The Big Bang Theory gave us one of TV's best friend groups with Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Raj, Howard, Amy, and Bernadette. Through all of their differences, they found a love for one another through science and humor.
Spanning over 12 seasons, The Big Bang Theory characters were bound to change over the years. From makeups to breakups to scientific breakthroughs, this group has been through it all and fans loved watching every minute. But did all of the characters change for the better when the 12th season finally came around? Let's take a look at all the ways the characters changed from the first time we met them to the series finale.
For The Better: Sheldon Became Loving & Understanding
In season one, Sheldon was cold and matter of fact. Sarcasm and having a sense of humor were not at the top of his to-do list but after getting a girlfriend and forming a bond with Penny, Sheldon slowly loosened up. Some of the best quotes in the series came from Sheldon once he understood how to joke around with his friends. More than that, dating Amy gave Sheldon a heart. He finally understood what it was like to love and became a more understanding person instead of a selfish know-it-all.
For The Worse: Did Penny Have A Drinking Problem?
Penny always fancied herself a glass of wine here and there and was often seen drinking away her sorrows at the beginning of the series whenever a date went poorly but things appeared to get dark by the 12th season.
Once Penny gave up on acting and became comfortable in her marriage to Leonard, she was seen drinking more and more. But she wasn't the bubbly drunk Penny we've seen in the past. She had a dark aura around her and seemed to drink to get through her time with Sheldon and co. Many fans have questioned Penny's drinking but it wasn't confirmed.
For The Better: Howard Matured After Meeting Bernadette
Howard is one of the funniest characters on the show and is known for his iconic impressions and the ability to make anyone laugh. And while he still had that going for him by the series finale, he matured a lot since season one.
Early on, Howard was desperate to land a woman and would do anything to have a girl like him. He crossed the line with Penny multiple times, he allowed Dr. Stephanie Barnett to drive the Mars Rover in hopes of winning her over, and he even slept with his cousin! Meeting Bernadette was the best thing that ever happened to Howard.
For The Worse: Leonard Became Too Comfortable
As intelligent and handsome as Leonard is, his flame burned out by season 12. Raj began working a second job at the planetarium because he loves space so much, Sheldon won a Nobel Prize, Howard went to space and sold an idea to the military, but what about Leonard?
As soon as he married Penny, he got far too comfortable and let himself go. Not only did he try to sabotage himself by cheating on Penny but his work suffered. Even Penny scolded him for letting himself go while she was off growing as a woman with her new job. Leonard was capable of so much more.
For The Better: Raj Became Independent From His Parents
Raj will probably always be remembered as the guy who lived off his parents well into his adult years but that's what made his character so interesting. Here was a man with a great job and all the knowledge in the world and yet he relied on mommy and daddy to pay his bills. Something clicked for Raj and he realized he wanted to become more independent so he had his parents cut him off financially, which rocked him. Raj had no idea how expensive his lifestyle was until he had to pay for it himself. And while he had to crash on a few couches here and there, he really was trying to become a better man.
For The Worse: Did Bernadette Resent Howard?
As much as Bernadette helped shape Howard into the man he was in season 12, their relationship changed a lot since season three. Bernadette used to be bubbly around Howard and giggle at all of his jokes but by the 12th season, something changed. Bernadette began acting like Howard's mother and made all the decisions in their life. She resented him for constantly choosing his mother over her and for moving into her home when she passed away. She even hated the idea of Howard going to space and tried making the decision for him. What changed in their relationship for Bernadette to be so snappy with Howard?
For The Better: Amy Has The Life She Always Wanted
Is there anyone who had a better glow-up than Amy Farrah Fowler? She was even colder than Sheldon when we first met her in the third season but soon grew into a warm and loving young woman who was able to transform Sheldon into a human being. She had the life she always wanted by season 12. She was married, had a group of friends, and won a Nobel Prize! She was finally noticed for the kind of woman she was and for the work she was doing. It was amazing to see Amy blossom into the woman she always dreamed of being.
For The Worse: Raj Didn't Learn Much In The Love Department
As lonely as Raj always seemed to be, he had plenty of love interests throughout 12 seasons. There was Emily, Lucy, Claire, Emily S, Anu, Nell, Issabella, and so on. Sadly, as much as Raj loved all these women, none were his perfect match. Even by the 12th season, one would expect Raj to know what he wanted in a relationship and in a woman but he was still reverting back to old ways when he met Anu. He wasn't always truthful and he was doing sneaky things (like spying on her) to get information. For as lovely as a man as Raj was, he sure didn't learn a thing in the love department.
For The Better: Penny Is Finally Focused
In the first season, Penny was a dreamer with her head in the clouds. She just moved to California from Nebraska and was excited to become a Hollywood star. But after years of being told she didn't get the part, Penny realized acting wasn't for her. Thanks to Bernadette, Penny got a job as a pharmaceutical sales rep and she was finally making money. She made more than Leonard did! By the 12th season, Penny had a full-on career that she was good at, was married, and had a baby on the way. Even her friendship with Sheldon grew! There wasn't anything she couldn't accomplish.
For The Worse: Sheldon Has Habits That Are Hard To Break
As much as Sheldon changed for the better by the series final season, there we habits of his that were hard to break. By the series finale, Sheldon was still as controlling as ever. He made Penny and Leonard's pregnancy about him and was sassy to everyone in Stockholm when they came to his aid for his Nobel Prize ceremony. A celebratory weekend turned sour when Sheldon couldn't let go of his old ways. Howard and Bernadette were even thinking about leaving early. Sheldon eventually gave a heartfelt apology during his Nobel Prize speech but that doesn't necessarily mean he's a changed man.