The Big Bang Theory’s Leonard Wasn’t ‘Lucky’ to Get Penny (But So Wasn’t She)

Even though The Big Bang Theory ended five years ago, back in 2019, fans of the show are still arguing about some of the most controversial characters and plot twists. Did Raj deserve a happy ending? Was Bernadette just a bully? How in the world did any of Sheldon's friends not get tired of him?

However, there is one question that infuriates most viewers no matter what their answer is. Was Leonard lucky to get it on with Penny, or was it Penny who should have been grateful to secure a match with Leonard? Finally, there is a definitive answer that should put this argument to rest.

Did Penny Deserve Leonard?

While all of The Big Bang Theory's characters were flawed in one way or another, Penny was always meant to be the one that viewers could relate to the most. She started out as the new neighbor in the building who got a glimpse into the odd friendship and struggles of the 4 nerdy friends next door.

She may have been portrayed as dumb, but in reality, not understanding half of the science jokes and not being exposed to the same media as them just shows the difference in their interests and upbringing. Penny struggles with her career and tries to make it as an actress in Los Angeles instead.

Throughout the show, when she got with one of the guys, Leonard, the writers kept throwing in jokes about how he didn't deserve her just because she was beautiful. Of course, that wasn't the case, because their relationship wasn't based on looks alone. However, these jokes created a group of fans who would counterpoint and paint Penny as undeserving.

The battle between one side, which claimed that Penny was out of Leonard's league, and the other, which pointed to her failed career, lack of money and intelligence, lasted for years and continues to this day. In retrospect, however, it's clear that this discourse makes no sense.

“They are both lucky to have each other. To have someone who is their polar opposite be able to give them what they lacked. Order and freedom, structure and relaxation,” Redditor EdgyTidLover said on the matter.

Instead of pointing out each other's flaws, Penny and Leonard slowly learned to accept their differences and overcome potential conflicts over them. If only their fans could do the same, the tiresome argument could have been easily resolved.

If you want to re-watch The Big Bang Theory and enjoy the story of Leonard and Penny's romance from beginning to end, you can stream the show on Max.