Even True Big Bang Theory Fans Can't Remember The First Season. Who Can?

Since it first aired in 2007, the show The Big Bang Theory has been a hit. This goofy comedy goes down easy and makes for a good watch any time. It’s been a long time since 2007—11 years in fact! A lot has happened in the 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory, and for everyone but true fans the first season may just be a distant blurry memory. With its great cast of characters and lovable, relatable humor the big bang theory appealed to a wide range of viewers. The short episode length made it easily digestible, and it is incredibly easy to get sucked into a Big Bang Theory binge by letting first one, and then a second, and then a third episode play without noticing it.

The Big Bang Theory is famous for letting the nerds take center stage, in a way that is still appealing to a mass audience. The show has all the right smarts, and all the right humor. The first season of a show is always the greatest—it is the start of something new and wonderful, it is what gets fans hooked. This quiz is designed to test fans knowledge of The Big Bang Theory season one and only true fans will be able to pass!

Question 1

How many episodes were there in season one?

Any fan of any show will complain that there are not enough episodes in any given season. This is a rule of loving television—more is better, and better is more. It may be argued that The Big Bang Theory however, had just the right amount of episodes—although the season did end on an epic cliff-hanger! The season was not too long (how could it be??) but it was not too short either. It let fans get a taste of the shows style, and hooked them to the plot line, but also gave them enough plot to keep them thinking until the release of season two. How many episodes were there in season one?

Question 2

What was the name of the first episode?

The pilot episode of any show sets the tone for the show. Some shows do manage to air horrible pilots and survive, but this is rare. Luckily for The Big Bang Theory, they didn’t have to worry about negative backlash—their pilot was a clear success and is still a beloved episode. Like the rest of the episodes, it had a standard short run time and a distinctive—easy to remember—name. What was the name of the first episode?

Question 3

How do Leonard and Sheldon know each other?

The relationship between Leonard and Sheldon is the central pillar of The Big Bang Theory. It is the aspect of the plot around which all the other aspects of the plot revolve. But how do Leonard and Sheldon know each other? This is something that viewers learn in the first episode, and it is a basic fact of The Big Bang Theory. This should be an easy question for any Big Bang Theory fan. How do Leonard and Sheldon know each other?

Question 4

What is the name of Sheldon and Leonard’s neighbor?

In the pilot episode, viewers are introduced to a number of characters. One of these characters is the breathtakingly beautiful blond girl that moves in across the hall from Sheldon and Leonard. She is their polar opposite in almost every way, and—though Leonard is instantly taken with her—Penny and Sheldon take a little longer to be convinced about each other. Without this neighbor, The Big Bang Theory would not be the show that it is. What is the name of Sheldon and Leonard’s neighbor?

Question 5

The original pilot for the how was about an intoxicated woman named Gilda and can be seen online. True or false?

True or false: Before the pilot of The Big Bang Theory aired, there was an un-aired pilot involving an intoxicated girl and a woman named Gilda. This episode is now available online—for those that really want to find it—but it was not aired as part of the original Big Bang Theory Season one, and we like to think for good reason! It would totally re-written the show's history if this was the pilot, instead of the pilot that actually was presented.

Question 6

Who is called in to help when Sheldon is fired for being rude to his new boss in The Luminous Fish Effect during episode four of season one?

Everyone needs someone to pick them up when they are feeling down—a friend to get them through the hard times of life. Some people have just one person who they rely on for everything, and some people have a whole cast of people who they can call on for different issues. Who is called in to help when Sheldon is fired for being rude to his new boss in The Luminous Fish Effect during episode four of season one?

Question 7

What insect is in the name of season one episode eight?

By episode eight, viewers realize that a difficulty with dating is going to be a running theme on The Big Bang Theory. When Raj’s parents set him up on a blind date however, he finds a way around this by drinking which—he realizes—gives him the liquid courage he needs to talk to girls. The name of this episode is inspired by the drink that Raj consumes to get him through the night. It is also the name of an insect! What insect is in the name of season one episode eight?

Question 8

Which one wanted to present the paper—Leonard or Sheldon?

