Top 10 Times Side Characters Stole the Show on The Big Bang Theory

Sometimes the side characters stole the show on "The Big Bang Theory." For this list, we’ll be looking at times the long-running sitcom’s supporting cast gave us main character energy. Our countdown includes Zack & the Science Dudes, Beverly Hofstadter gets drunk, Stuart shows up Mark Hamill, and more! Which "TBBT" side character is YOUR favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Watch more great "The Big Bang Theory" videos here:
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Top 10 Times Penny Was a Savage on The Big Bang Theory - • Top 10 Times Penny Was...
Top 10 The Big Bang Theory Supporting Characters - • Top 10 The Big Bang Th...
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#TheBigBangTheory #TBBT #Comedy #Sitcom #SceneStealer

[@MsMojo]

Which "TBBT" side character is YOUR favorite? Let us know below, and be sure to check out our The Big Bang Theory playlist here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2XVqpxneNSoi8k for all of our TBBT videos in one place!

[@veronicaferguson8548]

Christine Baranaski as Leonard's mom is my fav. I als like Regina King as Mrs.Davis

[@trinaq]

I love how Leonard and Sheldon seem to like each other's mothers better than their own. Like Mary, Leonard is more caring and sensitive, while Sheldon tends to be more intellectual and blunt, similar to Beverly.

[@chasehedges6775]

💯. Indeed. Both Sheldon, Leonard and their mothers are so unique in personality

[@MrGabeanator]

yes

[@jasonhann8527]

yeah, wondered what it'll be if they switched mom's

[@MrGabeanator]

@@jasonhann8527 if only

[@suburbantimewaster9620]

@@jasonhann8527 I’m guessing Sheldon would grow up to be a serial killer. As for Leonard, he’d probably turn into the arrogant spoiled one like Sheldon. Even though Leonard’s not on Sheldon’s intellectual level he’d still be the one with the highest IQ in the family and get spoiled rotten by Mary because of it.

[@dcle944]

Other shows don’t often let guests outshine the stars, but this show consistently let it happen. This is what great about it.

[@sithhunter126]

The single funniest episode was when Bernie's dad, Mrs. Wollowitz and Zach were all in the same house for Thanksgiving. Sheldon got drunk with Brenie's dad. That episode has me in stiches every single time I see it.

[@323azteca]

This was hillarious!

[@milenna8926]

@@lotstodono, that’s a different episode

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

Fun fact. Bob newharts first appearance he asked chuck Lorre to announce he was appearing in the episode fearing nobody would know who he was but Lorre refused. Bob walks out and gets a standing ovation because he's an absolute legend across multiple generations

[@elizabethwise8883]

Sheldon and Beverly belting out karaoke is hands down 1 of the best moments in the entire show

[@AliAngelpie]

It's great knowing Laurie Metcalf, the actress who plays Mary, Sheldon's mother in the Big Bang Theory is the mother of Zoe Perry, who plays his mother when she's younger in Young Sheldon; seeing both of them portray the warm, loving, and strictly religious woman who raised our favorite quirky physicist makes a big difference.

[@wiccanroo6686]

She may be Sheldon's mom and I love that. She will still always be my Aunt Jackie, or Marjorie. We never got that answer

[@adri101190]

Omg I didn't know that, how cool! I knew they seemed super similar

[@teaeyedoubleguhur]

The casting director for Young Sheldon did not know that Zoe was Laurie's daughter when he cast the show.

[@AliAngelpie]

@@teaeyedoubleguhur Oh that’s very interesting

[@teaeyedoubleguhur]

@@AliAngelpie Tigger says it when he meets Winnie the Pooh.

[@TheJellymonty]

When Beverly said "why didn't you tell me you were tapping my homegirl" I choked on my tea and still die of laughter! Definitely my favorite side character.

[@co7314]

Christine Baranski is a comic genius

[@suzannerust8658]

I love any episodes which includes Barry Kripkie as he is brilliant, particularly in the one where he teaches the main guys fencing.

