Caltech Theoretical Physicist and nerdy genius Sheldon Cooper were one of the main protagonists in the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory. Starting college at the age of 11, and completing a Ph.D. by the age of 16, Sheldon Cooper is one of the smartest minds in television. Throughout the show we see him reach the limits of scientific research, and from his advances in theoretical plasma physics to his improved fusion reactor design, Cooper was at the top of his field.
By the end of the season, with the help of long-time girlfriend Amy, Sheldon accepted the Nobel Prize for his work on Super-Asymmetry, proving just how smart he really was. It's rare to see TV shows focus on super-geniuses, but they have become increasingly more common, and it makes fans question whether Sheldon could outsmart them or not.
Would Outsmart: Mike Ross
When we first met Mike Ross, he was a college dropout struggling for cash. After agreeing to a one-time drug deal with his friend Trevor, Mike met Harvey Specter. Impressed with his photographic memory and analytical abilities, Mike was hired as an associate for Pearson Hardman, even without a Harvard law degree.
Throughout the seasons, Mike's genius was shown multiple times. From speedy calculations to perfect memory, he proved to be a valuable lawyer for the firm thanks to his smarts. However, although he is clever, it's fair to say Sheldon would have no problem outsmarting the hot-shot lawyer.
Wouldn't Outsmart: Sherlock Holmes
Another TV character with an incredible memory is iconic detective Sherlock Holmes. In the BBC TV series, fans followed Sherlock (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) and his colleague Dr. John Watson as they solve a number of mysteries in modern-day London. With his exceptional intellect and powerful observation skills, Sherlock managed to solve practically all of his cases with relative ease.
His genius was shown many times and in fact, was even portrayed as a superpower. How does this compare to Sheldon? While it's difficult to compare seeing as both specialize in very different fields, Sherlock seems to have a more well-rounded genius than Sheldon, which is why we think he could outsmart the theoretical physicist.
Would Outsmart: Walter White
Chemistry teacher turned drug-dealer Walter White was the main protagonist of the award-winning show Breaking Bad. After being diagnosed with lung cancer, husband and father Walter decided to venture into the drug world in order to pay off his medical bills and secure his family's future. Walt's scientific knowledge helped him produce crystal meth of the highest quality, and with the help of former student Jesse Pinkman, eventually, he became an American drug kingpin.
While Sheldon is a Nobel Prize winner for theoretical physics research, Walt also contributed to research that led to a Nobel Prize in his field of chemistry, proving just how smart the drug lord really is. Maybe if Walter had focused on research rather than drug dealing he may have come closer to challenging Sheldon, but for now, we think Sheldon would outsmart him.
Wouldn't Outsmart: Albert Einstein
In the suitably named National Geographic series Genius, each series depicts the life of a famous historical figure, and for the first season, it followed Albert Einstein as he pursues his career as a theoretical physicist. As one of the most influential scientific minds of all time, Einstein made many extremely important discoveries for the field of physics.
In fact, they were so important, even Sheldon would probably agree Einstein would outsmart him. From special relativity to general relativity to the photoelectric effect, Einstein is one of the greatest minds to have ever existed, so it's no surprise that he would outsmart fellow theoretical physicist Sheldon Cooper.
Would Outsmart: Leopold Fitz
S.H.I.E.L.D agent and scientist Leopold Fitz was one of the original team members in Marvel's Agents of Shield. After initially seeming like a nerdy fragile engineer, Fitz slowly became a fan-favorite of the series. As a genius engineer and a prominent member of Shield's science and tech division, it's no surprise that Fitz makes an appearance on this list.
Throughout the series, he helped developed AIDA, an artificial intelligence digital assistant, invented Shield's Zephyr One, and even a time machine using parts of the monolith. However, although brilliant, we believe in terms of pure smarts Sheldon is still superior, especially if you take into account the fictional superhero world that Fitz works in.
Wouldn't Outsmart: Rick Sanchez
Star of Rick and Morty, Rick Sanchez is a genius scientist, time-traveler, grandfather, and alcoholic in the hit animated series. As he takes his grandson Morty Smith on crazy interstellar and interdimensional adventures, Rick shows his brilliant and reckless mind. From turning himself into a pickle to creating a love potion to a time freezer, or even his portal gun, it's fair to say he has invented some pretty cool things.
Even though Sheldon is a theoretical physics expert, it's no surprise that the time-traveling scientist edges him on this one. Rather than focusing on just the theoretical side, Rick manages to turn all his absurd theories into out of this world inventions, giving him the win here.
Would Outsmart: Elliot Alderson
As a cybersecurity engineer and vigilante hacker you have to be pretty smart, and that's definitely the case with Elliot Alderson. Originally an engineer at Allsafe Cybersecurity, Elliot was persuaded to join a group called fsociety created by Mr. Robot. From hacking the FBI to breaking into cars, he manages to make everything look easy.
But, although incredibly smart, it can be said that hacking is more of a skill that can be developed compared to a deep understanding of physics. For that reason, it's likely Sheldon would outsmart the vigilante despite his insane ability.
Wouldn't Outsmart: Walter O'Brien
With an IQ of 197, computer genius Walter O'Brien from CBS's Scorpion is, like Sheldon, another child prodigy. As we saw at the start of the series, he was arrested as a child for hacking the NASA database and since then he has been involved in a career in cybercrime. With his team of other high-IQ geniuses, O'Brien works with Homeland security to battle against the world's biggest tech threats.
Both Sheldon and Walter sacrifice their emotional intelligence for their genius-level IQ's, but in terms of pure IQ, O'Brien already has the edge over Sheldon's 187. Whilst Sheldon would blame this on the testing system, once again we're siding with the Scorpion star for this one.
Would Outsmart: Michael Scofield
A gifted student who earned a Masters in civil engineering and went on to work with prestigious company Middleton, Maxwell and Schaum, turned to crime when his brother was unlawfully arrested in Prison Break season 1. Thanks, however, to his intelligence he managed to plan and execute an elaborate escape for his older brother. From using tattoos as clues to his immaculate attention to detail, Scofield's master plan was successful by the end of season 1.
In terms of planning and attention to detail, there's no doubt Michael is definitely the smartest out of the two, but if we are considering all-round intelligence, it's the comic book nerd who comes out on top this time.
Wouldn't Outsmart: Brian Finch
Unlike everyone else on this list, Brian Finch wasn't born with his intelligence. Just like the movie Limitless, the TV show follows struggling musician Finch as he discovers a mysterious drug called NZT-48. The drug manages to unlock the full potential of the human brain, and for the next 12 hours, he becomes the smartest man in the world.
Thanks to Bradley Cooper's US Senator supplying him with an immunity shot to counteract the side-effects, Finch uses his powers to help the FBI. If we're comparing natural intelligence, Cooper would definitely outsmart the Limitless star, however, while using the drug, no one in the world can even compare to Brian Finch in terms of brainpower.