Working on projects with your friends can be hard, especially when one friend craves the lime light and the other wants nothing to do with it. In episode nine The Cooper-Hofstadter Polarization, Leonard and Sheldon are put through a test of friendship. One of them wants to present a paper that they co-authored at a physics convention, and the other one does not. Inevitably, they resolve the tension by the end of the episode. Which one wanted to present the paper?

Question 9

Who is in charge of making Sheldon feel better when he is sick?

One of the best things about having friends is having someone there to take care of you when you are sick. Conversely, one of the worst things about having friends is having to take care of them when they are sick. At one point, Sheldon gets sick. Considering that the guys spend all their time together, it should have been no issue for one of them to take care of Sheldon and make sure he got over his illness as quickly as possible. Who is in charge of making him feel better?

Question 10

What is the name of the final episode?

There is a strong divide between those who feel that the first episode of a season is the most important, and those who feel that it is the final episode of a season that is the most important. Both are fair opinions, here are some of the merits of final episodes—they are the last thing a viewer has to hold on to. They are the taste that fans are left with, and they often decide if a fan will continue watching to the next season. What is the name of the final episode?

Question 11

What is the group of guys returning form when they bump into penny at the start of episode six?

In episode six—aptly titled The Middle Earth Paradigm—the guys are coming back from a group activity when they run into Penny. The guys are upset at each other for some in party treachery. Penny admirably does not laugh at the guys in their ensemble but instead invites them to her Halloween party—which she judgingly promises will be girl boy. What is the group of guys returning from when they bump into penny at the start of episode six?

Question 12

What costume do they all show up wearing to Penny's Halloween party?

The final factor in the guys decision to attend Penny's Halloween party was the fact that it is a costume party. If there’s one thing these guys love, it’s a chance to dress up as one of their favorite characters. Unfortunately, the dudes do not check in with each other before the party and they all arrive to Leonard and Sheldon’s apartment wearing the same costume. Even Leonard and Sheldon are dressed the same. Oops! What costume do they all show up wearing?

Question 13

What is Sheldon's costume?

After deciding that no one gets to be the flash—the group all goes to change. When they all regroup, Sheldon is wearing decidedly the most nerdy costume. Though his friends urge him to change, he refuses, and many of the laughs in the episode come from him trying and failing to explain his costume to the guests at Penny’s party. Lenard and the others ask him why he won’t just tell everyone he is something simpler but he refuses. What is Sheldon's costume?

Question 14

What is the name of Penny’s “friend”?

The best thing about being friends with ones neighbors is always having somewhere to hide when there is something wrong in your own home. Admittedly throughout the first season of The Big Bang Theory, Penny takes advantage of this bonus way more than the guys do. One example is at the start of the seventh episode, when she is hiding from her hometown friend who invited herself to stay. Penny isn't thrilled about this not so close blast from her Nebraska past making an appearance. What is the name of Penny’s “friend”?

Question 15

Who makes this hasty exit that no one really notices?

After much discussion, Sheldon agrees to let Penny sleep on their couch. He, Leonard and Penny all say goodnight to each other, and turn off their respective lights. Before anyone has had time to fall asleep the scene cuts to the kitchen where someone else is standing, eating a sandwich. This someone realizes that something has changed, and quickly makes their way out of the apartment—all without dropping their sandwich. Who makes this hasty exit that no one really notices?

Question 16

Penny steps up to become the fourth member of their group for Halo night from that point on. True or false?

Fan Fact! At some point during season one, Wolowitz goes a-wall and stops joining the group for Halo night. This is a base betrayal of course, but the others attempt to forgive him because they know he is doing it for a good reason. He has a girlfriend! As this is something none of the others can boast, they cut him some slack. Luckily for them, Penny steps up to become the fourth member of their group for Halo night from that point on. True or false?

Question 17

What is the dumpling paradox?

Episode seven of season one of The Big Bang Theory is entitled The Dumpling Paradox. A lot happens in this episode, but there is one scene in which one of the characters specifically names the dumpling paradox. Or rather—Sheldon goes on at length to explain what he sees as the dumpling paradox, and the other men get annoyed at Sheldon from keeping them from what they want to be doing with his overly specific mental math. What is the dumpling paradox?

Question 18

What news do his parents give him?

