Young Sheldon

10 Best Episodes of Young Sheldon

Since its first season in 2017, CBS's "Young Sheldon" has been a hit with audiences. The show follows the early life of genius Sheldon Cooper, later seen in "The Big Bang Theory," and has now run for seven seasons. With so many great episodes, it can be difficult to choose the absolute best. Here, we will be ranking the top four "Young Sheldon" episodes, to help you find the best of the best.

From the first episode to the last, "Young Sheldon" has been full of heart, humour, and insight. Each episode is carefully crafted to provide viewers with a unique look into Sheldon's life, as he deals with everything from family drama to school problems. With so many memorable moments, it can be hard to pick the very best.

From funny storylines to emotional drama, here are the top four "Young Sheldon" episodes, ranked in order. These episodes have been chosen based on their quality, impact, and overall entertainment value. Sit back and enjoy some of the best episodes of this beloved show.

Written by Sophie and last updated on jul 16, 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!

Advertisement
Young Sheldon - S1E14

#15 - Potato Salad, a Broomstick, and Dad's Whiskey (Season 1 - Episode 14)

In the episode "Potato Salad, a Broomstick, and Dad's Whiskey" of the show Young Sheldon, Mary takes a job as church secretary, which quickly leads her to becoming Pastor Jeff's marriage counselor. Meanwhile, Sheldon and Missy are left home alone for the first time and must learn to handle the responsibility that comes with it.

The episode highlights the theme of growing up and maturing, as Mary takes on a new job and Sheldon and Missy are left to fend for themselves. Mary has to balance her job and her faith as she becomes Pastor Jeff's marriage counselor and is forced to confront difficult issues. Sheldon and Missy must also learn to take on more responsibility and understand that mistakes will be made, but they must learn from them.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 2532 votes.

Young Sheldon - S3E16

#14 - Pasadena (Season 3 - Episode 16)

Advertisement

In the episode "Pasadena" of Young Sheldon, Sheldon visits the prestigious Caltech for the first time. While Sheldon is away, his father George Sr. is left to take care of the rest of the Cooper family. Despite being a single father, George Sr. proves to be a great dad, showing his love and care for his family. Mary, George Sr.'s wife, makes a mistake by unintentionally eavesdropping on Georgie's phone call with his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Connie, Sheldon's twin sister, tries to cheer up a jealous Missy. At the episode's end, a Star Trek TOS theme song plays as the plane is taking off and Sheldon is leaving for Caltech, evoking strong emotions in the viewers.

The episode pays homage to the original Star Trek series, which was the inspiration for Young Sheldon. The Star Trek TOS theme song serves as a reminder to viewers of the show's roots and tribute to its origin. Moreover, the emotional goodbye scene between Sheldon and his family adds to the episode's overall impact. As Sheldon leaves for college, the family's love for each other is evident, making the ending of this episode heartwarming and memorable.

The episode was rated 7.80 from 1353 votes.

Young Sheldon - S2E13

#13 - A Nuclear Reactor and a Boy Called Lovely (Season 2 - Episode 13)

In the episode, "A Nuclear Reactor and a Boy Called Lovely" of the show Young Sheldon, Sheldon attempts to build a nuclear reactor. This is something that is truly remarkable as it mimics something that has actually happened in real life. As Sheldon works on his project, Dr. Sturgis' colleague, Dr. Linkletter, flirts with Connie at a university cocktail party. This causes tension with Georgie who is upset when he learns that Veronica has a boyfriend.

The episode is comical and lighthearted and features some of the show's classic Sheldon humor. It also shows how Sheldon's scientific prowess can be applied in a real-world setting. It is a reminder of how talented he is and how much potential he has to make a difference in the world. Furthermore, the episode also highlights the importance of relationships and how different people can handle and react to situations differently.

The episode was rated 7.80 from 1736 votes.

Young Sheldon - S1E10

#12 - An Eagle Feather, A String Bean, and an Eskimo (Season 1 - Episode 10)

Advertisement

In the episode "An Eagle Feather, A String Bean, And An Eskimo", Sheldon moves to Dallas to attend a school for gifted children, leaving his family to cope with his absence. Sheldon's family experiences a range of emotions, including sadness, excitement, and relief. Through Sheldon's absence, they come to a realization of how much they need and care for him.

The family is surprised when Sheldon returns home with a surprise gift for his sister, Missy. When Missy opens the gift, she is delighted to find an eagle feather and a string bean inside, along with an Eskimo figurine. When she sees her brother, Missy can't help but giggle with joy. The episode ends with the family happily reunited, and a newfound appreciation for one another.

The episode was rated 7.80 from 2772 votes.

Young Sheldon - S1E12

#11 - A Computer, a Plastic Pony, and a Case of Beer (Season 1 - Episode 12)

In the episode "A Computer, a Plastic Pony, and a Case of Beer" from the show Young Sheldon, Sheldon asks for a computer and unknowingly sparks a heated argument between Mary and George Sr. over the family's finances. During the argument, Meemaw tries to intervene by talking into a mouse, which had viewers rolling over the floor from laughter.

