Bazinga. You think you know Sheldon, Leonard and the rest of the Caltech crew? Prove it.
Twelve seasons. A Nobel Prize. And more D&D nights than anyone should admit. This quiz covers characters, lore and the kind of detail that separates real fans from people who just caught a few episodes.
Pick your level
Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, The Big Bang Theory ran on CBS from 2007 to 2019, twelve seasons and 279 episodes. It follows a group of brilliant, socially awkward physicists in Pasadena, California, whose lives are upended when a new neighbour named Penny moves in across the hall.
The show earned its longevity through character consistency, increasingly well-drawn relationships and the rare ability to make audiences care about both the science and the people. This quiz tests whether you paid attention to both.
All ten easy level questions, with the answer and the reasoning behind it.
Correct answer: Kaley Cuoco
Kaley Cuoco, who went on to star in The Flight Attendant.
Correct answer: Johnny Galecki
Johnny Galecki, who is also the show's most frequent straight man.
Correct answer: Stuart
Stuart Bloom, whose business has about as much luck as he does.
Correct answer: Theoretical physicist
Theoretical physicist, and he has plenty to say about engineers.
Correct answer: Young Sheldon
Young Sheldon, narrated by Jim Parsons, which ran from 2017 to 2024.
Correct answer: Leonard
Leonard, bound by a very long Roommate Agreement.
Correct answer: Cinnamon
Cinnamon, a Yorkshire terrier, carried around and spoiled at every opportunity.
Correct answer: The 4th
The 4th, in 4A and 4B, and the lift has not worked for years.
Correct answer: Bowl cut and tight trousers
A bowl cut, tight trousers and a very visible belt buckle.
Correct answer: Monday
Monday. Sheldon's weekly food schedule does not leave any room for discussion.
Want to warm up before playing or double-check something? Open any question to reveal the correct answer and a short explanation.
Correct answer: Got you, it's a joke
Sheldon says "Bazinga" after successfully delivering a prank or joke. It's his way of flagging that he has just tricked someone. The word became one of the most quoted lines in CBS sitcom history.
Correct answer: Caltech
Sheldon and Leonard work at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena. Sheldon is a theoretical physicist and Leonard is an experimental physicist, which sets up a mild academic rivalry between them.
Correct answer: Howard Wolowitz
Howard Wolowitz holds a Master's degree in Engineering from MIT but no doctorate. This is a recurring source of mockery from Sheldon, who regularly reminds Howard that he's not a "real scientist."
Correct answer: Amy Farrah Fowler
Amy Farrah Fowler is a neurobiologist who becomes Sheldon's partner. Their relationship starts as a formal agreement and gradually develops into a genuine romance, culminating in marriage and a shared Nobel Prize.
Correct answer: Waitress at The Cheesecake Factory
Penny works as a waitress at The Cheesecake Factory while pursuing her acting career. The contrast between her world and the academics' creates much of the show's comedy, especially in the early seasons.
Correct answer: Super-asymmetry
Sheldon and Amy win the Nobel Prize in Physics for their theory of super-asymmetry, introduced in Season 11. It's the culmination of Sheldon's lifelong ambition to become the greatest scientist who ever lived.
Correct answer: Theremin
Sheldon plays the theremin, one of the only instruments played without physical contact. The choice suits him perfectly: the theremin is rare, technically demanding and slightly unnerving to observe.
Correct answer: 12
The Big Bang Theory ran for twelve seasons from 2007 to 2019. Despite ending on its own terms, it remained one of the most-watched shows on American television in its final seasons.
Correct answer: Microbiology
Bernadette is a microbiologist with a PhD, working in the pharmaceutical industry. Her soft-spoken delivery masks one of the most professionally capable characters in the show, a contrast the writers used well throughout the series.
Correct answer: Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady
Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady created the show for CBS in 2007. Lorre is also known for Two and a Half Men and Mom. Bill Prady came from a background in computing before moving to television writing.
Stuck on one, or just curious how nasty it gets? Every hard mode question is here with its answer and the reasoning behind it.
Correct answer: 187
187, and he has mentioned it more than once.
Correct answer: The Flash
The Flash, although Green Lantern and many others are also in the rotation.
Correct answer: Barry Kripke
Barry Kripke, who cannot pronounce his r's, and whom Sheldon loves to needle.
Correct answer: Missy
Missy, who is rather more socially able than her brother.
Correct answer: Melissa Rauch
Melissa Rauch, whose high-pitched voice hides a terrifying temper.
Correct answer: Mrs Wolowitz
Mrs Wolowitz, whom we never see in full. The show wrote her death in after the actress died in 2014.
Correct answer: A rocket fuel experiment by Leonard
A rocket fuel experiment by Leonard, as revealed in 'The Staircase Implementation'.
Correct answer: George Smoot
George Smoot, playing himself, on the way to a symposium in San Francisco.
Correct answer: Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking, thanks to Howard, and Sheldon faints on the spot.
Correct answer: Leonard Nimoy
Leonard Nimoy, who later voices Sheldon's toy Spock. Sheldon is thrilled to have his DNA.