One of the most hilarious aspects of modern technology is watching parents use it. For example—in the opening scene of episode eight, Raj is web chatting with his parents in Sheldon and Leonard’s apartment. He introduces them to his friends, and then they tell him to set the computer down, and to gather his friends because they have some news for him. Raj is not thrilled about the news, and his friends have mixed reviews. What news do his parents give him?

Question 19

Which of the friends calls Raj’s prospective girlfriend for him?

Raj does not know how to talk to women. When Raj is around Penny, he will go silent or whisper ask one of the other guys to tell her/ask her things. This is a problem when Raj has to call the girl his parents are setting him up with to ask her out. Luckily (or unluckily considering the silly accent his friend uses) Raj has friends who will pick up the phone and make the call for him. Which of the friends calls Raj’s prospective girlfriend for him?

Question 20

What was funny about the drink Howard orders?

Always the most inappropriate one in the group, Howard never quite hits it off with Penny. Though she accepts him as part of the group, she is never exactly thrilled with his presence and has been known to make derisive comments towards him. Especially when he makes gross or thoughtless comments towards her. In one episode, Penny is practicing to be a bartender and asks all the guys to let her make them drinks—to great success. What was funny about the drink Howard orders?

Question 21

What did Raj’s Dad always tell Raj he should be when he grows up?

During the first season, fans learn that Raj is one of those people, and that his father wanted him to be something very specific when he grew up. Unfortunately for Raj’s father, his son went a different way. Even if he hadn’t preferred his chosen profession however, Raj figures he would have a hard time in his father’s field as it involves talking to women. What did Raj’s Dad always tell Raj he should be when he grows up?

Question 22

Which friend betrays Raj?

Despite (or perhaps because of) his new-found ability to speak to women, Raj’s date with Lalita— who is parents want him to marry—does not go well. Part of this is because when he takes her up to the bar to meet his friends he get intercepted by one of them who compares her to an Indian princess of monkeys from a beloved film he remembers from his childhood. She thinks he is flirting wonderfully, and the two go off to dinner. Which friend betrays Raj?

Question 23

Who sings “to life” at the end of the eighth episode?

There is a lot of drinking in the eight episode of The Big Bang Theory. Not a lot by the standards of other shows to be sure, but a lot by The Big Bang Theory standards. Which is to say each character has a few drinks. Including one who finishes the episode with a surprise performance of Laheim to Life! played on the keyboard and sung to the entire bar. Who sings “to life” at the end of the eighth episode?

Question 24

What new lie does Sheldon tell to get out of going?

Sheldon and Leonard are innocently walking up the stairs to their apartment when it happens. They hear Penny singing. They make their retreat in horror and try to avoid a confrontation but inevitably run into her and lie to get out of going to her Rent Showcase Sheldon feels uncomfortable lying to Penny. Then he feels uncomfortable with the specific lie that Leonard told her so he changes the story to something he thinks is less easily disproved. What new lie does Sheldon tell to get out of going?

Question 25

Before staying with the roommates, where does Sheldon's imaginary cousin live?

To complete the story of the fictional intervention, Sheldon makes up a fake cousin. This cousin is named Leopold, and Sheldon likes to think that his substance abuse problem comes from his middle child need to seek attention through acting out. Unfortunately for Leonard, Sheldon also thinks that Leopold wouldn’t have been convinced to go to rehab, and he hires an actor to play Leopold for a while in their home. Before staying with the roommates, where does Sheldon's imaginary cousin live?

Question 26

What is the word for mating in Vulcan?

One can not be a true Big Bang Theory fan without picking up a few other fandom facts along the way. Because of their proclivity for sci-fi and fantasy, the guys are often discussing other shows in great depth. Chief among these perhaps—at least in season one—is Star Trek. At one point, Sheldon tells the group the Vulcan word for mating. He does this unprompted and the group has mixed reviews. What is the word for mating in Vulcan?

Question 27

What piece of information do the guys use to get Sheldon to join the team?

Though he ends up nearly taking over the whole event, at first Sheldon does not want to take part in the Physics Bowl event. The Physics Bowl is a competition in which teams of four go up against each other to prove that they know the most about physics. The ultimate brainiac test. The Physics Bowl is the point around which the plot of episode 13 revolves. What piece of information do the guys use to get Sheldon to join the team?

Question 28

What team name do Sheldon, Raj, Leonard and Howard choose for their Physics Bowl team?

