After it was announced that Young Sheldon for a season 6 and 7, it's pretty clear that Sheldon Cooper is the most popular character on The Big Bang Theory. With his character going to be on-screen for more than 20 years, it seems that the world can't get enough of the lovable physicist as his stories, relationships, and family came up with the most unique and entertaining stories.
Although Sheldon was a very peculiar character, who initially served as a minor antagonist to the other core cast members, he did end up going through a lot of changes during the 12 years that The Big Bang Theory was on the air. He became less self-absorbed and began to gradually become a nicer person. He was still irritating at times, but Sheldon, overall, really did improve to become the person that the fans love and can't live without now.
His Relationship With Amy Developed Into A Beautiful Love Story
Sheldon and Amy's relationship is a very unique love story. Originally, they seemed to be the perfect match, with Amy matching Sheldon's apathy towards dating precisely. However, over the seasons, Amy realized she wanted more, but Sheldon wasn't willing to move forwards.
In all fairness, Sheldon dating and kissing a woman showed how far he had come, but Amy deserved more. After she and Sheldon took a break, Sheldon was even more committed to his relationship and the two got married in the season 11 finale.
He Became Less Selfish Over The Years
Even in the season 12 finale, Sheldon was still very much capable of behaving in a selfish manner. However, in the early seasons, his behavior was much worse. When Leonard was dating Stephanie (who, in all fairness, wasn't one of the funniest side characters in The Big Bang Theory), Sheldon deliberately interfered and almost cost Leonard his relationship.
Equally, when Penny and Leonard broke up for the second time in season 3, Sheldon was more concerned about how it would affect his life. However, Sheldon did manage to improve upon his behavior. He cared a lot for his friends and even risked getting arrested when Penny dislocated her shoulder.
He Became More Open To Physical Contact
In most episodes of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon never liked people touching him, his food, or his different 'spots' around the various apartments.
Gradually, Sheldon got used to the idea of touch. He initiated a hug between himself and Penny in season 2, and his whole relationship with Amy was about pushing Sheldon gently out of his comfort zone. It delighted fans to see how far he had grown in these instances and that he didn't let other people dictate his journey; he took agency and made these steps when he was comfortable enough.
His Social Circle Expanded Over Time
Sheldon never really was one for social interactions, which explains why his social circle was so small. In a flashback to before season 1, it was shown that Sheldon had no friends before Leonard moved in. However, soon after, Sheldon became acquainted with Howard and Raj, both through Leonard.
Amazingly, Sheldon's friendship group would then double over the course of the series. First came Penny, one of the show's best characters. Then he became friends with Bernadette and Amy when they joined the show. By the end of the sitcom, Sheldon was even on good terms with Bert. It really was beautiful to see how he gradually became happier when he was surrounded by them all.
His Friendship With Penny Blossomed
Sheldon often found it difficult to make friends, especially during the first few years of the show. Initially, Sheldon and Penny often clashed over Penny's lack of academic knowledge and Sheldon's lack of societal expectations.
However, the two soon grew incredibly close, with even Amy remarking that she sometimes got jealous of their bond. Penny and Sheldon's friendship was truly one of a kind as they were complete opposites and yet they deeply respected one another.
His Friendship With Howard Grew
Similar to Penny, Howard and Sheldon never quite gelled. Sheldon would often make derisive comments about Howard's career, his living situation, and his lack of a Ph.D., which seemed greatly unfair. Howard would then mock Sheldon to his face, usually without the latter realizing.
However, the two men had more in common than they first thought. They both had strained relationships with their fathers, who were no longer in their lives. They bonded over this fact in later seasons, which culminated in a sweet moment where Howard taught Sheldon how to drive.
His Fear Of Commitment Dissolved
Sheldon was originally very happy just being on his own. He could set his own rules, and no one would bother him by talking or being kind. However, then he accidentally made friends. In season 1, Sheldon was adamant that romantic relationships were not on his agenda.
When he met Amy though, in season 3, Sheldon found himself drawn to her. Although it wasn't an easy ride, Sheldon and Amy became a lovely couple, always supporting each other. By the series finale, Sheldon was more than happy to share his Nobel Prize with his talented wife.
His Status At Work Hit An All-Time High
Initially, Sheldon was seen as a bit of an oddity at Caltech. Essentially, they recognized his genius and respected his intelligence, but they never seemed willing to put in much effort to accommodate his eccentricities.
Unfortunately, this went on for a long time, until Sheldon and Amy were nominated for a Nobel Prize in season 12. Caltech suddenly changed its attitudes towards the two scientists and treated them like royalty. However, many fans would agree that they should have been much more allowing to him from the beginning.
His Ability To Cope With Change
Sheldon always liked things to be a certain way, so he really struggled to adapt to change. However, this didn't mean that this stayed the same for the physicist. Throughout the years, Sheldon did try a few coping mechanisms to help him overcome this obstacle.
For instance, Sheldon made a huge step when he moved into Penny's old apartment to see whether he would like to live with Amy. He also took a spontaneous trip across the US, which was a big deal too since Sheldon liked to plan everything to the last detail. While there were still times where Sheldon annoyed the group with his high demands, they did get less frustrated with him as the years went on
He Grew Closer To Leonard
Leonard and Sheldon's friendship is a unique one, even in the world of sitcoms. A lot of the time, it seemed as if Leonard's willingness to do anything for Sheldon often went unappreciated. In season 1, for instance, Sheldon wouldn't even let Leonard present a paper they had both written together.
Sheldon still struggled with showing his true feelings for Leonard over the course of the show. This came to a head in the series finale, with Sheldon unbothered about his best friend becoming a father. However, in his speech at the end, Sheldon made sure to let Leonard know what an amazing friend Leonard had been to him. Considering the season started with their friendship, it was fitting that the writers paid tribute to it by the end.