[@chelseacanales8763]

Beverly vs Mary was the funniest thing ever. And they are both hilarious, but when Amy or Sheldon mention Beverly, I laugh at Mary when she pulled out the cross and wanted to pick up some garlic 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ELmayberry]

😂😂😂

[@Disneygirlie]

Zack is one of my favourite secondary characters on The Big Bang Theory. Some guys aren't so unsmart that you hate them, but I love every episode that he's in! ❤️

[@suburbantimewaster9620]

Yeah, he’s like the Puddy of the show, only nicer.

[@andrewjones575]

He's very likeable.

[@Xone9]

I always loved how Zack was Leonard and Penny's biggest shipper despite being Penny's ex.

[@newageBoundhippie]

a personal favorite of mine is every moment with Amy's dad because omg Teller is actually TALKING. also the moment Raj's sister Priya used her lawyer skills to mess with Sheldon over the roommate agreement

[@michaelkerr9942]

Mrs. Walkowitz scene made me tear up😪

[@dimidrugg9592]

It sucks that we didn't see more of Penny's family. I also wish we had seen Leonard's siblings at some point (or Howard's deadbeat father). Anyway, my favourite out of these has to be the interaction between Beverly and Mary (with Penny stuck inbetween), it was comedy gold.

[@chasehedges6775]

The Big Bang Theory is one of the best TV shows ever made.

[@trinaq]

True, some of the jokes are funny, but the studio audience can be too overwhelming at times. In my opinion, "Young Sheldon" is funnier and more relatable.

[@chasehedges6775]

@@trinaq Young Sheldon is pretty good

[@sarahvenable4710]

It's definitely one of my favorite shows.

[@muffassa6739]

Where's his accent back when Sheldon was young he had a Texas accent.

[@JohnG500]

I’m glad they recast Amy’s mother as the incredible Kathy Bates.

[@nightstreak]

Any episode with Lenards mom is great

[@joantrezza]

I whole heartedly agree with you.👍

[@NightFireXD]

Too many funny/cool moments to count. But here are my faves 1. Mary Cooper n Beverly Hoffsteader get into it (half expected a mom-knock-down-drag-out) too funny. 2.The loss of Howard's Mom (The cast really liked her and was shook up when she passed, so real emotions popped up making me bawl) 3. Sheldon's Christmas gift (Kaley K would cry at the drop of a hat and the emotions and his reactions played so well together) "Look Leonard. Sheldon's hugging me" that to me was one of my fav moments ever. Thanks for the upload. Much love for TBBT XOXO

[@brunobernstein8419]

When Penny's family came for her wedding was so hilarious! One of my favorites!

[@andrewjones575]

Sheldon's assistant Alex should be included. Also, she should have been in TBBT for much longer. She disappears without explanation.

[@fireflyparker1584]

Did you know that Katey Sagal (who played Kaley Cuoco’s mother in 8 Simple rules of dating my teenage daughter) played Kaley’s mother in The Big Bang Theory?

[@minenoturs4271]

*yes*

[@hilarywitt]

I was waiting for that to be pointed out.

[@rachealjones7156]

She's everyone's mom

[@JST138]

The episode where Leanord met Penny's dad was my favorite moment by far

[@erinstanger416]

Penny’s family is the reason I would have loved to see a young Penny spin-off.

[@vetarlittorf1807]

I hate Beverly so much. She abused her son and gets away with it in the end.

[@carolwheeler9979]

I love her as a character but if she were a real person, a disaster

[@troyannbladsacker1811]

Kripke was my favorite side character. I love the episode when he first noticed Penny. I wish he would have been on the show more.

[@andrewjones575]

Zack is thinking of starfish re-growing arms.

[@Akjechilopriyanka]

Professor Proton trying to off himself with the light sabre…😂😂😂😂😂

[@andrewjones575]

As well as never seeing Penny's sister, we never see Penny's nephew. Neither are mentioned when their family visit. We never find out if he's her brother's son or sister's son.

[@trinaq]

Precisely, you'd think that they'd show up to Penny's second wedding, or any more special occasions, but no, they're entirely offscreen.

[@andrewjones575]

@Christopher Bingham That doesn't mean he couldn't be the brother's son - we don't even know whether or not he has kids.