The episode highlights the typical disagreements between parents and children when it comes to money. Despite the tension, it's clear to viewers that Mary and George Sr. love Sheldon and want what is best for him. In the end, Mary and George Sr. find a way to reach a compromise that makes everyone happy.

The episode was rated 7.81 from 2651 votes.

Young Sheldon - S1E22

#10 - Vanilla Ice Cream, Gentleman Callers, and A Dinette Set (Season 1 - Episode 22)

Advertisement

In the episode Vanilla Ice Cream, Gentleman Callers, and A Dinette Set of Young Sheldon, Connie is being pursued by two gentlemen callers and Sheldon intervenes, forcing her to set some ground rules. This leads to a moment of realization for Sheldon, one of the main characters, where he reflects on how he should draw up contracts throughout his life with roommates, his wife, and even his own children.

This sparks excitement among viewers as they suspect that at some point in the future, Sheldon and Amy, another main character, will have children. This is further confirmed by a hint given by the show that makes viewers speculate that Amy will be pregnant in the future. As this episode ends on a cliffhanger, viewers remain on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next episode to find out what happens next to the characters.

The episode was rated 7.82 from 2072 votes.

Young Sheldon - S4E1

#9 - Graduation (Season 4 - Episode 1)

In this episode of Young Sheldon, we follow Sheldon as he graduates from high school and realizes that he may not be ready for college. Meanwhile, Dale tries to make amends with Connie.

The episode does a great job of showing Sheldon's journey of coming to terms with his uncertainty for the future, which is a common feeling for many high school graduates. We also get to see Dale's attempt to reconcile his differences with Connie, which is a touching moment. The episode culminates in a powerful and emotional valedictory speech from Sheldon honoring his sister, which brings tears to the eyes of viewers. This episode is a great start to the series and is sure to be a wholesome delight for fans.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 1286 votes.

Young Sheldon - S1E6

#8 - A Patch, a Modem, and a Zantac (Season 1 - Episode 6)

Advertisement

In the episode “A Patch, a Modem, and a Zantac” of the show Young Sheldon, a NASA representative visits Sheldon’s school and dismisses his science. This causes Sheldon to be set on a mission to prove the representative wrong. Throughout the episode, viewers are reminded of the show Space and the episode ends with a surprise guest, Elon Musk, tying the episode together perfectly.

The episode is charming and funny, as viewers have come to expect from Young Sheldon. However, viewers may be wondering why the dad is so nice compared to his portrayal in the Big Bang Theory, where he is a jerk. The episode ends with a unique twist when Elon Musk appears and Sheldon’s book is revealed. This leaves viewers amused and thinking about what will happen next.

The episode was rated 7.84 from 2998 votes.

Young Sheldon - S2E20

#7 - A Proposal and a Popsicle Stick Cross (Season 2 - Episode 20)

In the episode "A Proposal and a Popsicle Stick Cross" of Young Sheldon, Georgie is excited when Veronica stays at the Cooper's house for a few days. Meanwhile, Connie and Dr. Sturgis celebrate their one-year anniversary. The episode was well-paced, with many different plot points that all came together in the end.

The episode touches on many different topics, including the importance of standing up for the right thing. There was a moment when Sheldon's father did something unexpected, and it made viewers proud of him. The episode ended on a sweet note, with a heartwarming moment between Connie and Dr. Sturgis. It was a great way to wrap up the episode and leave viewers feeling satisfied.

The episode was rated 7.84 from 1659 votes.

Young Sheldon - S2E3

#6 - A Crisis of Faith and Octopus Aliens (Season 2 - Episode 3)

Advertisement

In the episode "A Crisis of Faith and Octopus Aliens" of the show Young Sheldon, Mary's faith is shaken by a tragedy in the community, prompting Sheldon to become an unlikely ally. Viewers have commented that this episode was very touching despite their own lack of faith. In addition, they expressed their admiration for the way the crisis of faith that many people go through was expressed so wonderfully through Mary's character. The episode was also noted for its incorporation of the mysterious octopus aliens.

The episode was met with a lot of positive reception from viewers. Those watching were touched by the story and how it was expressed, with many taking to social media to express their appreciation for the episode. People were also left wondering "where all these sliced onions came from?" as the episode contained a lot of emotional scenes. All in all, it was a wonderful episode that showed the strength of faith in the face of tragedy and left viewers with a lot to think about.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 1956 votes.

Young Sheldon - S3E21

#5 - A Secret Letter and a Lowly Disc of Processed Meat (Season 3 - Episode 21)

In the episode "A Secret Letter and a Lowly Disc of Processed Meat" of the show Young Sheldon, Sheldon discovers that his mother, Mary, is keeping a secret about his future. Meanwhile, Connie is furious when she finds out Dale fired her son, Georgie, from his job.

The episode features a variety of characters, with the mother being seen as annoying by some viewers. However, Sheldon's grandmother, Meemaw, is seen as awesome by many. The most popular characters of the show, in order, are Georgie Jr, Missy, George Sr, Meemaw, Mary, and then Sheldon. The episode ends with the hint that viewers might get to see what Sheldon's life is like at Caltech in the upcoming season.

