Howard Wolowitz wasn't initially the most well-liked member of The Big Bang Theory when he was first introduced. Although he evolves during his time on the show, for fans looking back there are a number of aspects about both Howard's personality and actions that have aged poorly.
Whether it's the jokes the character makes at the expense of others, elements of his personality, his poor treatment of those around him, or even how his friends interacted with the engineer, Howard would be written quite differently if the show was released today.
The Harmful Stereotypes
The Big Bang Theory boasts a relatively diverse group of characters, but these various cultural backgrounds are often used in a "comedic" way that reinforces harmful stereotypes that don't fly with audiences today. Howard in particular is subjected to many Jewish jokes and stereotypes.
Jokes like "Jewish or regular" or a woman exclaiming that Howard was "her first Jew" definitely don't and shouldn't sit well with audiences. As well as viewers, it's one of the things Howard himself would hate. These kinds of lines have absolutely no place in a sitcom.
Howard's Sexist Views
Although Howard's unending flirtation with the women around him is a separate issue, he also holds a number of incredibly sexist views about the role of women at every level of society. For starters, he very much believes in stereotypical gender roles, expecting his girlfriend to do the housework, cooking, and cleaning.
He was insecure about Bernadette earning more than him to start with and was known for mocking his female friends when they slept with people; despite the fact that Howard himself tried to have casual relationships far more often. While his points of view eventually evolve in the show, Howard's deep-rooted sexism is something that today's viewers will find unsettling.
Howard's Treatment Of Women
Howard was easily the most dislikable character on the show when it first began. He was creepy, disrespectful, and fancied himself a ladies' man despite his horrendous behavior. His actions have definitely not aged well at all, although it's important to note they were never funny or appropriate to begin with.
It's unlikely that a show debuting now would portray the character in the same way for laughs. Although other series have used this kind of characterization before, it's usually to highlight abhorrent personality types, rather than as a source of comedy. It's frankly uncomfortable for viewers to watch Howard's attempts at flirting.
The Digital Affair
In regards to his treatment of the women in his life, his digital affair in World Of Warcraft is perhaps one of the worst instances of Howard's behavior. He forges a relationship with a troll in a fantasy world, essentially cheating on Bernadette, much to her disappointment and anger.
It may be a vital moment in the character's development as he comes to understand the consequences of his decisions, but it was eventually laughed off in the show and Bernie even went on to marry Howard. It's one of Howard's worst actions that fans can't forget, or forgive.
Howard's Ideas For The Perfect Girlfriend
Howard often fantasizes about his perfect girlfriend, with this dream woman boasting characteristics that were the exact opposite of Bernadette. It's rather ironic that the love of Howard's life is nothing like he imagined but she turned out to be better in so many ways.
Looking back on this moment in his life and Howard's eventual relationship, it's easy to see how this has aged so poorly. After all, Howard supposedly set standards for himself that were completely unrealistic, unattainable, and fictional, while Bernadette showcased some of the most important qualities in a significant other.
His Relationship With His Mom
Howard and his mother are in constant conflict. Although it's clear that he loved his mom, living with her for many years, he still took her for granted and didn't always like her. His eventual push to move out was done in a brutal way that didn't fully account for his Mom's feelings.
There are perhaps many things that Howard regrets when it comes to this relationship. Unfortunately, his mother's passing might have brought up some of those emotions. Although later in her life Howard treated his mother with more respect, those early actions were certainly something that is uncomfortable for today's viewers to witness. Some of these narrative beats also play into the sexism of the character that also hasn't aged well.
Mocking The Engineer
The rest of The Big Bang Theory crew were happy to mock Howard and his chosen career path. Sheldon in particular felt that as an engineer Howard wasn't nearly as intelligent as the rest of the gang. Howard crashing the Mars Rover certainly doesn't help this bullying.
Yet, it's Howard who gets the last laugh. He may mention it time and time again but Howard actually went to space, acting as an engineer and astronaut on a mission beyond Earth. It was a boyhood dream for all four characters and one that demonstrated that Howard's career was nothing to be laughed at. The group's bullying of Howard and his choices not only aged poorly in the real world but in the show too.
Flirting With Penny
Howard tries creepily flirting with plenty of women, all of which are out of his league. What's worse though is that Penny was one of the people that Howard took an immediate interest in. This has aged poorly on so many levels. For starters, one of his best friends, Leonard, goes on to marry Penny.
What's more, Bernadette is essentially introduced to Howard through Penny as they were coworkers who would go on to be best friends. It's a pretty awkward situation when broken down and one Howard and audiences would likely want to forget about.
Howard's Use Of Mocking Accents
Howard loves doing impressions and certainly pulls of Nicholas Cage. But his habit of mimicking those around him steps into uncomfortable territory at times. Raj is often at the center of this mockery and it's something that definitely hasn't aged well for today's audiences.
Howard tries to mimic Raj's accent multiple times, as well as some of Raj's friends who have similar accents. It's not funny, nor is it ever actually an accurate portrayal of the accent that he is trying to mock. It's incredible that this happens so many times in the show and it really calls Raj and Howard's friendship into question.
His Treatment Of Raj
Raj and Howard may be best friends but there have been a number of regrettable instances where Howard takes advantage of his pal, bullies him, or just undervalues the role Raj has in his life.
There are so many Raj and Howard moments that have aged poorly, such as Howard's sarcastic tone or lack of empathy toward Raj. He often gaslights him and belittles his issues when Raj needs him the most. While the series finishes with the pair on much better terms, Howard's treatment of his supposed best friend is inexcusable.