One of the biggest and insanely successful sitcoms of the 21st century is The Big Bang Theory, a show that has become ingrained in the pop culture zeitgeist, with a large following of fans loyal right until its finale last year. The show has a collection of great episodes of comedy television, with high-quality characters and writing a crucial part of this.
Some of the very best episodes the show has to offer, like so many other comedy shows, are the season finales. These episodes tie up narratives and leave you waiting impatiently for the next to come along, something to which IMDb can attest.
Season 9 - "The Convergence Convergence" (7.8)
"The Convergence Convergence" is one of only two of the twelve season finales of the show that fall below an 8.0, a testament to its immense popularity amongst viewers.
The episode failed in terms of tying up plot threads compared to other finales, and overall, season 9 is not looked on hugely fondly except for perhaps one fantastic episode, "The Opening Night Excitation."
Season 6 - "The Bon Voyage Reaction" (7.8)
The other episode of the pair to fall below an 8.0 comes in season 6, a solid season with what IMDb reviewers have deemed a less than average (for the show) finale.
The episode revolves around Leonard getting offered a job overseas, and the subsequent reaction to that from Penny and Sheldon, as well as Raj and Lucy's relationship. It has some touching moments and funny stuff, but not enough to crack into the 8.0's.
Season 8 - "The Commitment Determination" (8.0)
Fast forward to a season sitting between the two 7.8's, IMDb deems season 8 another average/below average season of the show, with this finale one of only four episodes to 8.0.
It is a relationship-heavy finale as Leanord and Penny, Sheldon and Amy, Howard and Bernadette, and Raj and Emily all deal with various changes and happenings in their relationships.
Season 7 - "The Status Quo Combustion" (8.1)
Rounding off the four seasons bookended by the two worst seasons of the show, season 7 was a season with a couple of good episodes sprinkled throughout, ending on an apparent note with this episode, despite a lot of criticism.
The episode is very Sheldon-centric as he battles with the ever-changing world around him, with his career, the comic book store, and Leonard and Penny's relationship all changing in some way. The show was receiving quite a bit of flack for falling off the tracks by this point, with these four seasons not matching what came before.
Season 2 - "The Monopolar Expedition" (8.4)
Switching gears to a far earlier season that was far better received and got consistently good ratings, season 2 builds on from the first and continues to let fans into the lives of these characters, and continues the great work done in that season.
The finale revolves around the announcement by the guys that they are headed off for the summer to the North Pole, leaving Penny upset. It was an episode filled with laughs, as well as some poignant Penny moments.
Season 10 - "The Long Distance Dissonance" (8.6)
By the time of season ten, many people thought that The Big Bang Theory had already run its course, with the season as a whole continuing to disappoint fans. But this episode seemed to reignite some hope with hilarity and is a brilliant finale.
It is by far the best of the season, according to IMDb, and it is extremely tough to disagree. With Amy off to Princeton, there is a reemergence of Ramona Nowitski, putting the whole gang on edge as they are unsure of her intentions.
Season 4 - "The Roommate Transmogrification" (8.6)
Continuing on the show's high-quality run, season four proved to be one of the show's best and most consistent, with the IMDb reflecting that and the finale finishing it off.
This is the episode in which Raj and Penny hook up, in what is undoubtedly one of the strangest relationships of the entire show, after hearing the shenanigans of Leanord and Priya led Raj to move in with Sheldon. It left audiences wanting season five, while also satisfying as a finale.
Season 5 - "The Countdown Reflection" (8.6)
Speaking of season five, that is another solid season that IMDb does not deem as consistently outstanding as others, but was still fantastic for fans with a likewise finale.
It is a big finale for the characters as everyone prepares for Howard to leave for space, and we get a look at the events of and leading up to his and Bernadette's wedding in a very well crafted episode.
Season 1 - "The Tangerine Factor" (8.6)
Edging out the other 8.6 finale's the show produced is its inaugural season due to the number of reviews the episode got, and it is as good a season finale as any after a brilliant introduction to the world and characters.
It revolves around the arguable central romance of the show, Penny and Leanord, as they finally get set to go on a date, with both separately seeking advice from Sheldon. It is a funny episode that takes a good look at the characters fans are getting to know more and more.
Season 3 - "The Lunar Excitation" (8.7)
Finally, moving past the 8.6's to one point above, the season three finale finished one of the show's very best seasons, certainly one IMDb credits as having a load of excellent episodes, in a very fitting way.
This is another huge episode for the show and its characters, specifically Sheldon, as it is the first time fans meet Amy Farrah Fowler, but the episode in large focuses on the confusing dynamic of Leanord and Penny.
Season 11 - "The Bow Tie Asymmetry" (9.0)
Fast forward eight seasons from when fans first met Amy Farrah Fowler and the long and, at points, extremely strange relationship of Amy and Sheldon takes its biggest step yet.
The episode revolves around the wedding of the pair, with everyone doing everything in their power to make the wedding go as planned, which it doesn't but still ends up wonderful, with a great appearance from the one and only Mark Hamill.
Season 12 - "The Stockholm Syndrome" (9.6)
Like so many beloved comedy shows and television shows in general, the series finale is one of the most emotional experiences for the audiences and is also one of the riskiest episodes of any show's history.
Luckily, The Big Bang Theory has a terrific series finale, undoubtedly the highlight of the final season, and was a fitting send-off for most of the characters fans had come to adore over all their years on the screen.