The Big Bang Theory: Top 30 Unanswered Questions

#30: Why Did None of Amy and Sheldons Family Come to the Nobel Ceremony?

To paraphrase Sheldon, his friends are his chosen family. But he also has a biological familyone hes reluctantly fond ofso wouldnt he want them there for the biggest moment of his professional life? Or at least just Mary, who cut up hot dogs for his spaghetti and sang Soft Kitty when he was sick? Amy, too. Perhaps shes not as close to her parents, but wouldnt she still want them there? Its hardly about money; they did fly their five friends to Sweden and seemingly put them up in what looks like a very nice hotel. They couldve saved money by bringing their parents instead. Then again, maybe Sheldons speech wouldnt have been quite as sentimental.

#29: How Does Sheldon Spend His Grant Money?

Speaking of their Nobel Prizes, we know those come with a generous grant. Raj talks Amy into spending a sliver of it on a shopping spree, but what about Sheldon? Over the years, hes mentioned futuristic inventions hes saving up for. So, did the grant money go into that fund, or did he funnel it back into science? Maybe they both saved most of it for a rainy dayor the down payment on their future home. Sheldon is a meticulous planner when it comes to finances, so odds are, he spent it wisely. Then again, maybe some of its still hidden in a peanut brittle tin or the hollowed-out backside of a superhero figurine.

#28: Did Penny Get Herself Out of Debt?

On the opposite end of the scale, Pennys not exactly known for her saving habits. We find out shes racked up quite a bit of debt, leaving Leonard quietly panicking about their financial future. Although lets be honest, secretly stashing an entire bank account probably wasnt his smartest move, either. Once Penny leaves waitressing and acting behind and moves into pharmaceuticals, she finally seems to have a better handle on things, or at least enough to pay someone else to handle it for her. It looks like shes earning enough to climb out of debt. But kids arent cheap, and given where we leave her, you do wonder if she ever fully shook that financial weight.

#27: Does Howard Ever Go Back Out to the Space Station?

Howard sure rides on his space trip for a very long time! Fair enough, it was a huge deal, and despite what Sheldon says, they werent yet handing out boarding passes to just anyone. Still, for all that talk, when the chance to go again comes up, Howard suddenly seems very happy to stay earth-bound. We do wonder if he ever made a second tripmaybe even just to escape family duties. Sorry Bernie, cant do the school run, Im in space is a pretty unbeatable excuse. Then again, maybe his kids are what keep him groundedliterally. And hey, even one trip to the International Space Station is still more than most.

#26: Where Did Leslie Winkle Go?

After years off the radar, Leslie Winkle suddenly pops up at Sheldons birthday party, where shes greeted by Leonard, who gives her a quick life update. But wheres she been this whole time? She was a recurring fixture for the first three seasons, then vanished until this one episode in season nine. Given her and Leonards past, maybe they kept a polite distance. And honestly, were not entirely sure what shes doing at Sheldons party anyway, considering their history. Is she still at the university? Did she move elsewhere? Did she and Sheldon finally declare a truce? We never find out, because after this, she disappears again. No explanation. No closure. Just gone.

#25: What Happened to Ramona Nowitzki?

The last time we see Ramona Nowitzki, Amy is thanking her for giving Sheldon that final push to commit. Ramona may not flinch at kissing someone elses boyfriend, but she clearly draws the line at fiancés because she backs off after the engagement. In fact, we never see her again. Given how intense she could be, its almost surprising they didnt throw in one last Ramona twist before the wedding. Maybe she finally accepted that she and Sheldon were never going to happen and buried herself in work. Or maybe she was just too mortified to show her face in Pasadena again. Still, given their similar fields, we wonder if they ever crossed paths later on.

#24: Did Penny Ever Finish Her Education?

Penny may not be as book-smart as the others, but shes plenty intelligent in her own way. Throughout the series, shes always trying to broaden her horizons, whether its taking lessons from Sheldon or joining community college. Unfortunately, the show never took her commitment to education as seriously as she did; it mostly served to move her relationship with Leonard along. Now that acting seems firmly behind her and shes stuck in a job she doesnt love, maybe shed be motivated to go back to school. Like money earlier, that gets trickier as a mom. However, Penny and Leonard have plenty of people around who could help out while she earns her diploma.

