The Big Bang Theory

10 Best Episodes of The Big Bang Theory - Season 1

The Big Bang Theory, which aired on CBS from 2007 to 2019, is one of the most popular sitcoms of all time. The show centers on five characters living in Pasadena, California and features the geekiness and intellect of Leonard Hofstadter, Sheldon Cooper, Howard Wolowitz and Raj Koothrappali contrasted with the common sense and social skills of Penny. With 13 seasons of content, fans have plenty of episodes to choose from. Here we will rank the best episodes of The Big Bang Theory and discuss why they are so popular.

The Big Bang Theory is renowned for its clever writing and witty dialogue. The show explores a variety of topics, ranging from relationships and romance to science and technology. It also features a number of recurring jokes and cultural references. All of these elements combine to make The Big Bang Theory an entertaining and memorable show.

Given the show’s long run, it’s no surprise that it has featured some truly outstanding episodes over the years. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best episodes of The Big Bang Theory and discussing why they are so highly ranked. From heartfelt moments to laugh-out-loud comedy, these episodes are sure to please any fan of the show.

Written by Sophie and last updated on apr 24, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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The Big Bang Theory - S1E12

#15 - The Jerusalem Duality (Season 1 - Episode 12)

When Sheldon meets a 15-year-old physicist prodigy, he's rattled and threatened and Leonard tries to help him look for ways to debunk his research.

The episode was rated 7.89 from 3087 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E4

#14 - The Luminous Fish Effect (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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When Sheldon gets fired and decides to explore life beyond physics, it's up to Leonard to take drastic action to snap his friend out of his funk.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 3961 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E5

#13 - The Hamburger Postulate (Season 1 - Episode 5)

Fearing he's wasting his time on Penny, Leonard ends up making a connection with colleague Leslie Winkle.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 3644 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E11

#12 - The Pancake Batter Anomaly (Season 1 - Episode 11)

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With his friends knowing how sour he acts when sick—and avoiding him as a result—Sheldon is nursed by Penny, who hasn't a clue what she's in for.

The episode was rated 7.96 from 3140 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E13

#11 - The Bat Jar Conjecture (Season 1 - Episode 13)

Sheldon finds himself booted from the gang's Physics Bowl team and replaced by Leslie Winkle, so he forms his own team, hoping to prove he's superior.

The episode was rated 7.97 from 2960 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E8

#10 - The Grasshopper Experiment (Season 1 - Episode 8)

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Raj's parents set him up on a blind date, but just when he discovers he can talk to his date, she shows interest in Sheldon.

The episode was rated 7.98 from 3373 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E14

#9 - The Nerdvana Annihilation (Season 1 - Episode 14)

When the guys buy a time machine prop from a classic 1960 movie, Penny lashes out at Leonard and he decides it's time to give up his habit, much to his friends' protestation.

The episode was rated 7.98 from 2861 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E9

#8 - The Cooper-Hofstadter Polarization (Season 1 - Episode 9)

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When they're invited to present at a physics conference, Sheldon's reluctance to share the credit leads to a tiff between him and Leonard, and Penny's intervention only exacerbates the situation.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 3219 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E7

#7 - The Dumpling Paradox (Season 1 - Episode 7)

When Wolowitz seduces one of Penny's friend who then takes over her apartment, Penny sleeps on Leonard and Sheldon's couch. Meanwhile, Penny is recruited to fill in for Howard on the guys' Halo team.

The episode was rated 8.00 from 3534 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E15

#6 - The Pork Chop Indeterminacy (Season 1 - Episode 15)

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The rest of the gang fall for Sheldon's twin sister, and Leonard's plan to win her heart is derailed when Sheldon declares he'll be the one to decide who can date her.

The episode was rated 8.00 from 2983 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E6

#5 - The Middle Earth Paradigm (Season 1 - Episode 6)

Penny hosts a Halloween party, that ends up putting Leonard, Sheldon, Wolowitz, and Koothrappali through a new test of their social skills.

The episode was rated 8.01 from 3559 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E2

#4 - The Big Bran Hypothesis (Season 1 - Episode 2)

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Leonard volunteers to sign for a package in an attempt to make a good impression on Penny, but when he enlists Sheldon for help, his attempt at chivalry goes terribly awry.

The episode was rated 8.02 from 4824 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E1

#3 - Pilot (Season 1 - Episode 1)

Brilliant physicist roommates Leonard and Sheldon meet their new neighbor Penny, who begins showing them that as much as they know about science, they know little about actual living.

The episode was rated 8.04 from 6464 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E16

#2 - The Peanut Reaction (Season 1 - Episode 16)

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Penny wants to throw a surprise party for Leonard, but Sheldon's indulgence at an electronics store throws her off-track. Meanwhile, Howard makes a terrible sacrifice for the sake of the surprise.

The episode was rated 8.07 from 2842 votes.

The Big Bang Theory - S1E17

#1 - The Tangerine Factor (Season 1 - Episode 17)

The Big Bang Theory's episode The Tangerine Factor follows the aftermath of Penny's break-up with Leonard summoning up the courage to ask her out. With many questions and doubts on their minds, they both turn to Sheldon for advice on their upcoming date. Fans of the show confirmed that this episode was truly hilarious and were excited to finally see Penny and Leonard on a date.

The episode was full of funny moments, with Sheldon's awkwardness and Leonard's over-calculations that make the situation even funnier. Fans of the show were delighted to see Penny and Leonard on a date, with the two of them finally taking the plunge and going out together. Even though the episode was full of funny moments, the ending was quite a cliff-hanger, leaving fans wanting to know more about the outcome of the date.

The episode was rated 8.15 from 2921 votes.

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