This Big Bang Theory Quiz Might Even Stump Sheldon
- by Alexandra Geist
- – on
- in Movies and TV
The Big Bang Theory is an incredibly popular show that continues to entertain audiences across North America. The characters' witty banter shows that the writers may be just as street-smart as the guys are science-smart. From a naïve Penny moving into Apartment 4B, to the birth of Howard and Bernadette's second child, audiences have fallen in love with these quirky characters. The show has a lot of elements to it that are easy to miss if audiences are not looking out for them. For instance, how many of you know that there's a typo in the opening sequence of BBT? On the timeline, one date says "9C" instead of "BC". Or that all of the actors can actually play the instruments their characters play on the show?
It must take some pretty talented actors to portray such loveable misfits, and to keep them entertaining to audiences for almost a decade. And we don't know about you, but watching very socially-awkward people interact makes us both cringe and think "same". This show remains as popular as it is because of its quirks and fun facts sprinkled throughout the series. And, of course, actors from many beloved childhood shows (We're looking at you Blossom!).
Maybe you can sing The Big Bang Theory's theme song all the way through, or you hum "Soft Kitty" in your sleep. But only a true Big Bang Theory fan will know the answers to all 25 of these questions.
What is the name of Sheldon's twin sister?
Sheldon has a love-hate relationship with his childhood, and his Texas family. His views differ greatly from his mother's (especially with respect to her deep-rooted Christian beliefs), and he often talks about his siblings as underachievers and hooligans. In fact, in preparation for Sheldon's wedding, Sheldon and Leonard visit Sheldon's hometown in Texas to speak to Sheldon's estranged brother, who he has not spoken to in close to ten years. It couldn't have been easy for Sheldon being so different growing up. One of these difficulties must have been in trying to relate to his twin sister.
What childhood nickname did Penny's dad give her?
Penny's relationship with her dad has always been tenuous. In fact, we really don't see much of her family, especially when compared to Sheldon's mother and Leonard's mother. When Leonard's mother comes to visit, she hits it off with Sheldon, and the two become good friends. Penny, living across the hall, meets Leonard's mother as well. After a run-in with Dr. Hofstadter in the hallway of her apartment building, Leonard's mother ends up psychoanalyzing her and discovering Penny's childhood nickname.
What is Amy's apartment number?
A lot can happen in a Pasadena apartment. Relationships begin and end, roommate agreements are formed, and a single girl befriends a bunch of nerdy scientists. You know the drill. For the first few seasons, there are two main apartments that house most of the action: Leonard and Sheldon's, and Penny's. Oh, apartments 4A and 4B. How we've grown to love you. Though not the nicest building (and clearly slow with the maintenance crew... I'm looking at you broken elevator), this walk-up certainly becomes endearing as the series goes on.
What instrument does Sheldon learn how to play in season 1?
Sheldon might be an expert in String Theory, but let's just say he isn't quite an expert in all stringed instruments. Over the course of the show, Sheldon plays many instruments (my personal favourite being when he drunkenly plays the piano in a karaoke bar). In fact, many of The Big Bang Theory's characters play instruments. Amy is a harpist (and often plays it when she is sad), and we've seen Howard play the drums. Never forget the karaoke night in Apartment 4A.
Who lives in apartment 2A (Sheldon and Leonard's downstairs neighbor)?
Many people move in (and presumably move out) of Penny, Leonard, and Sheldon's apartment building over the years. The first being, of course, Penny herself. While I'm sure Sheldon is not the tenant who has lived there the longest, he certainly tries to assert his dominance and preferences on the other tenants. He even goes so far as to become the self-elected head of the tenants' committee. This position is, eventually, usurped by Leonard after Amy, Penny, and Leonard vote against Sheldon in an impromptu election.
What is Sheldon's favorite TV theme song?
Though Sheldon is a scientist, he does tend to have several childish interests. His deep love for shows in his childhood, namely Professor Proton, is shown throughout the entire series. Sheldon's desire to get to know Professor Proton never fades (and he eventually tries to become the next Professor Proton after his hero's passing). Sheldon also enjoys a hot beverage when he is sad, and the maternal figures in his life (specifically his mother and Penny), singing his favorite childhood lullaby "Soft Kitty" to him while applying Vick's VapoRub to his chest.
Why does Amy agree to date at least once per year?
Amy Farahfowler is about as experienced in the realm of dating as Sheldon. The two unexpectedly meet online, after Howard and Raj set up an online dating profile for Sheldon without his knowledge. Audiences understand, then, that Sheldon played no part in online dating. Why, then, fans might wonder, did Amy have an online dating presence? Amy is one of the characters that has changed the most over the course of The Big Bang Theory, and at the beginning, she was certainly less socially-smart than she is now.
