Top 10 Times Penny was the Best Friend on The Big Bang Theory

Top 10 Time Penny was the Best Friend on The Big Bang Theory

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for times when Penny's friendship was as exceptional as the guys' IQs… combined!

#10: Supporting Raj When His Friends Wouldn’t
“The Griffin Equivalency”

Penny often gave Raj the space to be completely and unapologetically himself— something he didn’t typically get from his other friends. So, it’s no surprise that the pair grew so close over the years— we’re taking matching shirts close. Of course, she’s almost always been a supportive friend to Raj, even when he didn’t necessarily deserve it. When he earns a spot on People’s “30 under 30,” the success goes to his head, and he alienates his friends. Does that stop Penny from being there for him on his big night? No, because that’s what friends do! She also isn’t afraid to pop his overinflated ego.

#9: Supporting Sheldon & Amy’s Relationship
Various

When you think about it, Penny plays a pretty instrumental role in Sheldon and Amy’s relationship. For starters, she drives them to their first date and gets the conversation flowing, albeit inadvertently, at her own expense. Once Shamy becomes official, Penny basically becomes their relationship guru. She keeps Sheldon in check, makes sure Amy gets the respect she deserves, and even helps them prep for their big night. She also uses her street smarts to fend off threats like Ramona Nowitzki. And let’s not forget, she’s somewhat responsible for this memorable moment as well. Who needs Cupid when you have Penny in your corner?

#8: Babysitting for Howard & Bernadette
“The Proton Regeneration”

When picking someone to watch your kids, you probably wouldn’t choose the person who considers not throwing rocks at them the bare minimum. But, if that’s how Penny truly feels, we’d say she’s a pretty exceptional friend for volunteering to watch Halley when Howard and Bernadette are on bed rest— especially since they underestimate her and even send reinforcements. Well, she proves them wrong, and then some! Penny actually nails babysitting duties and clearly does it with a lot of love. She’s also that friend all moms probably wish they had who will whisk them off for a much-needed break from mom life.

#7: Agreeing to Stop Hanging Out with Leonard
“The Prestidigitation Approximation”

What would you do if your partner told you they didn’t want you hanging out with your ex anymore? Perhaps, like Leonard, you’d be so wracked with guilt and confusion that you wouldn’t know what to do. In that case, it would sure help to have a friend like Penny on your side. She’s no stranger to relationship politics and comes to Leonard’s rescue. But just think what she’d be giving up—her close bond with Leonard and the gang, and what about her lingering feelings for him? Shoving all that aside to support your pal's (who's also your ex's) new relationship? Now, that’s a top-tier friendship move.

#6: Helping Sheldon Make Waves with String Theory
“The Solo Oscillation”

Penny and Sheldon share a special bond. Despite his claim to intellectual superiority, Penny has also dished out some valuable lessons to him. After all, who did Sheldon turn to for help loosening up after those not-so-great student reviews? She becomes his sounding board during a career slump and helps guide him back to his passion for String Theory. We all have that friend with an interest we couldn’t care less about, but do we have Penny’s patience or compassion to hear them go on about it? Who knows. All we can say is that she deserves much more than a footnote in that memoir he’s talked about writing.

#5: Taking Care of Sheldon
“The Pancake Batter Anomaly”

Sheldon turns into a nightmare when he's sick, so Leonard, Raj, and Howard vanish pronto. Unfortunately, no one passes the memo along to Penny, so she ends up lumped with caring for a grumpy Sheldon. He’s so demanding and irritable that anyone else might’ve walked away, but not Penny. Hey, at least we got the debut of “Soft Kitty!” She’s also super kind to Sheldon when he gets locked out of his apartment. Knowing he struggles with the smallest changes, Penny tries to make him as comfy as possible, but he doesn't make it easy. Still, another round of “Soft Kitty” works like a charm.

#4: Being the Best Maid of Honor
“The Bow Tie Asymmetry”

Everyone needs a Maid of Honor like Penny on their big day. You know, the kind of person who springs into action, orchestrates the gang and ensures your bachelorette bash is one for the books (or at least makes you believe it was). Anyway, Penny has tasks for everyone, and she’s determined to see this day go off without a hitch. She even picks up Amy’s parents, which turns out to be quite the wild ride. Of course, the most epic moment is when she puts Amy’s mom in her place. Plus, when the couple gets sidetracked by science, Penny jumps in and gets the show back on track.

#3: Helping the Guys on Their Quest
“The Zarnecki Incursion”

If there’s one thing we learned about Penny, it’s that you don’t mess with the people she cares about. In season two, Penny shows just how far she’ll go to defend her friends. However, she one-ups herself after the guys fail to reclaim Sheldon’s possessions from an internet thief. While Penny initially tries to be sympathetic, she doesn’t really grasp the severity of Sheldon’s distress. That makes it all the more meaningful when she turns the car around and becomes the real hero of this quest. Okay, her methods aren’t exactly commendable, but who wouldn’t want a friend like Penny in such moments?

#2: Checking In on Raj
“The Bon Voyage Reaction”

We’ve already talked about Penny and Raj’s tight bond, but it goes way deeper than shopping sprees and matching tees. Let’s not forget that the first time we see Raj talk to a woman, it’s Penny. Okay, there was alcohol involved, but still! Years later, when Raj goes through heartache, Penny’s there for him again and present for one of the most pivotal moments of his life. As surprised as we were at the time, looking back, it makes sense! He didn’t need to drink around Penny because she offered him a safe space to be himself, and he knew that around her, everything would be, to borrow from Raj, “hunky-dunky.”

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Teaching the Guys to Fish, “The Fish Guts Displacement”
They Might Be Book Smart, but She’s Practical, Resourceful & Ef-Fish-Ent!

Helping Sheldon Pick a Suit, “The Pants Alternative”
Her Keen Eye Is Only Matched by Her Patience, We Would’ve Left Sheldon in the Store

“It’s a Saturnalia Miracle!”, “The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis”
So This Is What They Mean When They Say It’s the Thought That Counts!

#1: Comforting Sheldon in the Bathroom
“The Celebration Experimentation”

Penny and Sheldon’s friendship is a fan favorite. It’s been through its fair share of highs and lows. But we think it’s best encapsulated by this moment. When Sheldon gets overwhelmed at his party, he hides in the bathroom. Leonard and Amy argue about who should talk to him, but Penny’s the clear choice. As she tells Sheldon, maybe her past self would’ve never been friends with someone like him, but now he’s a huge part of her life. So, she’s happy just chilling in the bathroom with him if that’s what he needs. It’s the perfect snapshot of their special bond and their positive impact on one another.

Did we miss the moment you think makes Penny #FriendshipGoals? Let us know in the comments