making “The Barbarian Sublimation” seem new. Also, viewers can relate to Penny because of the trainwreck way she handles her career failure.

9“The Thanksgiving Decoupling”

Season 7, Episode 9 (2013)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Set during Thanksgiving, the holiday-themed TBBT episode focuses on the feast held at Mrs. Wolowitz’s house. However, Sheldon protests, thus, the gang has to drag him there. Howard makes an effort to get along with his father-in-law, while Leonard and Penny find out that Penny is unintentionally married to Zack, therefore, they have to deal with it.

Drunk Sheldon and how Penny’s wild past catches up with her in a very unexpected way are two of the reasons why many people love the episode. Also, the festive episodes are usually enjoyable.

8“The Maternal Capacitance”

Season 1, Episode 15 (2009)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

The episode is where fans first meet Beverly Hofstadter (Christine Baranski) whose arrival at the flat causes emotional meltdowns for everyone except Sheldon, who feeds off the extraordinary, cerebral energy of his best friend’s mother and makes Leonard feel even worse.

Excellent psychoanalysis of everything from Howard and Raj’s co-dependent relationship to Penny’s decision to act as a means of getting external validation can be found in Beverly’s cold-blooded yet savage takedowns. Fans will also find it intriguing how Leonard is pulled to Sheldon since he reminds him of his mother.

7“The Bow Tie Asymmetry”

Season 11, Episode 24 (2018)

IMDb Rating: 8.9/10

Even though this episode doesn’t reflect a significant event in Sheldon and Amy’s lives in the best way possible, it’s still one of the best weddings on the show. The main event of the episode is the wedding of Sheldon and Amy. Both families attend and do their best to ensure that everything goes as planned, everyone but the happy couple.

The sense of closure and celebration in “The Bow Tie Asymmetry” is tangible, and the perfect balancing of the essential emotional beats with the chuckles is evident. Also, the list of guest stars in this episode is impressive including Mark Hamill, Kathy Bates, Laurie Metcalf, and Wil Wheaton.

6“The Adhesive Duck Deficiency”

Season 3, Episode 8 (2009)

IMDb Rating: 8.9/10

When Sheldon stays at home to finish a crucial paper, Leonard, Raj, and Howard venture out to the desert to watch a meteor shower. But, his intentions are thwarted when Penny slips in the shower, dislocates her shoulder, and requires Sheldon’s assistance. Meanwhile, the guys get stoned and miss what they initially traveled to the desert for.

The episode highlights the incredible chemistry between Parsons and Cuoco, which strengthens Penny and Sheldon’s lovely relationship and unbreakable bond.

5“The Change Constant”

Season 12, Episode 23 (2019)

IMDb Rating: 9.0/10

This pop-culture-reference-filled TBBT episode centers on Sheldon and Amy as they wait to hear about their winning the Nobel Prize. Sheldon then has to deal with the attention when they win, while Amy makes some changes to herself that rapidly make her husband uncomfortable.

The episode is a lovely pre-final one because it foreshadows how everything will change when the program finishes, much like the characters that have been beloved by viewers since the beginning. Also, it demonstrates how devoted Sheldon is to his wife since despite his discomfort with change, he still makes an effort to embrace it for her sake.

4“The Opening Night Excitation”

Season 9, Episode 11 (2015)

IMDb Rating: 9.0/10

This episode finally sees Sheldon and Amy lose their virginity to one other after years of witnessing their romance take each tiny baby step one at a time. Sheldon decides to forgo the movie premiere to celebrate Amy’s birthday, so Leonard, Howard, and Raj struggle to pick who will receive the extra ticket.

It’s a special episode for Sheldon and Amy as well as for their fans who have followed their relationship since they first met. It’s a significant milestone for both their relationship and Sheldon. Also, the episode juxtaposes two forms of euphoria – love for geek culture and love of romance – because they can coexist perfectly well together.

3“The Staircase Implementation”

Season 3, Episode 22 (2010)

IMDb Rating: 9.0/10

Ever ponder how Leonard came to share a home with Sheldon? The reason the elevator and Leonard’s spirit are so damaged today will be revealed and explained in this episode. After a heated argument with Sheldon, Leonard told Penny that he was even more difficult to live with when Leonard first moved in seven years ago.

This episode serves as a look back at the TV characters’ development, particularly Sheldon. Additionally, it provides an explanation for the long-anticipated query regarding what happened to the elevator since the first episode, giving fans some closure on the matter.

2“The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis”

Season 3, Episode 11 (2008)

IMDb Rating: 9.1/10

Sheldon is upset with Penny because she gave him a gift for Christmas, and now he feels obligated to give back and spend the same amount of money as the gift he is about to receive. Meanwhile, Leonard is upset when Penny expresses interest in a handsome physics professor at the university who, as Leonard discovers, is also a Renaissance man.

The best part of the episode, and arguably the entire series, is when Sheldon receives a napkin autographed by none other than Star Trek‘s Leonard Nimoy after worrying for days over how to return Penny’s hypothetical gift. Overwhelmed, he lavishes her with gift baskets in every size imaginable and then gives her a rare hug to demonstrate how their friendship has grown.

1“The Stockholm Syndrome”

Season 12, Episode 24 (2019)

IMDb Rating: 9.5/10

The gang travels to Scandinavia with Sheldon and Amy so they can join them as they receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Physics for discovering Super Asymmetry. Not only Sheldon and Amy are nervous about their important event since Raj experiences separation anxiety from his Cinnamon, Howard & Bernadette have never traveled this far away from their kids while Penny and Leonard try their best to keep their pregnancy a secret to not interfere with their friends’ big event.

To wind up such a cherished and long-running series is an immensely difficult assignment, but this season finale left the show with a bang. These individuals built solid ties over a 12-year period with both their devoted audience and one another. The most pleasant way to wrap up the show is to eat Chinese food in the living room, which takes it full circle to where it all started.