The 12-season long show, The Big Bang Theory, has some of the most memorable pieces of modern sitcom comedy. All the main characters have their own witty mannerisms, perspectives, and commentary, making it easy for fans to pick and choose their favorites.
It's easy to see how each character is hilarious. But, how is each one iconic? The show has been identified as iconic itself, so what makes every main character iconic in their own way? Here are some scenes that reveal the answers.
Sheldon: The Leonard Nimoy Gift
Sheldon's rigid, egotistical and brilliant self is usually associated with his "knock, knock, knock" moments throughout the series. However, this becomes his staple, not his reason for being an icon on the show.
The scene when Penny gives Leonard Nimoy's used napkin from the Cheesecake Factory reveals Sheldon's true character as one of Nimoy's obsessed fans. His major freakout is undeniably hilarious to watch, and it shows how his typically calm, unemotional demeanor can break.
Penny: Virginity & Action Figures
Penny's whole character is sassy, tough, fearless, and confident in herself—qualities that make her easily lovable by fans and the other characters. She isn't afraid to make her opinions known when necessary, especially when retorting to someone or just sharing an opinion.
When she compares losing her virginity to taking a shiny new action figure out of its box, it is truly iconic. This scene fully conveys her self-confidence in a witty manner and complements her overall demeanor.
Leonard: I Hate My Name
Leonard's entire character is known for his unfortunate struggles and how he often talks about them.
This is one of those moments, but it's iconic because of how exasperated he sounds when he says that he hates his name and that it has the word "nerd" in it. Typical poor, unfortunate soul that Leonard is, even his own name plagues him.
Raj: When The FBI Agent Talks To Him
Raj is known for his automatic shutdown into silence whenever he meets a woman in person.
This is proven when an FBI agent shows up at Raj's door asking for Wolowtiz, and Raj cannot answer her questions aloud. It's a scene that is really iconic of Raj's time on the show.
Amy: The Tiara Gift
At first, Amy is the emotionless, scientific archetypal character who seemed to be written in the stars for Sheldon. However, over time, audiences got to know her as the one who really tries to acclimate herself into the friend group and to Sheldon's unique (and disrespectful) boyfriend style. However, Amy slowly reveals herself as someone who craves to try new things and have more fun.
One of these instances is when she receives her very own sparkly tiara. She excitedly demands that someone put it on her head and giddily celebrates the long-desired fashion piece. This instance reveals Amy's true persona.
Howard: Meeting Penny
Howard is definitely one of a kind. Until he meets Bernadette, he is the guy who chases girls practically at any chance he gets.
However, when he first meets Penny, Howard's iconic creepy, yet laughable, personality fully shines when he "smoothly" says "enchantée Mademoiselle" to Penny and plays it slick in front of her, thinking she'd be interested in his self-boasting introduction.
Bernadette: I Like The Wii
Bernadette's higher-pitched voice and sweet yet tough-as-nails character is a brilliant addition to this series. She brings a different approach to the friend group, and she has plenty of moments that establish her icon status in the clique.
Perhaps her most iconic scene is when she intervenes in Sheldon's discussion about which video game is better (Xbox versus PlayStation), and she says, "I like the Wii," to which Sheldon calls her a grandma. This brief yet laughable moment shows Bernadette isn't afraid to tell the boys her opinion and is confident in herself.
Stuart: The Tan
Poor Stuart. He goes through a whole lot of bad luck, especially when he goes on a date with Penny, only for her to realize she'd like to be with Leonard rather than Stuart. Even though he owns the local comic book store, he isn't necessarily happy with his life.
However, Stuart's most iconic moment is when he shows Howard and Bernadette his fierce bad-luck spray tan. Looking like an orange, Stuart explains this is for a date, which further shows how this character has only bad luck.
Leslie: Roasting Sheldon Before Physics Bowl
Leslie does not hold back with her opinions. Her character offers audiences a different viewpoint in the show, as she is a smart scientist who continuously insults Sheldon for giggles.
Her shining moment comes when she finds out from the guys that they are competing against Sheldon in a Physics Bowl. Her iconic line, "That arrogant, misogynistic, East Texas doorknob that told me I should abandon my work with high energy particles for laundry and childbearing," says it all. She is definitely a strong woman.
Emily: "I Hate Her"
Emily is a funny, charming, and overall amazing woman who walks into Raj's life. She reveals a whole new side to him, and it's refreshing for viewers to get a taste of what Raj is looking for in a serious relationship. It's too bad that these two don't work out in the end, but Emily ultimately brought a lot to the show through her fun yet slightly manipulative and caddy personality.
For example, after Penny tries to hash out her and Raj's unintended hookup, Emily and Penny both say, "I hate her." This truly shows how Emily reacts to certain things. It's a short but iconic moment for Emily's character as a whole.