As a long-time fan of The Big Bang Theory, I must say that the show has left an indelible mark on my heart and my sense of humor. One of the aspects that never fail to bring a smile to my face is the unique, quirky, and relatable characters that populate the show.
There’s no denying that The Big Bang Theory is one of the most successful comedies of all time. It racked up a whopping 55 Primetime Emmy nominations and secured 10 wins during its 12-season run. The writing, the humor, and the relationships created along the way attracted its now massive fan base to keep coming back each week and tuning in for additional spin-offs like Young Sheldon and the upcoming Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.
The sitcom introduced a depth and warmth to its characters that grew incredibly likable. It skillfully combined nerdiness and mainstream culture in a manner that was remarkably forward-thinking. A significant aspect contributing to the show’s charm was the writing and humor, featuring recurring jokes and gags that carried over from one season to another. To highlight some of the series’ best recurring jokes, here is a collection:
10 The ‘Soft Kitty’ Song
In my personal experience, the beloved ‘Soft Kitty’ lullaby is a well-known tune that soothes Sheldon when he’s under the weather. During the initial season of ‘The Big Bang Theory’, this song made its way into our hearts and soon gained popularity comparable to the show itself. However, it was crucial that the lyrics were sung in a specific sequence for it to be considered complete, which often proved challenging for Sheldon’s caring friends who used the song to comfort him.
The Song’s Lasting Effect
As a dedicated fan of The Big Bang Theory, I can’t help but reflect on the profound impact Penny had on the show. Although she offered countless unforgettable moments and witty remarks, her rendition of “Soft Kitty” might just be her most significant contribution. In a moment when she was the only one who could care for Sheldon during his illness, she sang this tender lullaby. Since then, it has been used by the entire gang to comfort themselves in times of sickness, sorrow, or injury. This kind of heartwarming content is what makes The Big Bang Theory special and has resonated with fans ever since its debut.
9 The Broken Elevator
In Sheldon and Leonard’s apartment building, the elevator often malfunctions, which was a recurring joke throughout “The Big Bang Theory.” From its first season up until the twelfth, this predicament presented an amusing challenge to every character trying to reach their floor, enriching both the characters’ experiences and the writers’ plot-development for the show’s span of 12 years.
Breaking the Mold
The faulty elevator adds a dose of humor just by being present and causing mischief for the characters. Whether moving furniture or acting as a time machine, it provided numerous amusing scenes. It wasn’t until the finale of season 12 that it was finally repaired, resulting in a surprising twist. Although it doesn’t have the iconic catchphrases associated with it, the elevator showcases the series’ skill at incorporating subtle jokes as well as its more obvious humorous elements and one-liners.
8 Howard and Raj’s Bromance
In the main cast, Howard and Raj stand out, each experiencing unique relationships throughout the series. Yet, their bond might be the most remarkable romantic tale in the program. Their interactions resemble those of an aging married couple, complete with constant squabbles, yet they often bring out the best in one another. For a significant portion of the show, Howard played a crucial role in helping Raj find his voice, as Raj struggled with mutism for much of it. Although it lacks the ‘will they, won’t they’ tension found in other iconic relationships, it beautifully portrays a friendship that is consistently humorous, heartfelt, and eccentric.
Howard and Raj Have an Unforgettable Friendship
Their friendship is one that is difficult to match and has fans looking for the Howard to their Raj. It is easily one of the best TV bromances of all time. In Season 7’s “The Deception Verification,” the bros go so far as to cop a feel on one another after Howard becomes worried about the size of his boobs. The pair of friends go through a series of tests that can only be handled by the best of friends. It’s one of the many hilarious pieces of their story together and highlights why they make such a great duo.
7 The Roommate Agreement
Prior to sharing the apartment, Sheldon had Leonard put his name on a detailed contract detailing the house rules. This ironclad agreement, causing frequent frustration for Leonard yet empowering Sheldon, often serves as a tool for Sheldon to justify himself in various situations, big or small. With each character having their unique eccentricities, it’s intriguing to ponder who would make the ideal roommate among them.
Is It a Contractual Friendship?
Living with Dr. Sheldon Cooper is no walk in the park; it’s a constant source of amusement laced with challenges. The pair often lock horns over minute details, which lead to endless comedic moments. More often than not, the agreement leans heavily in Sheldon’s favor, even going so far as to include provisions for the unthinkable, like a possible zombie outbreak. Leonard soon learned that it was futile to argue with Sheldon regarding matters such as bathroom schedules or apartment temperature. Despite the many difficult roommates one might encounter, it is Sheldon’s quirks and neuroses that make him an intriguing and comical character.
6 Sheldon’s Knocking
One memorable aspect of Sheldon Cooper’s character from the hit show is his unique way of knocking at his friends’ doors, which includes three knocks followed by his friend’s name. This classic joke remains fresh and entertaining even after multiple viewings. In nearly every episode of the renowned series, you can spot Sheldon standing at Penny’s door, using this specific knocking pattern to get her attention. If his knocking sequence is disturbed, he won’t stop until it’s done in the correct order.
