New Year 2025: Iconic “The Big Bang Theory” Episodes You Can Re-Watch to Immerse Yourself in the Festive Spirit

The Big Bang Theory may have ended in May 2019, but it’s never truly gone. With the holidays in full swing, there’s no better time to revisit the geeky gang from Pasadena. To fill the New Year’s Eve void, here are three classic holiday episodes of The Big Bang Theory that will have you feeling festive in no time.

Sure, the gang isn’t all about Christmas cheer and New Year’s parties, but these episodes bring all the holiday feels you could ask for. If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Ready for a holiday binge? Let’s dive into the best holiday moments from The Big Bang Theory that you can enjoy right now!

The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis (Season 2, Episode 11)

When you think of The Big Bang Theory, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t Christmas, but trust us, this holiday episode is one for the books. In Season 2, Episode 11, titled The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis, Sheldon does something you’d never expect: he gives someone a hug.

The episode begins when Penny buys gifts for her neighbors, including Sheldon. Being the socially awkward genius he is, Sheldon spirals into panic. He doesn’t understand gift-giving—like, at all.

What’s the right amount to spend? What should the gift be? He doesn’t know! So, of course, Sheldon goes on a massive shopping spree, trying to figure out which one is the perfect match for Penny’s gift.

But then Penny does the unthinkable—she gives Sheldon a priceless gift: an autograph from Leonard Nimoy, signed on a napkin at The Cheesecake Factory. Sheldon’s inner Star Trek fan loses it. He’s overjoyed, practically bursting at the seams.

The moment is pure magic when Sheldon, so moved, gives Penny a real hug. That’s right. Sheldon Cooper hugs someone. It’s a touching yet one of the most memorable moments in Big Bang history. A miracle, indeed!

The Justice League Recombination (Season 4, Episode 11)

New Year’s Eve isn’t complete without a little bit of fancy dress and chaos. The Justice League Recombination is the perfect episode to ring in the New Year with the gang from The Big Bang Theory. This episode is truly a comic book lover’s dream come true.

In this special New Year’s episode, the gang heads to the comic book store’s annual costume party, and things get pretty silly. What’s better than dressing up as superheroes for a New Year’s celebration? Absolutely nothing, in the world of The Big Bang Theory.

Each character picks a superhero from the Justice League. Leonard, always the good guy, goes as the Green Lantern. Sheldon, never one to miss an opportunity to show off his vast knowledge of the speed force, goes as The Flash.

Howard, ever the showman, tries his best at being Batman. And Raj? He’s stuck as Aquaman, complete with a ridiculous blonde wig and a pink seahorse. But the best part? Penny, our favorite non-geek, agrees to join the fun, dressing up as Wonder Woman.

But wait—it gets even better when Zack (Penny’s on-again, off-again boyfriend) shows up as Superman. As they all try to win the costume contest, Sheldon’s awkwardness and the group’s usual nerdy behavior create plenty of funny moments.

With the New Year approaching, there’s no better way to celebrate than with these lovable misfits in their superhero attire. Bonus points for every awkward interaction, cringe-worthy moment, and comic-book-themed nonsense.

The Thanksgiving Decoupling (Season 7, Episode 9)

Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and, of course, drama. The Thanksgiving Decoupling brings all three to the table in typical Big Bang Theory style. The episode takes place at Mrs. Wolowitz’s house, where Howard invites the gang over for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

And, of course, things don’t go as smoothly as you’d expect. Penny and Leonard find themselves in a full-blown argument after Penny accidentally discovers that she married her ex-boyfriend Zack in Las Vegas. Awkward much?

Meanwhile, Raj, Amy, and Bernadette are in the kitchen, trying to cook while watching the drama unfold. The entire gang, each in their own dysfunctional way, makes Thanksgiving dinner even more ridiculous than usual.

As usual, Sheldon’s presence makes things even more awkward. He doesn’t quite understand Thanksgiving customs, but he’s more than happy to share a beer with Howard’s dad, Mike.

And that leads to one of the funniest moments of the entire episode—Sheldon and Mike, both a little tipsy, bonding over beer. The best part of this episode, though, is how every character plays a part in making this Thanksgiving both hilarious and a little chaotic.

The Big Bang Theory is available to watch on Netflix!