10 Best Characters From ‘The Big Bang Theory’, Ranked From Good to Greatest

It’s been quite a while since The Big Bang Theory ended its run of 12 seasons, though it’s still regarded as one of the best modern sitcoms that brought some of the most memorable characters to the screen.

It might be that the show has never tried to introduce someone perfect, always highlighting its characters’ flaws in a hilarious manner, but The Big Bang Theory has in fact captured its audiences with how realistic those quirky scientists and their surroundings turned out.

Among all of the series’ characters, these stand out as ones with the best development throughout The Big Bang Theory’s lengthy run.

10. Beverly Hofstadter

Christine Baranski’s heartless and arrogant therapist might not be the most likeable character out there, but Leonard’s mother is just brilliant as a professional, even though she’s absolutely horrible as both a parent and a person.

Every time Beverly’s arrival is announced, the viewers know she’s coming to test Leonard’s patience for her own therapeutic goals, as well as to worship Sheldon right in front of her own son’s eyes.

9. Rajesh Koothrappali

Initially introduced as the leading duo’s awkward scientist friend who can’t even speak to women, Rajesh was probably the easiest character to sympathise with, considering how much of an effort he has made to realise that the love he really needed was the love for himself.

Apart from that, he grows in many other ways, reaching complete independence from his parents by the end of season 12.

8. Stuart Bloom

Also treated like an outcast at first, Stuart receives a perfect resolution (and an upcoming spinoff series) in season 12’s finale just because he has deserved it all along.

Stuart’s struggles to keep his comic book store and become a part of the main gang eventually paid off, even though he was unfairly rejected way too many times throughout the series.

7. Howard Wolowitz

To many, Sheldon and Leonard’s astronaut friend might have seemed like a repulsive genius at first, but Howard proved everyone wrong when, with some help from Bernadette too, he embarked on a tough path towards changing for the better.

Initially introduced as a laughable character who was there just for roasting, Howard is a grown-up man with a life of his own by the time the series concludes.

6. Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz

Howard’s quirky and sarcastic girlfriend-turned-wife that completely debunked the stereotype about sweet and short girls, Bernadette came as a real salvation for her pretty weird husband who was believed to be doomed to spend his entire life trying to hit on girls with no luck.

Bernadette continuously challenged Howard to become a better version of himself, all the while managing to look after their kids and build her own career.

5. Leonard Hofstadter

Like any other character on this list, Leonard is far from being perfect, but his willingness to share an apartment with Sheldon does make him some kind of saint anyway.

Apart from that, Leonard’s down-to-earth nature is what makes him stand out among all other quirkier members of his gang, which also helps viewers relate to the character’s insecurities and inner struggles.

4. Mary Cooper

Sheldon’s very much religious mother quickly became one of definite fan-favourites due to her peaceful, though at the same time very demanding nature.

Sheldon and Mary’s duo is a guarantee for some good laughs, considering how much Sheldon is convinced there’s no God and how fiercely Mary tries to dissuade him of that.

3. Sheldon Cooper

The Big Bang Theory’s most controversial lead, Sheldon would frequently seem like a callous and arrogant scientist who was completely indifferent towards other people’s feelings.

With time, however, Sheldon grew enough to take care of those who genuinely loved him, though still kept a bit of his quirkiness just for fun.

2. Amy Farrah Fowler

Introduced in season 3, Amy first appeared as a perfect match for Sheldon just because she seemed as reversed and cold as her boyfriend-turned-husband.

However, it was quickly proved that Amy’s visual indifference was meant for hiding her inner insecurities and vulnerability, which she eventually accepted as an integral part of her personality.

1. Penny Hofstadter

You might have not liked Penny that much in the first couple of seasons, but it’s hard to deny that her impact on everyone’s life is just enormous.

It was Penny who “cured” Raj of his inability to talk to women. She was the one to melt Sheldon’s heart with a meaningful gift; she taught Howard how to treat women right; she also became Amy’s first real friend and, lastly, conquered Leonard’s heart forever, challenging her own comfort zone to be a good wife for him.

Having started as a struggling waitress, Penny is a successful pharmaceutical representative by the time the series ends, which also proves that she’s definitely improved her own life too.