During its 12-year run on TV, The Big Bang Theory delighted fans with its quippy humor and lovable characters. The heartwarming show centered around Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, and Raj, scientists who are engrossed in a world of science, comic books, and video games. After Sheldon and Leonard meet Penny, a woman who recently moved in across the hall, they become fast friends and learn about the other things life has to offer like love and friendships.
Even though the series ended in 2019, fans still rewatch past episodes and enjoy the characters. The show was a feel-good comedy, but there were some villains on the show that fans still remember to this day. Some of these villains were obvious, and some were more subtle, leaving some fans to wonder who the true villains of the show were.
Wil Wheaton
Fans of The Big Bang Theory will remember the introduction of Wil Wheaton as a fun antagonist mainly focused on pushing superiority over Sheldon Cooper. Wheaton's character wronged Sheldon by not showing up to a convention where Sheldon was expecting him. Instead of apologizing to Sheldon, however, Wheaton continues to berate and overlook Sheldon's feelings.
Although Wil Wheaton and Sheldon are able to make amends and become friends later on in the series, there are many incidents that are difficult to overlook. Not only did Wheaton continuously best Sheldon, but he also caused numerous arguments and breakups between Penny and Leonard.
Leslie Winkle
Leslie Winkle was a minor character from the first few seasons of The Big Bang Theory. She dates Leonard on and off, eventually breaking his heart when he develops genuine feelings for her. Leslie also antagonizes Sheldon every chance she can by insulting his intelligence while also making him feel inadequate. Overall, Leslie shows viewers that she is a villain simply by disrupting the general flow of the group.
Even though Leslie Winkle's character was minor, she still impacted Leonard and Sheldon's characters. She even had a brief relationship with Howard, causing more friction with the group. After season 3, Leslie's character is absent from the series for six years, but the impact left by her is very noticeable.
Barry Kripke
Barry Kripke first made his appearance on The Big Bang Theory as a coworker of the group who is constantly trying to one-up anyone who crosses his path. While this setup is more likely to be associated with someone who is just slightly annoying, Kripke proved that he can be ruthless when he needed to be by holding his own against Sheldon on numerous occasions.
Some fans would argue that Kripke is not necessarily a villain, but merely defending himself to other people who are rude to him. Either way, Kripke cemented himself in the series as being a rival to Sheldon and constantly having a clever quip when Sheldon was around.
Howard Wolowitz
Although Howard Wolowitz is one of the main characters of The Big Bang Theory, there was a time in the first few seasons where he could definitely be classified as a villain. Wolowitz's main character qualities during the first few seasons were all geared towards making him perverted and immature. Granted, Howard was an accomplished engineer who eventually calmed down, but he had moments in the show that were over the top and obnoxious.
However, Wolowitz moved away from his villainous tendencies and into a role that helped him develop a better connection with viewers. After meeting and marrying Bernadette, Wolowitz calmed down became the loving husband and father that fans tend to remember him best for.
Kurt
Kurt is definitely a villain who fans can associate with The Big Bang Theory. Kurt was Penny's ex-boyfriend and the main reason why she moved into the available apartment across the hall from Leonard and Sheldon. Penny even tells Leonard and Sheldon that the reason that they broke up was that he cheated on her.
Even though Kurt only appears in a few episodes, he is still a main antagonist for the group. He is a jerk and a bully who constantly teases Leonard and Sheldon, and he also is rude to Penny. Fans may have forgotten about Kurt entirely, but he was a villain on the show nonetheless.
Penny
Fans of The Big Bang Theory know that Penny is one of the favorite characters of the group. She is bubbly, speaks her mind, and is the perfect addition to the group by helping each of the guys come out of their shells. However, Penny also has some moments from the show that proves she isn't the greatest friend, and even make her a low-key villain.
In the beginning series, despite having secret feelings for Leonard, Penny tries to play off their relationships and flirtation as nothing. She also breaks up with Leonard multiple times instead of expressing her true emotions, a habit that she breaks as the series goes on. As the series progresses, Penny becomes more likable and relatable, steering her far from the villain and into a lovable character.
Mrs. Wolowitz
Howard Wolowitz's mom, Mrs. Wolowitz, is never seen on the show but her voice is on that fans can easily recognize. Howard lives with his mother and is constantly yelled at by her. Mrs. Wolowitz is condescending and irritating, constantly clinging to Howard throughout her time on the show.
Even though Mrs. Wolowitz never makes an official appearance on the show, her voice and mannerisms make her memorable among fans. While some could argue that she is not a villain, she has moments in the series where she shows how overbearing and controlling she can be when it comes to Howard.
Ramona Nowitzki
Ramona Nowitzki is a minor character on The Big Bang Theory who pops up every few seasons. She is a postdoctoral graduate candidate who is an overbearing fan of Sheldon. She doesn't hide her feelings for Sheldon and boldly attempts to keep him separated from his friends. While Sheldon finds her crazed infatuation admiring, the rest of the group sees how dangerous she can be.
Even though Ramona is a minor character, her impact is massive throughout the series. She helps Sheldon finish an important project, but is not given credit from Sheldon for helping him achieve his goal. She also tries to date Sheldon in later seasons, ultimately helping Sheldon realize his true feelings for Amy.
Sheldon Cooper
Sheldon Cooper is introduced at the start of the show along with Leonard. His personality can be described as quirky and Sheldon absolutely hates changes to his daily routine. Sheldon also hardly shows emotion, making it difficult for his friends to really connect with him. While Sheldon may be a popular character, he has many faults and moments that shape him into a low-key villain.
He is constantly rude and controlling of his friend group, and he even belittles their intelligence regularly. He also takes his friendships and relationships for granted until later on in the series, causing various rifts among the friend group. After meeting Penny and beginning to date Amy, however, Sheldon is able to better discern social cues and becomes more grateful of his friends.
Dr. Beverly Hofstadter
Arguably the main villain of the show is Dr. Beverly Hofstadter. She is unaware of social cues and basically shows no genuine emotion, making her similar in many ways to Sheldon. Dr. Hofstadter makes her first appearance in season 2, and this is when fans get a true sense of the mental hold she has over Leonard. She reminds him constantly of his faults and basically makes him out to be unable to be successful as an adult.
Although she hardly makes appearances in the show, the emotional turmoil that Dr. Hofstadter put Leonard through is enough to cement her as a villain. Anytime her name is mentioned in the show, fans can guarantee that something bad is about to follow. Even though she truly is a villain, Dr. Hofstadter also helped to shape Leonard into the character fans know and love.