[@feli_watch_the_stars]

Laurie Metcalf & Christine Baranski ❤️

[@stevegallo8483]

It's funny how Wil Wheaton went from being on Sheldon's list of mortal enemies (at one time Sheldon referred to him as the "Jar Jar Binks" of Star Trek) to being one of his friends.

[@suburbantimewaster9620]

Yep, Mrs. Wolowitz totally deserves the number one spot. She’s one of my favorite unseen characters. She’d be my favorite but, unfortunately for her, Maris Crane exists.

[@jdax21]

I liked Zack, Penny's dad, and Ms. Davis, the HR lady. I looked forward to their scenes. Oh, and Professor Proton, of course. I wish they had brought him on sooner. And Wil Wheaton was hilarious. And Georgie, Sheldon's brother, was so funny in the episode where Sheldon asked him to attend his wedding. Oh, I just love this show.

[@porshMeh]

I’ve been watching big bang theory reruns since high school and I’m just now realizing that Sheldons mom is Jackie from Rosanne🤦🏾‍♂️🤣

[@jamieholmes4751]

I loved Beverly on Big Bang Theory. I loved the scene in the final season where Leonard confronted her over her treatment of him Sometimes I like to imagine what it’d be like if she actually was Sheldon’s mother 😃😃

[@annafowdy]

Sheldon probably wouldn't mind.

[@brendashoun9859]

How awesome is it that Laurie Metcalf’s daughter Zoe Perry plays the young Mary Cooper.

[@andrewjones575]

Ramona should be included. She's great in both her appearances.

[@andrewjones575]

@Christopher Bingham I forgot about the third one - she plays a smaller role in that.

[@annafowdy]

“I choose love over money." “How foolish! Love doesn't last!"

[@renaerolley5670]

Neither does money. 🤷‍♀️

[@annafowdy]

@@renaerolley5670 not unless you're Jeff Bezos.

[@renaerolley5670]

@@annafowdy: I meant for the regular population. 😉

[@eugeniapatroncosta920]

Make a top 10 best Mulder and Scully moments in the X Files, please.

[@rancettaali]

Awesome 👌

[@karenstacymayne4156]

I liked pennies client. The urologist played by Billy Bob Thorton! It was hilarious!

[@christophergarrett7082]

You can make a list of Howard mother alone. Will wheaton is my favorite side character because he always knows how to mess with Sheldon in the early seasons and there friendship is awesome

[@suburbantimewaster9620]

Yeah, I loved Howard’s mother and Will Wheaton as Sheldon’s arch-nemesis was hilarious!

[@GinaLeah]

Leonard's and Sheldon's moms explain how the guys have such a good relationship. They grew up with each other, via their own mothers.

[@frankshuffitt3925]

Sheldon's and Leonard's mom love 💘❤both Ladies both are very good characters actors. They play off each very well.

[@Isthatthegrimreaper170]

I love when Sheldon meets James Earl Jones and they go play ding dong ditch on Carrie Fisher

[@logankerr8090]

don't forget, Amy's father was played by Raymond Teller(Penn&Teller)

[@jacobienbeekmans6868]

Perfect

[@aquelgamermexicano]

Zack was the most charming of all the characters. He was dumb but still very caring and interested of the main gang. In most regards, he was Kurt 2.0 since instead of being your typical big buff bully, he was just a goofball that despite knowing he's not that smart, would still see every single one of the guys as his friends, to the point where he would develop an admiration and care for leonard. He just seems like someone that would have been just as good of a friend to have around as Stuart

[@1024laf]

Also liked Zack, he was dumb but had a good heart, he seems like the jock in high school but instead of bullying the nerds he would be the one defending them from the other jocks.

[@vassa1972]

Good stuff loved the show

[@andrewjones575]

Penny has many friends in the early seasons, but they all disappear without explanation.

[@suburbantimewaster9620]

Because her so-called “friends” were glorified extras. They never gave Penny a character outside of the boys, so they never really gave her any real friends.

[@joshuadesautels]

@@suburbantimewaster9620 They eventually gave her Amy and Bernadette.

[@suburbantimewaster9620]

@@joshuadesautels True but Amy and Bernadette were introduced through Howard and Sheldon.