#23: What Did Sheldon Do to His Former Roommate?

In the flashback episode, we see Leonard briefly encounter Sheldons former roommate and, well. Look, we get it, Sheldon is a difficult person to spend an afternoon with, let alone live with, so it makes perfect sense hed drive people away. But this roommate seems traumatized by whatever went down in that apartment, and since we dont even know how long theyd been living together, we can only guess how long it took this ticking time bomb to explode. Things mustve gotten pretty bad based on the, erm, lets call it decor in what became Leonards room. We know Sheldon can be a massive pain, but jeez! What finally tipped him over the edge?

#22: Why Did Leonards Siblings Never Visit?

We know Leonard has a brother and sister who are both wildly successful. From what we hear, they probably got more nurturing from their mom than he didmaybe that drove a wedge between them. That might explain why they skipped their brothers wedding, let alone never popped by any other time throughout the series. Likewise, where are Bernadettes many siblings? Anyway, weve heard plenty about Leonards unusual upbringing, but it wouldve been fascinating to see the Hofstadter siblings reunite and compare notes on growing up with Beverly as their mom. Perhaps, like Sheldon and Georgie, they remember their childhoods very differentlyor maybe the experience bonded them for life. Young Leonard, anyone?

#21: How Was Beverly as a Grandmother?

While were on the Hofstadters, we cant help but wonder what Beverly might be like as a grandmother. Does she learn from her mistakes with her children and finally give her grandbabies the affection she withheld from Leonard? Shes written books on childrearing, so she clearly thinks she has a good formula. Does she stick to it or try to adapt? Do Leonard and Penny catch her running experiments on their kids, maybe as research for another book? Based on how she and Leonard part ways last, we like to believe she realizes the best thing she can be is an unconditionally loving grandma. Still, she probably makes the kids call her Doctor in public.

#20: What Was the Deal With the Pins on Howard's Collar?

Unlike many of the entries on this list, this one is one many may have overlooked. Throughout the run of the show, Howard was seen sporting many turtlenecks. But have you ever noticed the little alien pin? In virtually every episode, Howard can be seen with one of these pins on his turtleneck. They change shapes, sizes, and colors from episode to episode. But nothing in-show ever gives us a clue as to their meaning. In a behind-the-scenes clip, costume designer Mary T. Quigley did say there was a reason for them, but we never did learn what it was.

#19: What Happened to Stephanie?

With so much emphasis on Leonards adoration for Penny, its easy to forget the other women he becomes involved with. One shining example is that of Stephanie Barnett. She and Leonard become romantically attached shortly after Leonard drives her home from a date with Howard. Even after Leonard texts her about not wanting to live together, it seems like things would continue, yet she never reappears. No on-screen breakup ever occurs, and unlike other exes in Leonards life, shes never even mentioned again. Did not living together ultimately become a dealbreaker? Or was it just time for the writers to shift things back to Penny? Were guessing the latter is true.

#18: What Kind of Father Does Sheldon Become?

Can you imagine someone like Sheldon as a dad? Through the events of Young Sheldon, we learn that Sheldon and Amy have a son named Leonard and an unnamed daughter. Given Sheldons precarious history with his own father, fans became worried he might repeat some of those parenting patterns. When it comes to Sheldon however, we know that he can change his world views. For the twelve years we saw him on television, he came to grow far beyond his original struggles. Wed like to think that, as a father, hed give his kids everything he didnt get as a young child, even if Amy sometimes had to give him that first little push.

#17: What Was Pennys Sister Like?

Unlike the rest of her family, audiences never get to meet Pennys sister Lisa. First mentioned in Season 1, we dont come to learn much about her even after twelve seasons. What we do know is that she apparently shot her husband by accident while intoxicated, had her water break during the father-daughter dance at her wedding, and shes apparently quite adept at finding personal information on the Internet about Pennys love life. Given what little information we do know, it sounds like shes got as much spunk to her as Penny. However, much like Leonards siblings, the true nature of Lisas personality will likely remain an unsolved mystery.

#16: What Are Sheldon & Amy Doing Post-Nobel?

