3 Most Emotional Big Bang Theory Episodes, Ranked

The Big Bang Theory is a hit show that focuses on four nerd friends living their lives and trying to succeed in life both personally and professionally.

And while the second of those desires is not an issue (they are all quite well-known in their fields of work), the personal and social aspects of their lives are quite traumatizing.

But all that changes over the course of the series, mostly with the help of some truly emotional breakthroughs. Here, we collected the best of them.

3. The Leftover Thermalization

It takes place in episode 18 of season 8. The episode is about Howard's late mother. When she died unexpectedly, she left behind an entire refrigerator full of food she had made.

And we certainly remember that Mrs. Wolowitz was known for her famous big Jewish dinners and her desire to feed all the people in the world.

Howard and Bernadette went to her house to see what to do next after her death, when Stuart told them that the power had gone out.

Howard then rushed to the refrigerator and discovered a lot of food that his mother had prepared in advance. He realizes that without power, everything will be destroyed.

So he decides to have one last big dinner with his mother's food and invite everyone over. The scene is truly heartbreaking and shows how close the friends are to each other and how they truly honor Howard's mother.

2. The Proton Transmogrification

The scene we are about to discuss takes place in episode 22 of season 7. And it also focuses on a sad event, the death of Professor Proton, also known as Arthur Jeffries.

As we know, he was a role model for Sheldon and other young boys who wanted to grow up and become scientists.

Sheldon was fortunate enough to have known him in real life and even become somewhat of a friend. But when he learned of the man's death, he didn't really show any regret or sorrow.

He didn't even attend the man's funeral. But as the episode progresses, it becomes obvious that he is more emotionally affected than he admits.

In a dream, Professor Proton comes to Sheldon and tells him that it's okay to be sad about his losses, but that he also needs to appreciate the people around him now.

Sheldon wakes up to find that Leonard has returned from Arthur's funeral, and though he rejected his comforting embrace at the beginning of the episode, he throws his arms around him for a long hug.

1. The VCR Illumination

In episode 10 of season 12 after learning that their theory has already been disproved, Sheldon and Amy descend into depression.

And Leonard suggests that he watch the emergency VHS he made for himself as a child.

But Sheldon quickly discovers that his father has taped over his tape with one of the football games he coached. And this only depresses Sheldon more. But he still decides to watch his father's video again.

And it turns out that George Cooper was giving a pep talk to his team, insisting that even though they were losing, they couldn't give up, and that failure taught them more about who they were.

And Sheldon ended up really inspired by this.