The episode was rated 7.89 from 1255 votes.

Young Sheldon - S6E22

#4 - A Tornado, a 10-Hour Flight and a Darn Fine Ring (Season 6 - Episode 22)

Advertisement

In the latest episode of Young Sheldon, titled "A Tornado, a 10-Hour Flight and a Darn Fine Ring," Sheldon and his mother Mary embark on an unexpected journey to Germany. Meanwhile, back in Medford, the Cooper family finds themselves facing a terrifying tornado.

For those who have experienced a natural disaster, the episode will surely strike a chord. It reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of our loved ones. As someone who has lived through an earthquake, I can relate to the overwhelming feeling of realizing how small we are in the face of such powerful forces.

The emotional finale left viewers with a mix of heartbreak and anticipation. Meemaw's devastation upon seeing her house destroyed tugs at the heartstrings. Will Sheldon spend the next season in Germany, or will the writers fast forward to their return? The new house dynamic is something many fans are eager to see unfold.

Some viewers even expressed a willingness to explore the lives of the rest of the Cooper family without Sheldon and Mary in the upcoming season. Comparisons were drawn to other Chuck Lorre productions, such as "Mom," where the absence of a titular character was successfully managed. The anticipation surrounding George's fate adds an extra layer of intrigue, reminiscent of similar plotlines in shows like "This is Us."

Overall, the episode left a lasting impression, with many fans feeling an emotional connection that brought them to tears. However, not all viewers were satisfied, as some considered the season finale to be underwhelming. Nevertheless, it has certainly set the stage for an exciting next season filled with new challenges and developments.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 751 votes.

Young Sheldon - S2E8

#3 - An 8-Bit Princess and a Flat Tire Genius (Season 2 - Episode 8)

In the episode "An 8-Bit Princess and a Flat Tire Genius", Sheldon and Connie bond over their shared love of a new video game. This leads to a hilarious journey of Sheldon trying to find a replacement game when the one Connie has breaks. George Sr. is jealous when Georgie bonds with Herschel at the auto shop, leading to a sweet moment between the two of them.

Meanwhile, Meemaw and Sheldon share a tender moment when she tickles him, showing the strong bond between the two. It is this bond that leads them to run off and buy a new game together, creating a heartwarming moment. Fans of the show were disappointed by the fake Nintendo console used, as it was not true to the original. Nevertheless, this sweet episode was a reminder of the special relationship between Meemaw and Sheldon.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 1854 votes.

Young Sheldon - S7E12

#2 - A New Home and a Traditional Texas Torture (Season 7 - Episode 12)

Advertisement

In the emotional episode "A New Home and a Traditional Texas Torture" of Young Sheldon, viewers witness George Sr. receiving a life-changing job offer, sparking excitement and uncertainty within the family. As Sheldon gears up for his impending move to California, the dynamics of the Cooper household are set to shift dramatically.

The anticipation builds as fans watch Sheldon's journey unfold, paving the way for his eventual transformation into the beloved character we know from The Big Bang Theory. The poignant portrayal of these significant life events adds depth to Sheldon's complex personality, offering insights into his formative years and the experiences that shape his future self.

With stellar performances from the cast, including Reagan as 'Missy' and Lance as 'George Snr', this episode captures the essence of familial bonds and the bittersweet moments that come with change. As the series approaches its conclusion, viewers are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the resolution of key storylines and the ultimate fate of the characters they have grown to love over the seasons.

The episode was rated 8.03 from 341 votes.

Young Sheldon - S2E22

#1 - A Swedish Science Thing and the Equation for Toast (Season 2 - Episode 22)

In the episode "A Swedish Science Thing and the Equation for Toast" of Young Sheldon, Sheldon invites the entire school to a party for the Nobel Prize announcements. Meanwhile, Connie discovers more about Dr. Sturgis' past, and Georgie's wish for cable TV leads to a confrontation between him and George Sr. By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a sad feeling as Sheldon says, "A primary feature of quarks is that they're always bonded together, but in that moment, I felt like a neutrino, destined to be alone forever. Thankfully, I was wrong."

The episode also shows viewers the other six Big Bang characters as children and brings out excellent performances from the cast, especially from Raegan Revord. The episode was a bittersweet ending to the season, with the characters facing the consequences of their decisions, yet learning important life lessons along the way.

The episode was rated 8.07 from 1644 votes.

Latest articles

Search for TV shows...

About Series with Sophie

Welcome to our community!

We are a community of women who are passionate about our favorite series and want to share that passion with others.

Our mission is to create a space where women can discover new content, connect with like-minded individuals, and engage in meaningful discussions about the series we love.

We believe that everyone should have access to reliable and trustworthy information about their favorite shows, and we strive to be the premier destination for women seeking that information. Whether you're looking for recaps, fan theories, or just want to connect with other fans, we've got you covered.

So join us and be a part of our growing community of series enthusiasts!