Howard Wolowitz begins The Big Bang Theory as the sleaziest character, but he undergoes the most substantial development over the series. Initially, Howard is a wannabe womanizer, willing to do anything for a chance with any girl, like when he let a woman he just met drive the Mars Rover into a ditch. However, by the end of The Big Bang Theory, Howard has transformed into a devoted husband and father.
Howard’s relationship with Bernadette begins in season 3, and after a brief breakup, they build a strong partnership, with their wedding as The Big Bang Theory season 5 finale event. While he is far from a perfect husband—often shirking chores and expecting Bernadette to fill the void left by his mother—he becomes a far more thoughtful and mature person. The Big Bang Theory’s most romantic episode, season 7, episode 6, “The Romance Resonance” cements Howard’s growth from the most cringe-worthy character into an attentive, loving husband.
Howard Writes Bernadette A Song For An Anniversary In The Big Bang Theory Season 7 Episode 6
The Big Bang Theory Gang Helps Serenade Bernadette In The Most Unexpected Place
Howard is uncharacteristically prepared for the anniversary of his first day with Bernadette. I find it adorable that he wants to celebrate their first date, something I would not expect him to even remember. Howard is self-aware enough that when Penny asks what he is apologizing for, he jokingly replies he is banking goodwill for a future offense. Determined to make the night special, Howard enlists the whole gang to help serenade Bernadette at the restaurant, even shutting down Raj’s attempt to add a rap, showing that, for once, he is prioritizing her over his best friend.
However, when an accident at Bernadette’s lab forces her into quarantine as a precaution, Howard and the rest of The Big Bang Theory characters adapt, bringing the performance to her at the hospital. With a stripped-down arrangement—no cello, no ukulele, just a keyboard and vocals—Howard delivers a song that perfectly blends humor and heart. No matter how many times I rewatch the scene, I still get a little teary. It’s a raw, vulnerable confession of love from a man who used to hide behind over-the-top playboy antics.
Howard Wolowitz’s Journey From Selfish Sleaze To Caring Husband
Bernadette Helps Howard Face His Fears At Home & Work
Some of Howard’s problematic behavior in the early seasons was creepy, like creating a robot hand for inappropriate uses or using NASA satellites to find the location of the America’s Next Top Model house, but other things he did cross the line into criminal, like giving Penny a teddy bear that was secretly a nanny cam. However, over The Big Bang Theory’s 12 seasons, it becomes clear that much of Howard’s womanizing behavior stems from deep-seated abandonment issues and insecurities, particularly surrounding his absent father.
The Big Bang Theory spin-off prequel series, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, is currently airing, with new episodes Thursdays at 8 p.m. on CBS and streaming next-day on Paramount+.
Bernadette helps Howard develop real confidence instead of the fake bravado he used to put on. Bernadette helps Howard face his fears, like going into space, which gives him a new sense of pride in his job. Marriage and fatherhood give Howard a sense of stability and identity outside of work. Howard is the character who changes the most in The Big Bang Theory, and he ends the series as a happily devoted family man.