In the final season of The Big Bang Theory, both Sheldon and Amy are nominated for a Nobel Prize. After an early morning phone call, they learn they have won and the gang celebrates. Since the episode ends with Amy and Sheldon receiving their award, were not given any clues as to the direction their careers take. What exactly comes next after youve won a Nobel Prize in the world of science? Given Sheldons lifelong obsession with the Nobel, it leaves the door open to a lot of possibilities once hes crossed that item off his list. We imagine his next step is probably to solve anything deemed previously unsolvable to prove his brain is better than everybodys once and for all.

#15: Does Alfred Ever Visit Mary After Meeting at the Wedding?

Perhaps one of the most unexpected yet hilarious moments from the pre-wedding dinner is what unfolds between two parents. As Leonards father Alfred leaves the dinner, Sheldons mother Mary accompanies him. With the two intending to share a nightcap together, speculation unfolds amongst the boys as to whats going to happen. We learn the next day the two have become friends, and hope to visit each other in the near future. Which of course begs the question, what ever happened between these two? The possibilities of where that story couldve gone is endless. If only Young Sheldon had given us a hint at whether these two ever ended up together.

#14: Does Sheldon Ever Change?

Even up to the very last episode of the show, Sheldon is often portrayed as being quite self-centered and condescending. Both Amy and his friends tolerate his behavior knowing full well he never intends any ill will toward those closest to him. In the final episode, Sheldon comes to realize just how hurtful he can be, and chooses to share his Nobel spotlight with his extended family. It begs to ask the question as to whether or not this major moment in his life causes him to change. Were given a peek at him through the eyes of Young Sheldon, and it seems his innate Sheldonness cant be erased even if family life appears to have matured him somewhat.

#13: What Happens to Amys Apartment After the Repairs Are Done?

When Amys apartment needs to undergo some work, she adopts Pennys old place and begins her five-week mission of living with Sheldon. But once the repairs to Amys place are complete, the two of them agree to remain there permanently. We never see or hear anything about Amys old apartment afterwards. Sure, they agree to stay, but much of their apartment continues to be Pennys old stuff. What happens to all of Amys things, or even the apartment itself? It wouldve been quite funny to watch the two debate over what stuff Amys going to keep versus things Sheldon doesnt want anywhere near the apartment.

#12: What Did Howards Mom Look Like?

Over the course of the entire show, Howards mom was a bit of a running gag. Like Veras unseen face on Cheers, Debbie Wolowitz was a character we never saw, but certainly heard. Portrayed as an overprotective and obnoxious mother, Debbie Wolowitz was in the show up until Season 8. The character was retired after her voice actress, Carol Ann Susi, tragically passed away. With the character now absent from the show, the mystery of what she looked like would always be there. Keen observers have noted that a photo of Susi can be seen on the side of the fridge in the boys apartment. Its a close hint at what she could have looked like, while still not being an outright confirmation.

#11: What Does Pennys Future Look Like?

When a show comes to an end, fans always hope that the writers find a way to give their characters a satisfying ending. By all accounts, Penny seems to be in a good place when things conclude, but how does it all play out? We mentioned before how she struggled to find happiness, so we wonder if that continues as she became a mother. Speaking of which, that was something she wasnt keen on being for such a long time, so how does that all play out? Does she keep her career in pharmaceuticals? Do she and Leonard stay together? Of all the characters on this show, Pennys likely the one whos life may have gone in a different direction.

#10: Is Penny Happy?

Of all the characters on this show, Penny could be described as the one whos both grown the most, yet struggled the hardest with happiness. For a long time, she thinks fame from an acting career will make her happy, but finds herself floundering in such a field. Her struggle to find happiness extends further into her relationship with Leonard, her new career in pharmaceuticals, and eventually the idea of becoming a mother. So when all is said and done, does she ever really find true happiness? Stuart once says which makes a good case for her future. After struggling so much with finding happiness, is Leonard, her baby, and career success enough to finally make her happy?

#9: Does Stuart Become Successful?

He may not go down in history as having won a Nobel Prize, or visiting the International Space Station. But Stuart Bloom does start to see some success as the show comes to a close. After losing his comic book store to a fire, it comes back better than ever. It even brings love into his life when he hires Denise. So inevitably we wonder, does Stuart find any other successes in his life later on? Does he turn his store into a franchise and take down Capitol Comics? Or does he come back to his artistic side and become a professional comic book illustrator? With a Stuart-centered spinoff reportedly in the works, theres still time for these questions to be answered!