During the brief time that they are working together, the four guys have to come up with a team name. They do this sitting in their workplace cafeteria. Sheldon decides on a name he wants, Raj decides on a name he wants. Leonard heads off what would have been a lengthy democratic procedure by asking Sheldon if he will quit if he doesn't get his way. Sheldon says yes, and the team settles on Sheldon’s suggestion. What team name do Sheldon, Raj, Leonard and Howard choose for their Physics Bowl team?

Question 29

Who does Sheldon say these words to?: “What do manners have to do with it? This is war!”

“What do manners have to do with it? This is war!” Sheldon utters these fierce words during a team practice for the Physics Bowl. He says them in response to a comment that perhaps he should let the others answer some of the questions as well, instead of answering them all himself—a comment which he does not take well. In the end, Sheldon stands by his words and refuses to play nice. Who does he say these words to?

Question 30

What consolation gift does Leonard give Sheldon in an attempt to soften the blow?

After Sheldon proves too self absorbed to be on the Physics Bowl team with the rest of the guys, it is up to his roommate Leonard to deliver the bad news. Like any good friend, he knows to bring a distraction to take his friends mind off of the sad news. While this move does not in any way make Sheldon more cooperative, it is a nice gesture. What consolation gift does Leonard give Sheldon in an attempt to soften the blow?

Question 31

What is the name of this woman?

After kicking Sheldon to the curb the three remaining guys—Leonard, Raj and Howard—must pick a fourth member of the team. Though the other three agree right away who it should be Leonard protests because he is against teaming up with a woman with whom he had an awkward past romantic encounter. When Leonard agrees to the idea, the woman in question is against it at first—she says she has to focus on her own work. However when she finds out they are up against Sheldon she is all in. What is the name of this woman?

Question 32

Which of the following is not a member of Sheldon’s replacement team?

In continuation with his attempt to prove that he is better than everyone else—and that he can single handedly beat the others—Sheldon picks totally unqualified people for his team at the Physics Bowl. This brash show of contempt does not go over well with the other team, who think that it is rude not only to them but to the members of the team that Sheldon picks. One of them shows up knitting, just to drive home the point. Which of the following is not a member of Sheldon’s replacement team?

Question 33

What is their Physics Bowl team acronym?

A team is only as good as the acronym it chooses, and the teams for the Physics Bowl in episode 13 of The Big Bang Theory season one chose some truly cringeworthy and unforgettable team names—which come with unforgettable acronyms. Earlier in the episode, Leonard scoffs at Sheldon’s choice of acronym, saying that some attendees of the event may not think it means what he thinks it does. The joke is on Leonard in the end though, as their team name generates just as humorous an acronym. What is their team acronym?

Question 34

Who answers the winning Physics Bowl question correctly?

Tensions are high at the Physics Bowl. Sheldon didn’t split the team to play nice, and he is going against his friends with everything he’s got. His friends, in return, are out to win. No one is holding anything back and the game is impressively neck and neck until the final question. This final question is an elaborate equation, which no one in the room seems able to understand. To solve the equation is to win the game. Who answers the winning Physics Bowl question correctly?

Question 35

According to Sheldon, Tweetie Bird “Tot He Taw” what?

After the fiasco that was the Physics Bowl, Penny decides to conduct her own test on the guys to find out once and for all who is the smartest. Of course, Penny’s standards for smarts are no where near what the guys are. Her definition of intelligence includes a list of celebrity marriages and absolutely no physics questions. One question she asks—which a frustrated Sheldon answers at random—is about Tweetie Bird. According to Sheldon, Tweetie Bird “Tot He Taw” what?

Question 36

What language are Sheldon and Howard practicing in the start of episode 17?

During the opening scene of the final episode of season one of The Big Bang Theory fans are treated to the enjoyable spectacle of watching Sheldon be bad at something. In this case, Sheldon is being bad at trying to learn a new language with the help of his friend Howard—who seems to be seriously regretting helping. Sheldon is motivated to learn this language so he can correct someone of course, but even that desire doesn’t seem to be enough to get him through. What language are Sheldon and Howard practicing in the start of episode 17?

Question 37

What does Sheldon call Leonard when he walks up to him during practice time?

