Top 10 Sheldon & Mary Moments on The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon

“The Luminous Fish Effect”

After landing in hot water for insulting his boss, Dr. Gablehauser, the unemployed Sheldon starts getting on everyone’s nerves. With no other solution, everyone turns to Mary to fix this problem. Fans get their first look into how Sheldon’s mom understands her eccentric son–and it’s like watching a master at work. She does one better with Dr. Gablehauser, using her natural charm and quick wit to gain the latter’s favor. Sheldon cluelessly witnessing the duo’s flirtation is always hilarious to watch, failing to realize how his mother gets him his job back. Right from her first onscreen appearance, Mary proves why no one else can handle Sheldon like she can.

“The Holiday Summation”

Let’s be honest: nobody thought Sheldon would ever find a romantic partner, let alone get married. So, it’s easy to see why his own mother had the same reservations. Most of us would probably be a bit more tactful when admitting this, but Mary takes a hilariously blunt approach. Naturally, the ever-sensitive Sheldon takes offense, responding how he does best–with spiteful vengeance. Upset about being called immature, he throws a childish tantrum, ironically proving his mom right. Sheldon’s meltdown is funny, but Mary’s casual nonchalance is arguably funnier. As expected, his antics only harm him more than her, making all of it a giant waste of time. Classic Sheldon!

“A Wiener Schnitzel and Underwear in a Tree”

We won’t forget how Mary stole Sheldon’s thunder on his first day of college anytime soon. As memorable as that is, the mother-son duo has another college adventure abroad. Sheldon certainly puts Mary through a lot, from testing her patience on the plane to getting lost in Germany. The tables turn when his mother behaves out of character. Experiencing culture shock and feeling homesick, Mary chugs down a bit more than she should. It doesn’t matter how smart or unique you are–getting embarrassed by your parents is a universal absolute. Too bad this is when Sheldon feels the brunt of it. Flipping their usual dynamic on its head, it’s a reminder that with these two, laughter is guaranteed.

“The Bow Tie Asymmetry”

He may be more than a handful, but Sheldon will always be Mary’s precious baby. While Sheldon usually takes more love than he gives, the character holds his mother in high regard. He lets her know just that on his wedding day. Eschewing the usual trappings of a sitcom, there’s no punchline to spoil this moment. Instead, we get a heartwarming mother-son exchange that sums up the love they share. Knowing what we know now from “Young Sheldon,” his gratitude carries so much more weight. She might not know it, but Mary’s inspired him in more ways than one. Once again, her words of wisdom shine through, providing Sheldon with the epiphany that ultimately wins him and Amy a Nobel Prize.

“Memoir”

People deal with grief in different ways. Turns out Sheldon deals with his by becoming the best version of himself. The Cooper household is devastated by George’s sudden passing. Despite his lack of faith, Sheldon agrees to be baptized to support his mother. Between him and Missy, most fans would have expected Sheldon to back out. However, it’s Sheldon who stays by his mother’s side, refusing to abandon her when she needs him. Although the way he gets baptized is as hilariously Sheldon as it gets, it’s the thought that counts. He doesn’t share her religious faith, but nothing is stronger than Sheldon’s faith in his mother. He proves this earlier on, standing up to the entire church for Mary’s honor.

“Quirky Eggheads and Texas Snow Globes”

There are multiple references to Mary having Sheldon “tested” as a child in “The Big Bang Theory.” While that isn’t exactly what happens in “Young Sheldon,” we do come close enough. After Dr. Sturgis’ breakdown, Mary starts seeing worrying signs in Sheldon. We know that it’s just Sheldon being Sheldon, but a comedy of errors nearly convinces Mary otherwise. The duo ends up butting heads after Sheldon figures it out. Eventually, though, an honest conversation about Dr. Sturgis’ struggles and the topic of mental health clears things up. Yes, humor is one of their defining traits. However, the true strength of Sheldon and Mary’s dynamic is built around love and compromise. No matter how much they clash, their bond is stronger than their differences.

“The Rhinitis Revelation”

To call Sheldon a momma’s boy (or even a Meemaw’s boy) is putting it lightly. It doesn’t matter if he’s a grown adult–he wants Mary to dote on him. This becomes a problem when Mary visits Pasadena and spends time with Sheldon’s social circle. Jealous of his friends for stealing her attention, let’s just say Sheldon doesn’t take it too well. It isn’t until he falls ill that Sheldon gets what he wanted all along. The episode leans into Sheldon’s over-the-top silliness but also wraps it in a wholesome bow. While we all know Sheldon’s in the wrong, there’s something endearing about him wanting to remain the apple of his mother’s eye.

“A Crisis of Faith and Octopus Aliens”

Faced with a tragedy and many questions she can’t answer, Mary finds herself at a crossroads. Having lived a certain way all her life, she struggles to function. Even Sheldon–who usually doesn’t notice anyone’s problems but his own–realizes his mother is distressed. Sheldon isn’t the person you turn to when dealing with a crisis of faith, but he’s the one who helps Mary overcome hers. Applying his logic-based outlook to a faith-based one, Sheldon reinvigorates Mary’s lost spirit. An unmendable emotional wound is healed through the words of her innocent, albeit genius, child. Sheldon may not believe, but for Mary, he’s her special gift sent from God.

“The Zazzy Substitution”

It takes quite a while before Sheldon accepts that Amy is more than a “girl who’s his friend, but not his girlfriend.” After a falling out with her, his denial manifests into an unhealthy obsession with cats. Mary thinks she’s seen every wacky thing Sheldon can do, but even she isn’t prepared for this particular meltdown. However, it isn’t long before Dr. Cooper’s mom comes up with a sly solution. With a bit of clever reverse psychology, Mary brings Shamy back together without either one catching on. Preserving her son’s ego and getting him to drop the cat craze at the same time, Mary plays him like a fiddle–the way only she knows how.


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

She’s the Best Person He Knows, But She’s Human, Too

When He Had No Friends, He Had His Mother

That Extra “Zing” Really Does the Trick

There’s No Arguing with Mommy Dearest

Sheldon Falls to His Kryptonite

“A Sneeze, Detention, and Sissy Spacek”

Any “TBBT” fan worth their salt knows “Soft Kitty” by heart. Sheldon’s go-to song to feel better has been sung by Penny, Amy, and, Mary–of course. Chronologically, we first hear the lullaby in “Young Sheldon.” When Sheldon confines himself to the garage due to his germophobia, Mary comes calling. Although she tries to reason with him, she quickly reaches the end of her tether. With negotiations cut short, things spiral into an all-out chase sequence. But let’s admit it–Meemaw’s amused reaction is exactly how the rest of us feel watching the mother-son duo. Still, as it always goes, things end on a heartwarming note. Though Sheldon does fall ill, the warmth of Mary’s soothing voice nurses him back to health.


Did any other Sheldon-Mary moment make you go “awww”? Let us know in the comments.