Knock, Knock Joke
Sheldon consistently demonstrates an unending array of peculiarities, and the latest instance is no exception. Characters have grown accustomed to Sheldon and his idiosyncrasies, making this trait another hallmark of Jim Parsons’ esteemed portrayal. In Season 10’s episode “The Hot Tub Contamination,” the cause of his compulsive knocking is unveiled for the first time. This habit stems from Sheldon’s childhood discovery of his father’s infidelity, leading him to believe that three knocks are necessary before someone can dress appropriately. Many of Sheldon’s oddities have a logical explanation, even though it often takes time to discover them. This layer of drama in the humor is captivating, and when those three knocks arrive at one of the characters’ doors, laughter is guaranteed instantly.
5 Penny’s Check Engine Light
For a significant portion of the early seasons, the check engine warning sign in Penny’s rundown vehicle stayed illuminated. This malfunctioning car mirrors Penny’s challenging acting career, yet her laid-back demeanor and financial constraints prevent her from addressing its issues effectively. To anyone who might ride with her, it’s a more significant worry. However, Penny seems content to continue driving with the extra light on.
Check For Laughs
For Penny, with her neurotic friends, it was common to receive criticism over her poor car upkeep. Whenever she drove Sheldon somewhere, he would often remark on this issue, along with his other criticisms about her driving skills. Before embarking on a career in pharmaceuticals, Penny’s vehicle constantly caused problems for her. It wasn’t until the seventh season that Penny’s car finally malfunctioned dramatically in “The Friendship Turbulence,” a turning point for her character and a continuation of one of the show’s most enduring jokes.
4 Howard’s Mother
In the series, Howard’s mother is depicted as an overbearing and shrieky character who is always causing a fuss, yet she is never physically present on screen. This is a common trope in sitcoms where important characters are portrayed through their off-screen presence. The show “Big Bang” employs this technique creatively by representing Howard’s mother through her loud and exasperating voice. Every time Howard returns home, he is greeted with a barrage of screams that often lead him to respond in kind. Their relationship is tumultuous, to put it mildly.
She Is the Angry Mom
The joke about Howard’s mom continues throughout the series, with its final appearance in Season 8 following her unfortunate demise. Prior to that, the character’s voice would send shivers down Howard’s spine, causing laughter among others. Fans found her voice particularly amusing. A key aspect of this recurring gag is when Howard discovers Bernadette’s yelling voice sounds exactly like his mother’s, making things even more intriguing. To make matters more humorous, he finds Bernadette’s “motherly” scolding to be arousing. This revelation adds an extra dose of hilarity to some of Bernadette’s most memorable lines. Despite the occasional strained relationship between Howard and his mother, their dynamic always provided plenty of laughs.
3 Bazinga!
In Season 2’s episode titled “The Monopolar Expedition,” Sheldon coined a phrase that quickly gained popularity. This well-known statement was soon printed on t-shirts and various other merchandise, making it easy for fans to own a piece of the show’s enduring humor.
Your Favorite Catchphrase
Initially, Sheldon struggled to grasp sarcasm and humor subtleties, but as he mastered them, he infused his distinctive style, resulting in the iconic exclamation “Bazinga!”. This phrase became a defining aspect of his character, serving as a substitute for laughter for the unconventional scientist. Frequently spotted on t-shirts, fans have incorporated this catchphrase into their daily conversations, making it one of the most memorable jokes from the series.
2 Sheldon’s Spot
In “The Big Bang Theory,” it’s important not to take Sheldon’s favorite couch seat. Throughout the series, relationships between characters are rich and often overlooked, but none may be as closely tied as Sheldon and his preferred spot on the sofa. Right from the very first episode, we understand that this is a rule Sheldon strictly adheres to. This becomes one of the ongoing jokes in the show, helping establish Sheldon’s character early on. His spot serves as his sanctuary, a place where no other character can intrude.
Don’t Sit in Sheldon’s Spot
On the iconic couch, a constant source of laughter for the show, it seems as if there’s an invisible barrier protecting the left side. Any character venturing close risks provoking Sheldon’s anger if they breach his established rules. From Sheldon’s point of view, that spot represents “the unique area in space where my entire universe orbits.” Even when he reluctantly allows Howard to sit there in “The Apology Insufficiency,” Sheldon can only endure 94 seconds before ejecting him. This may be one obsession Sheldon cannot overcome. Without his territorial claim over the couch, his character would lack much of its comedic impact.
1 Howard’s Lack of a PhD
Among his peers, Howard frequently becomes the target of jokes due to his unique fashion sense and petite stature, but it’s his “supposedly” lesser academic achievement – holding only a master’s degree – that inspires the majority of these humorous jabs. However, it should be noted that Howard stands out as one of the most accomplished individuals in this group. Amongst a circle of doctors, being an engineer often triggers jokes and teasing.
Howard Is Confident
Luckily, Howard excels in his self-assured skills to accomplish astounding tasks, like venturing into space and playing a crucial role in the Mars Rover Mission. If he had that hard-to-get PhD, there would be less fodder for jests among us. However, he never pursues getting a PhD, and it’s this ongoing debate that adds to the unique charm of our group. His “unconventional education” is simply another aspect that contributes to the legendary humor in this series.
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2024-10-14 06:02