Over its 12 seasons, The Big Bang Theory became a beloved sitcom blending science, comedy, and quirky characters. But, with such a long run, it’s inevitable that not every episode hit the mark. Some episodes were undeniably better than others, and according to IMDb ratings, one episode stands out as the worst of them all.
The Emmy-winning sitcom, created by Chuck Lorre, follows the personal lives of a group of scientists and their non-scientist friends, including iconic characters like Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), Penny Hofstadter (Kaley Cuoco), and Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik). But despite its massive popularity, there were a few episodes that failed to capture the magic that made the show such a hit.
The Worst of the Worst: “The Matrimonial Momentum”
According to IMDb fans, the worst episode of The Big Bang Theory comes from Season 9: “The Matrimonial Momentum.” This episode, which aired as the season premiere, follows the fallout from Leonard’s confession that he kissed another woman while dating Penny. After a dramatic buildup in the Season 8 finale, where Leonard admits the infidelity and Penny struggles to forgive him, the episode shows them rushing into a Vegas wedding with no fanfare, and their friends barely paying attention. Sheldon’s drama with Amy, who asks for a relationship break, overshadows the wedding, leaving Penny and Leonard’s big moment feeling awkward and forced.
What makes “The Matrimonial Momentum” particularly painful for fans is that it splits the group apart — a key flaw, given that the show works best when all the characters are together. Adding to the frustration, both Sheldon and Leonard act badly toward their partners, which drains the humor and emotional connection fans expect from the show. Even after Penny and Leonard’s rushed wedding, they’re still in conflict, leading to more tension and an unsatisfying resolution.
Other Disliked Episodes According to IMDb
“The Matrimonial Momentum” isn’t alone at the bottom. Several other episodes are also rated poorly by fans. The Season 10 episode “The Cognition Regeneration” holds a low 6.8 rating, partly due to an irritating subplot about Leonard’s jealousy when Penny’s ex-boyfriend offers her a job. Similarly, Season 11’s “The Athenaeum Allocation” shares the same rating and features another unappealing conflict between Sheldon and Amy about their wedding venue, coupled with a frustratingly sexist argument between Howard and Bernadette about parenting roles.
In Season 12, “The Planetarium Collision” also receives a 6.8 rating, with fans citing Sheldon’s selfishness and attempts to sabotage Amy’s scientific career for his own gain as a major letdown.
Despite these rough episodes, The Big Bang Theory remained a fan favorite throughout its run, offering plenty of memorable moments and emotional growth for its characters. While it’s true that some episodes fell flat, they don’t overshadow the series’ overall success. For those curious about the less-than-stellar episodes or seeking a better viewing experience, The Big Bang Theory is available for streaming on Max.
