Nothing screams “comfort watch” like a good, long-running sitcom! Sitcoms are a staple for TV pop culture, and when we think about some of the best of the best, it is nearly impossible to leave out The Big Bang Theory. Premiering its first episode on CBS back in 2007, the show follows a group of friends as they navigate their lives, relationships, and professional endeavors. Of course, with the extra layer of wholesome nerdiness and hilarious interpersonal relationships, this show is beloved by many.
The Big Bang Theory went on for 12 incredible seasons and came to an end in 2019. The main actors from the series were like shining stars in their roles. The multitalented cast not only established incredible depth in their characters, but also made them laugh-out-loud funny throughout all 12 seasons. From the contrast between Penny and Sheldon’s characters to the chaotic friendship between Raj and Howard, this show does not hold back on the laughs. Based on how funny they were, we have put together a ranking of the main characters of The Big Bang Theory.
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7 Penny
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Penny (played by Kaley Cuoco) is Sheldon and Leonard’s neighbor, and Leonard’s partner (sometimes). She, unlike most of the other characters in this show, is not a genius-smart person with a PhD and a knack for science. However, she is definitely fun, laid back, and confident. A lot of Penny’s comedic chops as a character stem from her interaction with the rest of her cast. So, her relationship with Leonard and her friendship with Sheldon, the other guys, and the other girls provides a dynamic much more relatable and therefore, funny for the audience.
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6 Leonard
Leonard Hofstadter is played by Johnny Galecki in The Big Bang Theory. Leonard, along with being Sheldon’s roommate, is an experimental physicist and Penny’s partner (sometimes). His character is a little more level-headed and thinks more rationally than the rest of the group. He is, with the exception of probably Penny, the most socially aware, which makes for some really funny moments with the other members of the group. He keeps a lot of the other characters in check, kind of like the “dad” of the group.
5 Bernadette
Bernadette: a genius, but also a complete firecracker! Bernadette Rostenkowski is played by the delightful Melissa Rauch. Bernadette is slightly unpredictable. She’s sugary sweet on the outside, but can definitely put up a fight. This kind of combination makes up for one hell of comedic potential. Bernadette is bright, energetic, and paired with the other 2 gals in this group, incredibly dynamic. Also, with Howard as her partner, those two are a duo that has us constantly laughing out loud.
4 Howard
Every main character in The Big Bang Theory brings their own spark and hilarious input into every conversation that takes place. Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) is the engineer of the group. He definitely gets into his own shenanigans throughout the show and even finds love along the way. However, one of the main highlights of his character (and the most funny) is his brotherhood friendship with Raj. The two of those guys on screen together are a comedic duo is a great watch for audiences.
3 Raj
With so many characters in this unforgettable ensemble, Raj, played by Kunal Nayyar, makes sure audiences are laughing every time he hits the screen. Raj fills in the role of “can’t get a woman to save his own life.” The running bit of him not being able to speak to any women, sometimes including his own friends, never seems to get old. Raj’s funniest moments always come in the most inappropriate/inconvenient times. He is the perfect balance of being incredibly smart but mostly clueless in any other sense, and we love it.
2 Amy
Amy Farrah Fowler is a neuroscientist and the love of Sheldon’s life, after science of course. Amy fittingly is almost exactly like Sheldon in her lack of social awareness. Her character is played by the incredibly talented Mayim Bialik, who is also a current host for Jeopardy on ABC. Amy is easily one of the most lovable characters in this show. For a sitcom like The Big Bang Theory, which is driven by comedy, she hits all the marks. Her interactions with Sheldon are comedy gold and in the scope of the entire group, Amy’s small little quirks drive the entertainment factor of this show to a new level.
1 Sheldon
Sheldon Cooper is an iconic figure in the TV world. There is no Big Bang Theory without Sheldon. The guy even has his own origin spinoff series called Young Sheldon! Whether it is the complete lack of social awareness or the inappropriate urge to say whatever he wants, Sheldon takes the cake for the funniest character in this series by far. Almost stoic in the delivery, Jim Parsons’ performance as Sheldon makes him not only laugh-out-loud hilarious, but completely unpredictable. Even the moments where he does show emotion, in particular, affection and/or gratitude are some of the best in the series. If you are counting on one character that will surely bring a smile to your face, bet on Sheldon to do just that.