[@DB-ub3wx]

I miss this show so much !

[@sburris65]

Thanks to BBT, Kathy Bates is now Kathy "greenbeans" Bates. And when I hear "anyway you want it" I don't hear Journey..I hear Shelly and Beverly.

[@muffassa6739]

I loved Cathy Bates ❤ RIP

[@sburris65]

@@muffassa6739 ..RIP? She's still very much alive.

[@andrewjones575]

Stephanie should be included. Her fling with Leonard is entertaining.

[@minenoturs4271]

yup

[@suburbantimewaster9620]

@@minenoturs4271 That yep just gave me King of the Hill vibes.

[@sandrastevens411]

great

[@FilmsOliver]

It’s sad to think this is the only major Internet figure that looks at TBBT in a positive way instead of making it the butt of every sitcom slander joke on the internet

[@andrewjones575]

There are several YT channels which are run by fans.

[@Showtunediva]

Kathy Bates, Bob Newhart and Leonard & Sheldon’s mothers were my favorite side characters.

[@kasession]

I was leaning toward Laurie Metcalf, and then you got to #1, Carol Ann Susi, and I had to say AMEN!! Her passing broke my heart!!! 🙏🏿💔

[@eugeniapatroncosta920]

Make a top 10 best Logan and Camille moments in Big Time Rush, please.

[@Author_Alyssa_Taylor]

Gotta say it's a two way tie with me. Beverly locking lips with Sheldon and Mrs. Wolowitz. Both fab.

[@hellraiserx9490]

Until this day nobody knows Penny‘s last name! Lol!

[@hellraiserx9490]

@Christopher Bingham wow I must’ve missed that Somehow being I watch the show every night over and over again I pretty much know every episode Word for Word and I never noticed that but I will have to pay closer attention next time that episode is on

[@muffassa6739]

it's Teller,the episode where she gets a big box delivered it says Penny Teller

[@Scottie_S]

I think it was lovely that Katey Sagal came on board as Penny's Mum. After '8 Simple Rules', this was a great choice. A shame that John Ritter wasn't there as her Dad (RIP, you legend!), but Keith Carradine was an excellent choice!

[@leahattakit1438]

I was watching all of these going "okay, I can see that, but who's going to be No. 1?". And then they said it... there was no way anyone else was taking that spot (No one would dare take anything from Mrs. Wolowitz anyway 😄)

[@craigwinfarrah]

U missed Billy Bob Thornton

[@craigwinfarrah]

@Christopher Bingham he was

[@stevechavez5113]

why did sheldon acknowledge that he'd have to share credit with leslie winkle for her changing his equation, but be 100% opposed to sharing credit with newitsky?

[@l.salisbury1253]

2:46 - Whew! Penny's brother is SO STUPID he reminds me of ME!

[@bheast86]

what about Lewis Black as Professor Crawley 'That bitch took me for everything!', Olivia Spencer at the DVLA 'Don't Make Me Climb Over There!', Yeardley Smith at the employment bureau 'Security!' ?

[@wolvie667]

wouldn't it have been a bit more funnier if Christina Applegate played Lisa the sister of Penny seeying Katey Sagal played her mother to do a double header so we would have both and 8 simple rules and a Married with Children reference

[@estherwolf4379]

My favorite was Barry singing “at last” at Amy et Sheldon wedding…

[@hermitwatcher8997]

Will Wheaton wearing a shirt with the guild on it!

[@Caintode]

I would enjoy this more if Ms Mojo didn’t talk over the whole thing!

[@christelheadington1136]

Missing Louis Black, James Earl Jones and Stephen Hawking......

[@mwdviajero]

I cant believe you left out James Earl Jones. Not even making it to the honorable mentions

[@frankshuffitt3925]

The was fantastic period.