Who was the only person to sign Amy's high school yearbook?
Before Amy meets Sheldon, and before she becomes "besties" with Penny and Bernadette, Amy did not have many friends. Sadly, she spent much of her childhood keeping to herself, presumably with her nose buried in a book. Amy, much like Sheldon, was a brilliant child who lacked the social awareness necessary to bond with other children to form lasting friendships. This is a skill both Amy and Sheldon continue to learn as the series goes on. Despite Raj, Howard, and Leonard's nerdiness, they are all able to make friends (even if they were bullied quite a bit as kids).
With whom does Hallie Wollowitz share a birthday?
Bernadette and Howard's relationship has been a wild ride. I, for one, very much appreciate that Howard has become less and less creepy with each passing season. In seasons 1 and 2, when he kept hitting on Penny, he was definitely acting inappropriately. Très creepy. In later seasons, and after Howard meets Bernie, he matures quite a bit. Bernadette has always been very career-driven and independent, and not as maternal as some of the other female characters in the series. Many fans were surprised, then, when Bernie and Howard had their first child.
At what university does Amy do a summer programme in season 10?
Amy and Sheldon's relationship has been one of The Big Bang Theory's central plot lines for years. We love you, Shamy! When Amy is offered a position at a summer programme a few years into her and Sheldon's relationship, she decides that this is an opportunity that she just can't pass up. The two decide to do long distance, and in Amy's absence, a colleague kisses Sheldon. In a very Sheldon-like manner, he leaves, gets on a plane, bus, etc., and we see him knocking on Amy's door as she's settling in for the evening. He is down on one knee.
Who kisses Sheldon while he is dating Amy?
Years into Sheldon and Amy's relationship, when things are (finally!) starting to get serious between our beloved couple, a colleague from Sheldon's past resurfaces. Someone who, realistically, we had never expected to see again. This woman used to study at Caltech and was obsessed with Sheldon's work for a time. Sheldon, of course, was oblivious to her infatuation at the time. Sheldon yelled at her to get out of his apartment when she suggested that he include her in the name of his newly-discovered theorem.
Who climbs out of a bathroom window during a first date with Raj in season 6?
This poor woman. From the series' very first episode, we can see Raj's debilitating shyness. Buddy, we feel for you. This is the first person Raj has dated who can so strongly relate to him in this way. She is quite ordinary, other than the fact that she is extremely socially anxious. She has trouble talking to people she does not know, but mentions that she tries to force herself to do things that she is uncomfortable with to get over this fear. She and Raj share a date at a library, so neither of them have to talk. They spend the date sitting across from one another, communicating via text message.
In what season does Penny start working at Bernadette's company?
Penny has held many jobs from season to season. When she first moves to Pasadena from Nebraska, she tells Leonard and Sheldon that she's an actress. In fact, at the time, she talks about a screenplay she's writing that is about a girl who comes to the big city to become a famous actress. Penny goes from working at the Cheesecake Factory to support herself while auditioning, to quitting this job so she can have a go at acting full-time (where she scores a role in an ape movie), to, eventually, working at the pharmaceutical company with Bernadette.
What is the name of the boyfriend Penny breaks up with before moving into Leonard and Sheldon's apartment building in season 1?
Penny moves into the building after breaking up with her boyfriend, who she had been dating for 4 years. We assume that he cheated on her before the series begins. When she moves in, she befriends the Leonard and Sheldon. Leonard is smitten with Penny right away, and when he finds out that her shower doesn't work, he offers her the use of theirs. Sheldon, of course, does not like this very much. When Leonard says she can ask them for help with anything, she asks them to pick up her TV from her ex-boyfriend's house.
What is the address of Sheldon, Leonard, and Penny's apartment building?
Sheldon is a bit of an odd duck. One episode, he does what many of us have probably fantasized about at one point - he decides to go off the map so that he doesn't have to talk to Amy anymore. Given that this is his first relationship, he is spooked for a number of reasons. When Amy asks him to meet her mother, Sheldon freaks out and changes the number on his apartment building. Not before telling the mailman, though. However, Sheldon's clever plan falls through given the fact that Amy has been to his apartment before.
What online game does Penny become addicted to?
