The 5 Most Underrated Episodes Of Young Sheldon Ranked

The 5 Most Underrated Episodes Of Young Sheldon Ranked

As a devoted fan who has watched every episode of Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory, I can say without a doubt that these two episodes stand out as some of the most touching and underrated ones in the series.


Despite being a spin-off from the popular sitcom “The Big Bang Theory,” “Young Sheldon” has managed to establish its own unique identity apart from its parent series. While Jim Parsons provides narration about Sheldon’s childhood, Iain Armitage plays the young prodigy. Unlike its predecessor, “Young Shendon” offers a closer look at the lives of the Cooper family members, expanding beyond just Sheldon. This change enables the show to explore more emotional storylines, although some are more direct than others.

On the hit show “Young Sheldon,” there’s never a lack of excitement, and each season culminates in one or more thrilling episodes. For instance, the tornado in the shocking Season 6 finale stands out as one of the series’ top-rated episodes on IMDb. However, not every episode is filled with high drama – some are just as significant but less attention-grabbing. A touching moment between Georgie (Montana Jordan) and Missy (Raegan Revord) in Season 1 may appear insignificant at first glance, but it plays a crucial role in shaping a vital relationship on the show. There are many more moments like this that are often overshadowed by bigger events or Sheldon’s academic triumphs. However, don’t forget to appreciate the subtleties of these seemingly minor scenes too! Keep reading to uncover the five most underappreciated episodes of “Young Sheldon.”

5. A Free Scratcher and Feminine Wiles (Season 5, Episode 14)

The 5 Most Underrated Episodes Of Young Sheldon Ranked

After finishing high school in record time, Sheldon pursues higher education at East Texas Tech. However, some viewers of “Young Sheldon” started losing interest during his college years, finding the character a bit tiresome and not as invested in his daily college life. Regardless of whether you believe Iain Armitage’s portrayal of the character lost some charm between seasons 5 and 6, it can’t be denied that he still had captivating college-related storylines. The heated debate among Sheldon, Dr. Sturgis, and Dr. Linkletter (Ed Begley Jr.) in “A Free Scratcher and Feminine Wiles” is a prime example, and the episode even featured a cameo from Ming-Na Wen, star of “The Book of Boba Fett”.

In this scenario, two university professors are frequently criticizing each other, and Sheldon voices his frustration to President Hagemeyer (Wendie Malick) because his ideas are not being valued by his teachers. Tired of their ongoing squabbles, Hagemeyer invites Dr. Carole Lee (Wen) – a fellow scientist – to help resolve the conflict. Despite being one of the least favorite episodes of “Young Sheldon” according to IMBb, this episode becomes quite engaging due to Dr. Lee’s interactions with Sheldon. Unlike most people in Sheldon’s life, Dr. Lee can intellectually match wits with the prodigy. In a clever twist, she outwits him by setting up a “Home Alone”-style trap on her computer. This episode underscores that despite Sheldon’s intelligence, there’s still much he needs to learn.

4. A Resident Advisor and the Word ‘Sketchy’ (Season 6, Episode 5)

The 5 Most Underrated Episodes Of Young Sheldon Ranked

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Season 6 is considered the weakest season for “Young Sheldon,” but it doesn’t mean there aren’t standout episodes worth watching. One such episode is “A Resident Advisor and the Word ‘Sketchy,'” which is a must-see for its impact on the plot progression. For Sheldon, this means diving deeper into college life, albeit in his unique fashion. Following an overnight stay at the dormitory, he complains to President Hagemeyer about the nightly disorder. To get him to stop complaining, she appoints him as the new resident advisor. However, Sheldon’s newfound authority quickly goes to his head, leading to comedic situations as the other students retaliate against him.

In other parts, Meemaw (Annie Potts) makes a significant leap in her bond with Dale (Craig T. Nelson) by asking him to join her in an illicit gambling venture. However, the key moments of the episode revolve around Mary (Zoe Perry) and George (Lance Barber). After several weeks of tension, they appear to reignite their romance. Intriguingly, Mary feels their relationship is robust enough for another child, but George swiftly dismisses the idea, viewing it as a hasty attempt to resolve her issues, particularly her expulsion from the church. This disagreement triggers another major argument between them, driving George even closer to his neighbor Brenda Sparks (Melissa Peterman), a plotline that escalates later in the series.