Learning a new language can be hard. Like—really, really hard. Mandarin is one of those languages that tends to be especially hard for English speakers to learn. During season one, Sheldon amuses viewers by failing miserably in his attempts to be understood in Mandarin. At one point, he unwittingly offers Leonard a grave insult instead of a greeting. Perhaps one should not attempt to communicate unless they are absolutely sure of what they are saying! What does Sheldon call Leonard when he walks up to him during practice time?

Question 38

After Leonard and Penny's date they go back to Leonard’s apartment—where Sheldon’s presence presents a snag—but the episode and the season end with the three of them laughing together, hopeful for the future. True or false?

Like a dream come true! Just when fans though the season would end without Leonard ever getting his chance with Penny, during the very last episode of the season they get together. The two have some awkward doubts, but decide to give it a chance. They go on a dream date to the Chinese restaurant, where they enjoy two dumplings a piece. After the date they go back to Leonard’s apartment—where Sheldon’s presence presents a snag—but the episode and the season end with the three of them laughing together, hopeful for the future. True or false?

Question 39

On Penny’s ex’s blog, was it Subway the transportation system or Subway the sandwich shop that was referenced?

Luckily for Penny, when things go wrong in her life she can cross the hall and count on her friends to support her. In one episode, she crosses the hall to throw an IPod out their window and scream at her ex, who betrayed her trust by posting about their intimate relationships on his blog. Talk about embarrassing! Though the guys across the hall cant seem to find the blog, everyone in Penny’s life has somehow seen it. On Penny’s ex’s blog, was it Subway the transportation system or Subway the sandwich shop?

Question 40

Which seat in Penny’s room does Sheldon choose?

Picking a seat can be tricky business. For most people, the factors include other people in the room or proximity to certain features such as a window or vent or heater or the bathroom or kitchen. For Sheldon, the factors are many and much more complicated. When Penny first invites him in, he spends the first part of their visit trying to decide on a seat to claim, moving around the room while they talk, rejecting seats. Which seat in Penny’s room does Sheldon choose?

Question 41

According to Sheldon, which direction must ones head be facing when they sleep on the couch?

Any true Big Bang Theory fan will know that if there is one thing Sheldon is particular about, it is the way which people occupy space. It takes him upwards of 15 minutes to decide on a chair to sit in, and he expects others to feel the same way. When Penny sleeps over—against his wishes—he makes sure she knows the right way to sleep on his couch. According to Sheldon, which direction must ones head be facing when they sleep on the couch?

Question 42

Where does Howard live?

One of the most fun things about sitcoms is seeing where the different characters live. Unlike Sheldon and Leonard’s apartment, the homes of Raj and Howard are not central locations for the action of the show. In fact, viewers do not learn where Howard lives until midway through the first season. Within the time of one episode, the location of Howard’s home is revealed, and the friends go to visit him, but they never go inside because he comes out to meet them. Where does Howard live?

Question 43

What color is Sheldon and Leonard’s couch?

The majority of the show The Big Bang Theory takes place inside of Sheldon and Leonard’s apartment. This gives fans a lot of time to learn to know the furniture within the apartment. The characters spend a lot of their time sitting on the couch and moving about the kitchen. They play video games and get into fights. They bust in and out and engage with the space in new ways during every episode. True fans will remember all the details. What color is Sheldon and Leonard’s couch?

Question 44

What is the name of this episode about allergies?

The name of episode 16 of The Big Bang Theory—aka the second to last episode in season one—was inspired by a food that one of the crew is allergic too. This is a pretty common allergy, and the name was the perfect title for this nutty episode, which included all of the classic Big Bang Theory humor elements. Penny learns that Leonard had never had a birthday party and—being the social butterfly that she is—decided to throw one for him. What is the name of this episode?

Question 45

Which episode is the one with the Nirvana pun The Nerdvana Annihilation in the title?

The names of The Big Bang Theory episodes are almost as good as the episodes themselves according to some fans! One of these is 'The Nerdvana Annihilation' which involves a full-scale model time machine, and a very very, very angry Penny being late for work. This sets off a chain reaction, and prompts Leonard to do something he never before would have considered doing. Which episode is the one with the Nirvana pun 'The Nerdvana Annihilation' in the title?

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