[@zeokingsilver]

All started with a Big Bang

[@chasehedges6775]

💯💯💯

[@kimiko0720]

I feel that if they did cast a character for Penny's sister it should have been the actress who played her sister in 8 Simple Rules (since Katy Segal was the mom on both)

[@patriciadavis1393]

Thank you thank you thank you there there were too many good fight characters from Leonard's mom to Kathy Bates to you shouldn't smile I can't think of her name at the moment I love her Lori Metcalf I think and I am high as a kite and I'm really enjoying this thank you so much

[@muffassa6739]

if you want to see her when she was younger check out the movie Making Mr Right

[@Positivekitten]

“Loving mother… to all of us” still makes me 😭 whenever I see that scene.

[@vassa1972]

Most of them

[@bluejem1315]

I like when Sheldon and Leonard Dad hook up.

[@waittillfamewtf2385]

Althea Robinson the regular nurse 🍪 "The Peanut Reaction" 🤖 "The Robotic Manipulation" 🐺 "The Werewolf Transformation"

[@annafowdy]

She was also in the Pilot and The Birthday Synchronicity.

[@waittillfamewtf2385]

@@annafowdy great remind

[@waittillfamewtf2385]

@Christopher Bingham never noticed, thx

[@andrewjones575]

Howard is strongly attracted to Penny as soon as he meets her, and for over 2 years afterwards. That suddenly, permanently disappears when he meets Bernadette?!

[@concettasorvillo3719]

Well go be fair Howard was strongly creepy before Bernadette, wouldvyou ever imagine he would became the most deep and serious among the guys?

[@andrewjones575]

@Christopher Bingham How so? Would your attraction to someone very attractive suddenly & permanently end just because you meet someone less attractive than her?

[@andrewjones575]

@@concettasorvillo3719 It's not believeable.

[@andrewjones575]

@W H Fitzgerald That happens before he meets Bernadette.

[@andrewjones575]

@Christopher Bingham You'd immediately, permanently stop being attracted to the first girl - who's much better-looking & has a better personality & voice - whom you still see frequently? You used to find her very attractive, but now you no longer do, at all?!

[@tdi21]

Be honest who saw number one coming even before the video started? 😂

[@whiwhimee]

I missed most of this. I bailed after season one. It was unrealistic.

[@GeoHvl]

When Beverly pointed out Rag and Howard air sense homosexual relationship.

[@ianthomson5382]

Penny’s mother is Peggy Bundy ..

[@carolwheeler9979]

Professor Proton was Bob Newhart

[@mydearvalerie]

Less narration, charming as you are, and longer cuts...

[@ddbjg]

i like pennys mom she was great on marred with childen

[@TimpossibleOne]

Is anyone else wondering why Penny (and her family) is the only one with no last name? Leonard Hofstadter. Sheldon Cooper. Howard Wolowitz. Raj Koothrappali. Amy Farrah Fowler. Bernadette Rostenkowski. Stuart Bloom. Penny ??

[@danstanfield5570]

Do it again and again it might knock the cobwebs loose...

[@84gami]

Why did a Sheldon Lee cooper fuck with the Penny Hofstadter again and again?!?!

[@frankshuffitt3925]

The show was fantastic period.

[@frankshuffitt3925]

Thank you take care

[@lilliangraham9850]

mr.cebert and wil Wheaton

[@sherryelle225]

I was definitely team Will in that situation. Its the only time when i found myself not liking Amy.

[@parth17bhatia]

3:00 What happened to Leonard's siblings none of them came to the wedding.

[@rluv4evr]

I like how they recycle so many actors from Roseanne.

[@CleoS-vx5pd]

Plus they used a similar black square knitted blanket on a few of the sofas as a nod to Roseanne too. 😊

[@crystaldragon8211]

No, Sheldon's mom isn't a sweet loving person. She's abrasive and all about forcing her beliefs on everyone else so no idea where you got that from.

[@markkuijpers3818]

I mean... Hawking

[@MrGabeanator]

sheldon and leonards moms yes

[@dragonweyr44]

I wonder why Laurie Metcalf wasn't chosen to play Sheldon's mother in Young Sheldon

[@dragonweyr44]

@Christopher Bingham That's true, BUT Laurie Metcalf in TBBT looks the same as she did in Rosanne so I think she could pull it off

[@dragonweyr44]

@Christopher Bingham I'm not saying she doesn't but I would've liked to have seen Metcalf do it