Top 10 Times The Big Bang Theory Invaded Other Media

While “MADtv” was known for its satirical sketches, this one takes things to a new level. It starts with Leonard and Sheldon roasting their own show, then deciding to jump ship. Luckily for them, there are a couple of guys who want someone to tell them how to get away from “Sesame Street.” Honestly, who could blame them? This isn’t the sunny street we remember from our childhood. After a quick comparison of both shows and a wave to Johnny Galecki, Leonard figures he’s better off back in Pasadena. It’s not a crossover anyone expected, but can you imagine if Bert and Ernie stuck around? Penny and Leonard’s story might’ve turned out very differently!

Dr. Perry Cox never struck us as someone who cared about trends or what everyone else was into. But by the final season of “Scrubs,” “The Big Bang Theory” was such a massive hit that even this usually disinterested doctor had no choice but to pay attention. So, while delegating tasks to his favorite medical student, Drew, he tags on an extra personal errand. Funnily enough, “Scrubs” also gets a shoutout in an early episode of “The Big Bang Theory” after Raj’s parents mention they’re fans of “Doogie Howser, M.D.” It’s just too bad we never find out if Dr. Cox thought “Big Bang” lived up to all the hype.

In this episode, the Winchester brothers investigate an attack on a Comic Book store employee called Stuart Blake. Yes, you heard that correctly, Stuart Blake. While that could just be a happy coincidence, there’s a more concrete link between the two shows later on. When the brothers question Stuart, it quickly becomes clear that he’s trying to hide something. After they leave his mom’s house, Dean points out that Stuart isn’t the most convincing fibber. Thanks to “The Big Bang Theory,” geek culture hit the mainstream, and even in “Supernatural,” the show’s title is used synonymously with “nerd.” Come on, that’s basically what Dean was getting at.

Since “Mom” is another Chuck Lorre show, it’s no shock that he sneaked in a reference to his popular series. In fact, this won’t be the only time we see this connection here. Anyway, in season one, Christy’s teenage daughter Violet looks for adoptive parents for her baby and meets the Taylors, who seem perfect—even if Jeff is a bit... quirky. Unfortunately, the baby’s father isn’t on board with the adoption yet, so the Taylors leave. Christy tries to lift her daughter’s spirits by pointing out Jeff’s oddities, but it turns out that Violet quite liked that he was “Big Bang” weird. We see what you did there, Mr. Lorre!

After Lip spends the evening with his girlfriend at some fancy sorority event, they go out to a diner with a group of friends. Lip tells Amanda that the party was not at all what he expected, to which she responds, “We’re a bunch of Engineering majors our parties usually consist of us watching Big Bang reruns and bleaching each other’s mustaches”. Now we have to ask, why would a group of Engineering majors want to watch the series, given how often Sheldon makes fun of their field? Sure, Howard does some great stuff for the sector, but he’s probably not in line to win Engineer of the Year anytime soon, either. Maybe they enjoy pointing out all the engineering mistakes or just like cracking jokes about theoretical physicists like Sheldon.

Any “TBBT” fan knows Sheldon loves a colorful graphic tee. There’s his 73 shirt, the melting Rubik’s cube, Green Lantern, and, of course, all sorts of “The Flash” attire. Well, the costume designers on “The Flash” seemingly noticed this, too! Like Sheldon, Cisco Ramon wears his geek pride on his chest. In the very first episode, he’s seen wearing a “Bazinga!” shirt. Also, in that same episode, he’s sporting a “Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock” tee, a game made famous (though not invented) by “Big Bang.” Did you catch his “This is My Spot” shirt too? “The Flash” acknowledging the existence of “The Big Bang Theory” creates all kinds of paradoxes, but we appreciate it nonetheless.

“The Simpsons” is known for its clever pop culture references, so it’s no surprise they’ve nodded to “The Big Bang Theory” a few times. Yes, that is Jim Parsons. In “Much Apu About Something,” be sure to check out the scratch card Apu plays. But perhaps their best reference is in season 28’s “Looking for Mr. Goodbart.” The animators ditched the usual opening sequence and swapped it with a parody of “The Big Bang’s” intro. After 30+ years, it does feel like “The Simpsons” has been around since the dawn of time! Also, if you love shouting “Bang!” at the end of the original tune, there’s a fun moment for you here, too.

There are plenty of quotes and running gags we’ve picked up from “The Big Bang Theory,” but perhaps few are more iconic than Sheldon’s famous “Bazinga!” which he typically says after a joke or prank. Fun fact: it was apparently inspired by writer Stephen Engel, who would say it after pulling practical jokes on a colleague. It has become so legendary that Warner Bros. even trademarked it! Naturally, other shows have jumped on the “Bazinga” bandwagon too. You can hear it pop up in series like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “The Great North,” and “What We Do in the Shadows.” The list doesn’t stop there—but more on that in a moment!

Ah yes, another Chuck Lorre classic! In this case, he doesn’t just throw the ol’ “Bazinga!” into the dialogue; he even named the episode after it! This episode first aired in 2013, when “Big Bang” was in its sixth season and well into its stride. In the episode, Jake, who’s on army leave for a weekend, shares stories about his new role leading the kitchen staff. That’s where the “Big Bang” reference comes in. Also, almost serendipitously, the episode features Emily Osment, who would later join the “Big Bang” universe as Mandy in “Young Sheldon” and star in its spin-off “Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage.”

Much like “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy” is famous for its pop culture humor and not being shy about lampooning big TV hits like “The Big Bang Theory.” In the episode “Our Idiot Brian,” Peter makes a joke about Jim Parsons, while Brian uses Sheldon’s famous catchphrase. Then, in “Welcome Back, Carter,” we get a few more references to the sitcom, including a playful jab at its humor. However, arguably the best reference is in “Business Guy,” where Peter insists that Carter throws a “Big Bang Theory” viewing party that nobody shows up to. We then cut to a parody of the show, voiced by Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki themselves!

Can you think of any other time “The Big Bang Theory” was mentioned in other media? Let us know in the comments!