When we think of Penny, we do not necessarily think of a gamer. Penny is hardly a frequent participant in the Sheldon, Raj, Howard, and Leonard's "Halo night", and is pretty disinterested in anything "techy". When she is between jobs, though, she does get into a certain online game after Sheldon shows her the ropes. Leonard is shocked when she comes into their apartment looking worse-for-wear, asking Sheldon for his advice on how to beat a tricky level of the game.
Who does Sheldon invite to be part of his new group of friends in season 4?
In season 4, when Sheldon is angry with Howard, Leonard, and Raj, he decides to start a new friend group. Although it may be difficult to find another group who will stick to a rigid friendship schedule. And let's not forget about the no bowling rule (the used shoes freak him out). In his attempt to find new friends, and thereby prove that he doesn't need Leonard and the rest of the gang, Sheldon invites a few people he knows over for a night of bonding that he is sure will solidify their relationship and make them best friends.
What is Sheldon's favourite Thai food dish?
Sheldon is, as you are familiar with by now, very particular about most things. From a sleep schedule, to a bathroom schedule, to having specific foods for each night of the week, not much keeps his friends guessing in terms of his taste. The Schezuan Palace is Sheldon's favourite Thai food place, and he orders from there frequently. Each night of the week, Leonard painstakingly makes sure that the food is prepared just to Sheldon's liking. Each time he orders Thai food, he gets the same dish.
Whose voice isn't actually real (the actor changed their voice for the character)?
Part of The Big Bang Theory's hilarity is in the wide range of accents and dialects its characters bring to the show. The show never makes fun of any accent, but lovingly plays up certain accents and vocal characteristics as parody and satire. One of the most noticeable examples of this is Howard's mother, who we never actually see on-screen. While most characters put on a fake accent in an episode or two, one actor in particular puts on an accent each episode as they play the role.
What is the name of the attractive blonde woman who moves into the apartment above Leonard and Sheldon's?
Move over, Penny! There's a new hot blonde in town. Well, it's California. So there are a lot of hot blondes in town. But there's a new one in the building who has captured Leonard, Howard, and Raj's attention. This is a blow for Penny, who is used to them doting on her and helping her with whatever she needs. The guys' awkward first encounter with this new woman includes Sheldon asking her if she tap dances, if she is pro or con area rug, and if she is fertile. Ew, Sheldon.
What movie does Penny quote in her vows to Leonard?
Penny and Leonard are finally married! We're so proud of you guys. Also, two weddings?! What a bonus for a die-hard Big Bang Theory fan. In Leonard and Penny's first wedding, when they elope, things are a little... tense. They basically both just want to get 'er done. They rush to a Las Vegas wedding chapel, and it's basically a comedy of errors. When they get to the altar, and the minister asks if they have prepared any vows, Penny is surprised to learn that Leonard has some beautiful words prepared.
In which episodes does Raj speak in an American accent?
Rajesh Koothrapali's speech has been the subject of many jokes on The Big Bang Theory. From the very first episodes, where Raj is unable to speak to women, instead whispering into Howard's ear to pass a message along to Penny, to his grasshopper-induced conversations, to his unforgettable American accent. Raj is, through and through, an endearing character. This makes it all the more shocking when he puts on an American accent in this episode of season 3. Which episode was it?
Which actor actually has a PhD in real life?
Throughout the series, the characters' research is the topic of many discussions and debates. They discuss their various fields, and viewers hear a bunch of science-y jargon, from String Theory and dark matter to the amygdala and pharmaceuticals. In fact, Sheldon consistently points out Penny's lack of higher education. He is also quick to remind everyone that Howard "only" has a master's degree from MIT, constantly insinuating that Howard does not have the same intellect as the other characters. Needless to say, this is not the case, but Howard's lack of a PhD makes him the butt of many of Sheldon's jokes.
True or False: Penny has been using the same purse since Season 2?
Penny's fashion sense is a huge part of her character. One great part of her character is her wide range of outfits. Throughout the series, unlike many traditional "pretty" characters, we see her in sweatpants and baggy tees. We also see her wearing her cheesecake factory uniform and clothes to go downtown. Her style even changes after she starts going out with Leonard. Because Penny's clothing choices are really relatable, we don't always recognize what she reuses, and what she doesn't.
Which actor failed a science class in college?
Failure is not an option for any of the characters in The Big Bang Theory. While Penny does fail to have a successful acting career, no one mentions failing a course. In fact, when Sheldon questions if String Theory is a dead-end, his world collapses. Remember his loom? His serape phase. Think glow-in-the-dark fish. Needless to say, failure is not accepted in the lives of these science nerds. One of our fave Big Bang Theory actors did, actually, fail a science course in college.