#8: What Kind of Parents Are Leonard & Penny?

In the final episodes of the show, we learned that Leonard and Penny were expecting their first child. This came as a shock to viewers, as Penny didnt seem enthusiastic about the idea. After hearing her go back and forth on the idea several times, learning that she would definitely become a mom was certainly a huge surprise. That just leaves the mystery of how theyd be as parents. Neither of them had conventional upbringings. Both Leonards relationship with his mom, and Pennys relationship with her dad certainly had their ups and downs. However, given the love between the couple, and what they learned from their own pasts, were confident they became fantastic parents.

#7: What Happened With Howards Half-Brother?

We hear countless times over the shows run about how Howards father left the family. So it was a big surprise to learn that Sam Wolowitz had an entire other life with additional children. In Season 8, we meet Howards half-brother, Josh, who shows up unexpectedly at his home. After a bit of a rough start, the two hit it off and seemingly intend to continue to learn more about each other. And then nothing. Viewers never see Josh nor hear his name spoken for the rest of the shows run. Fans are left to make up their own interpretation of how this new sibling bond evolves.

#6: Will Leonards Relationship With His Mother Improve?

Leonards mom was introduced as a high-achieving academic with little regard for any accomplishment her son ever made. He spent his whole life trying to please his mother, while she ignored him. She thought this would all bring him strength, but instead, this parenting method merely created an emotional wall between the two. As the show comes to an end, Leonard finally decides hes had enough and forgives her. Its there we see her give him his first real piece of affection: something he yearned for all along. Could this have been a sign of better things to come?

#5: Does Howard Ever Get His PhD?

Early on, we learned that Howard received his masters degree from MIT, but did not get his doctorate. As much as he has accomplished as an engineer, its never stopped his friends and colleagues from poking fun at his lack of a PhD. For a moment in Season 8, we thought he might get there with help from Sheldon. But that didnt pan out. We wonder if Sheldon and Amys Nobel win may have given Howard a bit of a push to earn his last degree. If so, he could finally be called Dr. Wolowitz. It would certainly be an improvement over Wolowizard.

#4: Will Raj Ever Get Married?

For six years of the shows run, Raj suffered through selective mutism whenever he was around women. This certainly caused his fair share of relationship issues. Even when he faced the issue head-on, his inability to maintain a long term, stable relationship followed him until the series ended. It always seemed that Rajs biggest hurdle was his inner battle of wanting to be happy, versus wanting to make someone else happy. When the show wrapped, Raj was still single but content amongst his friends. Does he ever manage to find a girl who knows what Notting Hill was really about?

#3: What Is Pennys Maiden Name?

After 279 episodes, you might have thought wed know the full names of all the major characters. Since weve already memorized Koothrappali and Rostenkowski, youd think the writers would have given us Pennys original last name. Alas, this appears to be a question that they never really intended to answer. In fact, as time went on, it became a bit of a superstition to not give her a last name at all. Fans have theorized about her name, and come up with several creative possibilities. However, the producers and writers have stood firm that this was a question they never really intended to answer.

#2: Did Howard Ever Reconcile With His Dad?

While often played for laughs, Howards relationship with his estranged dad is also one that gives the show some of its best moments. The entire letter episode shows how truly conflicted Howard is about his father. And given that he learns his dad has a whole other family, it would have been pretty easy for him to reach out and reconnect. But even with all of these little details, we never find out if Howard ultimately does try to reconcile with Sam. Given how emotionally heavy that would be, we can understand leaving it out, but that doesnt stop us from wondering what his dad may think of his sons accomplishments. Which brings us on to

#1: What Was the Deal With Howards Dad?

One of the ongoing story elements of The Big Bang Theory was how Howard dealt with his fathers departure. In numerous episodes throughout the shows run, we learned that Howards dad left him and his mom when he was a kid. He never saw his father nor heard from him at any point afterwards. During a Season 6 episode, Sheldon uncovers a letter to Howard detailing what happened, but Howard doesnt want to know. The gang opts to give him six different stories about his dad, with one being true. It provides the audience and Howard their own Schrödingers cat. We all both know and dont know the answer at the same time.

Do you have any theories on these unanswered questions? Give us your hypothesis in the comments.