10 Times George Cooper Sr Was Nothing Like Sheldon Described on The Big Bang Theory

Top 10 Times George Cooper Sr was Nothing Like Sheldon Described on The Big Bang Theory

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the times George Sr. defied everything we thought we knew about him based on Sheldon’s anecdotes in “The Big Bang Theory.” If you haven’t watched the original series or you’re behind on its prequel, this is your spoiler warning.

#10: Sheldon Shows Appreciation
“A Black Hole”

Based on what Sheldon shared about his dad in “The Big Bang Theory,” it seemed like they rarely clicked, and George Sr. didn’t seem to care much about what mattered to him. However, this episode paints a different picture. Dr. Sturgis joins the family for dinner, and the conversation shifts to potential black hole outcomes, engaging the whole family in entertaining, devastating, and hilarious alternate realities. Towards the end of the episode, adult Sheldon reflects on what he wished he’d said to his dad. In his own way, young Sheldon lets his dad know that the evening meant a lot to him. George’s response and the smile they share leave us with a warm feeling.

#9: Looking Out for Georgie
“Pilot”

The relationship between George and Georgie hasn’t always been the best. However, it’s clear that George Sr. genuinely wants what’s best for his son and hopes to see him fulfill his potential, even if his methods can be tough at times. Going back to the pilot, Georgie voices his annoyance at starting high school alongside his nine-year-old brother. While Mary coddles Sheldon before his first day, George takes some unconventional steps to ease Georgie’s embarrassment. From Sheldon’s perspective, we can see how this might align with the George he often gripes about in adulthood. However, we see it as a dad making sure one child’s needs don’t overshadow the other’s.

#8: Helping Missy When Aunt Flo First Calls
“A Docent, A Little Lady and a Bouncer Named Dalton”

Even though this is something about 1.8 billion people experience monthly, many are conditioned to feel embarrassed about it. And, if you’ve been in Missy’s shoes, who’s perhaps the last person you wanted with you in that moment? George’s initial panic is kind of hilarious and hardly surprising, given the society he was likely raised in. Still, he steps up in Missy’s time of need and tries his absolute best. Luckily, the cashier realizes he’s out of his depth and takes over. Still, you have to appreciate his efforts; some other dads would’ve crumbled under their own discomfort. We also love how George’s love for his daughter only grows after this experience.

#7: Teaching His Kids Valuable Life Lessons
Various

Throughout “The Big Bang Theory,” both Sheldon and his mother have made some jabs at George Sr.’s intelligence, but he’s no slouch when it comes to dishing out wisdom. He’s always pushing Georgie to level up and be more responsible. He’s also taught Sheldon the importance of honoring commitments, even when things don’t go as planned. Then there’s the time he took on the Herculean challenge of attempting to teach Sheldon the fine art of not blurting out every thought. Spoiler: Sheldon’s filter is a work in progress, but props to George Sr. for trying. Also, applause is deserved for his valiant attempts at convincing Sheldon that winning isn’t everything. Trust us, that’s a battle even superheroes would find daunting!

#6: Cheering Sheldon up When Their Trip Gets Rained Out
“Cape Canaveral, Schrödinger's Cat, and Cyndi Lauper's Hair”

Hey, Sheldon Lee Cooper, we have a bone to pick with you! In “The Big Bang Theory” episode “The Explosion Implosion,” Sheldon claims his dad never built model rockets with him. What he conveniently forgets to mention is how his father drove him to the Space Center when NASA didn’t reply to his calculations for VTVL technology. How about the time George took his sons on a boys’ weekend to witness a Space Shuttle launch? Sure, rain pours on their parade, but sensing Sheldon’s disappointment, George knows exactly how to shift the mood. This doesn’t sound like the disinterested dad Sheldon describes. We’re glad Sheldon eventually realizes how much his father cared.