3. An Ugly Car, an Affair and Some Kicka** Football (Season 6, Episode 6)

The 5 Most Underrated Episodes Of Young Sheldon Ranked

One less-acknowledged gem from Season 6 is titled “A Run-Down Car, an Affair, and Some Rough Football.” In this episode, Emily Osment showcases her talents as Georgie’s baby’s mother Mandy McAllister. Due to a disagreement with her parents regarding the baby news, Mandy finds herself living with Connie. A swift friendship develops between them, but it results in Connie disclosing her illicit business dealings, which Georgie is also implicated in.

Rather than criticizing them for a mistake, Mandy promptly expresses enthusiasm towards Georgie’s business venture. Her excitement escalates significantly when she discovers the financial success of the endeavor and understands its potential positive impact on their child’s education, as she exclaims, “My child is going to attend a private school!” with great delight.

Fans of “Young Sheldon” may find themselves oscillating between affection and disdain towards the character Mandy, but this particular episode serves to solidify her as a part of the Cooper family. This is a pivotal instance, marking the end of any hidden truths between Georgie and Mandy. While they aren’t romantically involved at this point, their emotional barriers have crumbled, allowing them to truly be themselves around each other. This newfound openness brings them closer and sets the stage for a potential rekindling of their relationship later in the series.

2. Gluons, Guacamole and the Color Purple (Season 1, Episode 19)

The 5 Most Underrated Episodes Of Young Sheldon Ranked

The bond between Sheldon and his grandmother is a recurring theme in the show “Young Sheldon,” which was also depicted in “The Big Bang Theory.” As an adult, Sheldon often shares heartwarming stories about his grandmother, whom he affectionately calls Meemaw. In Season 1, viewers get to see glimpses of their relationship, particularly in Episode 3 where she consoles her grandchildren following George’s heart attack. However, it is in Episode 19, titled “Gluons, Guacamole and the Color Purple,” that their relationship is most evident. In this episode, Meemaw takes Sheldon to East Texas Tech so he can audit Dr. Sturgis’ class. Their weekly car rides, during which Sheldon discusses his ambitions, provide insight into their special bond.

In this episode, we delve deeper into the bond between Georgie and Missy, their siblings. Despite their frequent squabbles, they often find themselves side by side due to Sheldon’s demanding nature. A moment of need arises when Missy struggles with her grammar homework, leaving Georgie as her only option for help. After some struggle, they manage to solve the problem together, creating a heartwarming, low-key moment. Missy then slides her perfected test under Georgie’s door, which he proudly displays on his wall. This shared experience sets the stage for their future relationship, as they continue to rely on each other and maintain a strong bond of support.

1. A Fancy Article and a Scholarship for a Baby (Season 7, Episode 9)

The 5 Most Underrated Episodes Of Young Sheldon Ranked

In the TV series “Young Sheldon,” the deep-rooted connections within the Cooper family are its fundamental core. The show frequently underscores this fact, but an episode that exceptionally highlights the bond between George Cooper and his family is Season 7’s “A Scholarly Article and a Scholarship for a Baby.”

Following the publication of a scientific paper in a renowned journal, Sheldon is now receiving invitations from distinguished graduate programs such as Stanford, MIT, and his former university, East Texas Tech. Overwhelmed by this significant choice and anxious about leaving home, Sheldon inclines towards remaining in Texas. However, it’s his father who has met with representatives from each school, who encourages him to attend a top-tier institution because he believes Sheldon has outgrown East Texas Tech.

George promises to support him in whatever decision he makes, which turns out to be MIT. The father and son even travel to Boston, but upon realizing how cold it gets there, they decide that Caltech might be a better fit for Sheldon after all. This is an incredibly sweet moment between the pair — proving once and for all George was not the man Sheldon described him to be in “The Big Bang Theory” — but it’s overshadowed by the other major events in Season 7, including George’s death, which is one of the saddest episodes of “Young Sheldon.”

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2024-08-31 20:00