The Big Bang Theory is chock full of hilarious, emotional, and brilliant episodes that make fans attached to the likes of Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, and their friends. Fans got to know these characters for 12 seasons and watched them grow in every aspect of life until the show's finale.
However, even in episodes that weren't intentionally emotional, there were small scenes with heartfelt or even sad undertones. Whether it was the way the character expressed themselves or a transformation they had had at that given time, fans on Reddit found some scenes too emotional to rewatch.
Sheldon's Reaction To Professor Proton's Death
In "The Proton Transmogrification," The Big Bang Theory tackled a deep issue when Leonard told Sheldon that one of his heroes, Professor Proton, had passed away. Sheldon seemed weary of the news and refused to go to the funeral with the others. Instead, he stayed home and slept where he dreamt of Professor Proton instead.
Although the episode was an emotional one, it's one scene in particular that had fans crying. Angelicanav15 told Reddit, "Sheldon's reaction to the situation makes me really emotional." After Sheldon woke up from his dream, Leonard was there to greet him and the two shared a deep hug that hit viewers in the feels.
Sheldon's Reason For Knocking
At the start of TBBT, fans didn't think it made sense that Sheldon had to knock on people's doors three times before entering. There was never a reason for it other than it was a habit that he wasn't willing to break.
On Reddit, fans discussed some sad moments in the series and TonyStark39 wrote, "Not exactly the episode, but the scene where Sheldon reveals the reason for why he knocks 3 times." The reason was quite sad. It turns out that as a child, Sheldon walked in on his dad having an affair with another woman in his home. He now knocked on the door multiple times to prevent himself from ever walking into an upsetting situation again.
Raj's Sad Realization
Some things about Raj aged poorly, while there are other things that proved his development as a character. While fans wanted to see Raj's happily ever after in the series finale, he still had a lot of growth to do as an individual before he settled down.
One emotional scene that showed his growth was when he talked to Penny for the first time without alcohol. Before, Raj could only talk to women if he was under the influence, but he worked through that part of his life with Penny. BatShrek found this scene sad because Raj was so down on himself after his breakup with Lucy. They wrote, "I especially love when Raj goes 'I am unlovable'... The poor guy could never catch a break."
Dinner At The Wolowitzs'
Every fan can agree that the episode where Mrs. Wolowitz died was one of the saddest episodes. But in a later episode that followed her death, there was a scene that was even more emotional than her passing — whenthe group sat down to eat her last supper.
Link_Nukem28 wrote, "That was a great and unique send-off to the memory of a character." Howard and his mom had great scenes throughout TBBT, and now that she was gone, dinner with her food was a beautiful way to say goodbye.
Howard's Launch Into Space
It was a huge deal for Howard when he was awarded the opportunity to go into space. His friends showed their support for his new venture when they watched his aircraft launch into space.
The scene that had fans more emotional than anticipated was when the rocket took off. Sheldon and Amy held hands as they watched TV. MK008 wrote, "I think the handhold kind of sealed the deal on that scene because it was such an unconscious move. I totally cried."
Amy's Epiphany After The Aquarium
Everyone knows one of the saddest episodes in the series was when Amy broke up with Sheldon. But this sad scene happened a few weeks after that fateful day. The uplifting episode had Amy and Sheldon rekindled at the aquarium on Thanksgiving. The two had such a good day together that Amy felt like she was ready to get back together with him. But when she called him to tell him her feelings, he shot her down.
Enygma9753 told Reddit, "Amy was ready to be his [girlfriend] again, but Sheldon told her getting over her was so difficult and he wasn't willing to risk it again. Amy was crushed." This scene was a sad one in Sheldon and Amy's relationship timeline, though they eventually got back together.
A Sweet Moment Between Sheldon And Penny
Fans felt like Sheldon and Penny's friendship was one of the best because of their opposite personalities. They had a connection that couldn't be replicated. So when Sheldon heard that Penny was thinking about breaking up with Leonard, he felt comfortable enough telling her how he felt.
On Reddit, fans talked about the saddest scenes on TBBT, and DreamLacer said it was this one. "Mine is Sheldon telling Penny, 'Please don’t hurt my friend,'" they wrote. In the scene, as Sheldon walked away from Penny, he begged her to not hurt Leonard in the softest voice.
The Moment Sheldon & Amy's Theory Had Already Been Done
In the later seasons, Amy and Sheldon put their brains together and created a theory for super-asymmetry. It was a romantic moment for Amy and Sheldon because they joined their love for each other and science. Sadly, Leonard found additional research that discredited Sheldon and Amy's theory.
Nxthe2 said the scene where Leonard broke the news was the saddest because all of Sheldon and Amy's hard work was for nothing.
Leonard Forgave His Mother
When talking about sad scenes on Reddit, Kmkmrod said, "Leonard forgiving his mother is also way up there" for them. Beverly Hofstadter was never impressed by Leonard's career decisions or his accomplishments in life. As a neuroscientist and psychiatrist, she used Leonard for her experiments when he was a child.
This created a very insecure Leonard who suffered from mother issues. In season 12, however, the two came to a mutual understanding that despite their differences, they loved each other. It was an totally emotional moment.
The Final Speech
Die-hard fans know that one of the most special moments in the series was not just the finale but the scene where Sheldon gives his Nobel prize acceptance speech. One fan told Reddit, "When Sheldon thanked his friends. I cried!"
Instead of a self-congratulatory speech, Sheldon told everyone that he couldn't have made his achievement without the help of his friends. He then thanked them individually, which made fans shed a tear or two.