#5: Supporting His Wife in Difficult Moments
Various

Adult Sheldon’s recollection of his parents’ marriage isn’t exactly a fairy tale, and to a large extent, that seems accurate. The Coopers tied the knot more due to societal pressures than personal desire, but it doesn’t mean there’s no love there. For instance, George encourages Mary when she’s offered a job at the church. He also steps up to support his growing family when Mary learns she’s pregnant and later comforts her when she miscarries. He also defends his family when the community and church turn their backs after learning about Georgie’s impending arrival. We’re not handing him a halo or anything, but Sheldon and Mary could’ve tossed George a bit of long-overdue credit now and then.

#4: Bonding with Missy over Baseball
“Hobbitses, Physicses and a Ball With Zip”

In season three, Missy throws George a curveball with her sudden interest in baseball. In a sweet father-daughter bonding moment, he teaches her to play catch, but he quickly catches on that there’s more to Missy’s interest than meets the eye. However, when she strikes out with her crush, George steps up to the plate again, asking Missy what he can do to make her feel better. In “Big Bang,” Sheldon notes that Missy once bought George a “World’s Greatest Dad” mug. These moments showcase that he’s worthy of that title. Not only does he teach Missy to throw a curveball, but he proudly becomes her number one fan when she decides to pursue her passion.

#3: Daddy-Daughter Dates
Various

Missy may sometimes feel overlooked in her family, making her moments with her dad extra special. Their first daddy-daughter date in season one takes them to the fanciest restaurant in Texas—Red Lobster. Their dynamic is incredibly cute, especially when she asks George to sit with her after he shows her how to de-shell her lobster. As Missy enters adolescence, she goes through that shift that almost all teens do; suddenly, being seen out with a parent isn’t so cool— not even at Red Lobster. Despite this, George still finds ways to make her smile. Although we imagine he would soon regret letting her get behind the wheel.

#2: He’s Made Personal Sacrifices for His Family
“Family Dynamics and a Red Fiero”

It’s no secret that George Sr. isn’t thrilled with his life. His job often leaves him feeling unfulfilled and frustrated, but hey, he’s got a family to provide for. Often underappreciated, he quietly prioritizes his loved ones, even at personal cost. At one point, he turns down a coaching position at a prestigious school in Oklahoma to avoid uprooting his family and disturbing their stability. Though his sacrifices aren’t always acknowledged, they underline his commitment to his loved ones. We’re not excusing all his behaviors, but this adds some much-needed depth to his character. This context paints a far more nuanced individual than the one Sheldon describes in “The Big Bang Theory.”

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

Worrying about Missy, “A Frat Party, a Sleepover and the Mother of All Blisters”
We Doubt the George Sr. Sheldon Described in “TBBT” Would Have Stayed Up Worrying

George & Georgie’s Heart to Heart, “Four Hundred Cartons of Undeclared Cigarettes and a Niblingo”
Father & Son Share Various Bonding Chats, but This One Pretty Sums up Parenthood

He Knows How to Calm Sheldon, “A High-Pitched Buzz and Training Wheels”
Sheldon Never Told Us How Good His Dad Was at Getting through to Him

Seeing Missy through the Storm, “A Tornado, a 10-Hour Flight and a Darn Fine Ring”
We Don’t Just Mean Shielding Her during a Tornado

Bringing Sheldon Home, “An Eagle Feather, a String Bean, and an Eskimo”
He Drives to Dallas in the Middle of the Night When He Sees How Much His Family Misses Sheldon

#1: Helping Sheldon Overcome His Flying Fears
“Pasadena”

Okay, some of George’s poorer decisions might’ve skewed Sheldon’s opinion of him, but he conveniently seems to forget those times his dad was there for him. When Sheldon runs for class president and is daunted by the prospect of public speaking, who provides the pep talk that fuels his courage? Sheldon often paints his dad as a football and beer fanatic who couldn’t care less about his interests. But he sure knows enough about “Star Trek” to calm Sheldon’s nerves about flying. It shows how much George does care for his son and understands him more than he’s given credit for. He also helps Sheldon realize that it’s not totally illogical for Mr. Spock and Captain Kirk to hold hands.

What surprised you the most about George Sr. in “Young Sheldon” after everything Sheldon told us about him in “The Big Bang Theory?” Let us know in the comments!