It’s all fun and games until you’re watching the last episode of the show and a wave of emotions hits you like a tsunami.
With a dozen seasons of hilarious misadventures of some of the most beloved geeks in sitcom history, The Big Bang Theory boasts a sizeable following, and with great fanfare, at that.
But much like any other piece of entertainment, the Chuck Lorre & Bill Prady-created show isn’t immune to public opprobrium, most of which gravitates around a perceived lack of emotion-evoking content.
If you were to rewatch TBBT, you’d find more than just that, of course. There are moments when the show becomes too controversial, especially with its distinct spin on nerd culture, which fosters more stereotypes than you’d imagine. And then there’s the chief complaint – where are the emotionally resonant moments?
Few and far between as they may be, however, these 5 instances from The Big Bang Theory are so devastatingly heartfelt that they’ll make you feel more than just sentimental – they’ll make you shed a tear, and this Reddit panel is proof of the same.
Now would be the right time to grab some tissues.
5. When Amy Broke Up With Sheldon
It’s not that they were together for half a decade, or the fact that they were a match made in heaven, or that the entire fandom had been rooting for them. No, it’s how Amy (Mayim Bialik) decided to call it quits with him, not knowing that the socially inept but precocious Sheldon (Jim Parsons) was planning to propose to her.
Although they ultimately tied the knot in season 11 (phew), it was still hard to watch one of the most endearing, fan-favorite couples on the show get heartbroken. Meanwhile, you’re sitting on your couch and shouting at the screen because you know they’re meant to be together.
4. When Howard Sings to His Beloved, Bernadette
I couldn’t have imagined how good my life would get
From the moment that I met you, Bernadette.
From the melody to the beautiful lyrics, everything about the song that Howard (Simon Helberg) dedicates to Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) tugs at your heartstrings. Not only does he write the song, but he also performs it for her on the anniversary of their first date as a token of his love.
And when the whole gang joins Howard? Chef’s kiss.
3. The Reconciliation Between Sheldon & Georgie
Up until the penultimate episode of season 11, we don’t get to see Sheldon’s elder brother, Georgie Cooper (Jerry O’Connell) save for the allusions and references made by the people who know him.
Nevertheless, Sheldon’s animosity toward his elder brother – who was berated for being a big bad bully during his childhood – remained evident throughout the show. Then their mother inadvertently helps them patch up after refusing to attend Sheldon’s wedding unless he invites Georgie as well, to his big day.
So, when the two brothers finally reunite after a decade of giving each other the cold shoulder, it’s as emotional a moment as any (here’s an extra tissue for you if you have a sibling).
2. Goodbye Mrs. Wolowitz
From her helicopter parenting to the amusingly heated conversations between her and his son, Howard’s mother (Carol Ann Susi) became an elemental part of the CBS comedy, so much so that her absence came off as perhaps one of the heaviest blows to the fandom.
As lighthearted and hilarious as the show is, the tragic death of Mrs. Wolowitz was heart-shattering enough to make even God’s strongest soldier cry.
Not to mention, the reality behind the sudden departure of Howard’s mom from the show makes it all the more painful (Susi died on November 11, 2014, which is why the showrunners killed off her on-screen character).
1. Sheldon’s Legendary Nobel Prize Speech
Anybody who claims that they didn’t shed tears or at least choke up during this episode is simply lying.
In The Big Bang Theory finale, Sheldon Cooper receives a Nobel Prize after years of conscientious work, and his acceptance speech will forever go down as one of the most wholesome moments in not just the TBBT universe, but pop culture history.
Not only does he express his sincerest gratitude towards his A-team, but he also pays tribute to all those who’ve been by his side since day one. It was an “unforgettable” moment for even the executive producer, Steve Holland (via TV Line).
