Top 10 Times Stuart Deserved Better on The Big Bang Theory
#10: He’s the Last to Know About Bernadette’s Pregnancy
“The Celebration Experimentation”
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When the gang celebrates the news that Howard and Bernadette are going to be parents, there’s one friend who’s notably absent. Now, the expecting parents are totally entitled to tell whoever they want, whenever they want. However, in this case, it seems like in all their excitement and nerves, Stuart just slipped their minds. However, that doesn’t make it any less painful for him to overhear the happy news from Barry Kripke, of all people! Poor Stuart! He’s good enough to help prepare Sheldon’s birthday cake but barely even an afterthought in his friend’s important milestones. Most of us will know how gutwrenching it is to feel invisible; we see you, Stuart!
#9: Facing His Mean Comic Book Store Rival
“The Occupation Recalibration”
Stuart’s comic book store might not have a swanky coffee machine and tempting scone spread, but we’ve got to applaud his commitment to exceptional customer service. When Bernadette urgently needs to replace one of Howard’s comic books, Stuart takes her to the only store that stocks it. It just happens to be owned by his mean, condescending rival, Jesse. Spotting his old clientele hanging around the joint only rubs salt in the wound. Anyway, Jesse’s needlessly hurtful, and if we were in Bernadette’s shoes, we’d likely have walked out, too. We probably wouldn’t have snuck back later behind Stuart's back, though. Okay, maybe for a muffin, but we wouldn’t be able to enjoy it half as much!
#8: Getting Stood up by the Gang
“The Mommy Observation”
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Stuart typically doesn’t get invited to group activities, but in this case, Raj needed a victim for his murder mystery party, and well, we guess Stuart fit the bill. Meanwhile, Raj assigns the rest of the gang character cards, which ends up causing a bit of friction between Penny and Leonard. Stuart ends up restoring peace to the group, albeit upsetting Amy and Bernadette in the process. Later, as the group reflects on their friendship, they make a promise that no matter where life takes them, they’ll reunite in 20 years. While everyone sets calendar reminders except Stuart, guess who’s the only one who shows up? Yep, you got it, Stuart!
#7: Stuart Dresses up for the “Game of Thrones” Viewing Party
“The Viewing Party Combustion”
It’s one thing not to invite Stuart as an oversight, but it’s another to include him only to humiliate him. When the guys host a “Game of Thrones” viewing party, pretty much everyone ends up at odds. But then Stuart shows up, and we learn Howard deliberately misled him over the dress code. Luckily, Penny’s apartment offers sanctuary to those frustrated with Howard. As if Stuart hasn’t been through enough already, the guys continue to mock him as he mounts his bicycle to head back home. At this point, their taunts just seem unnecessarily cruel. Also, public service announcement: capes and bicycle wheels don’t mix. Poor Stuart!
#6: He Could’ve Been Rich!
“The Bitcoin Entanglement”
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In this episode, the guys end up on a wild goose chase looking for the flash drive containing the Bitcoin they mined years ago. Hearing that there’s a decent amount of money involved, Stuart tries to get in on the action. But before anyone can discuss splitting this fortune, first, they have to find it. But, thanks to Sheldon’s vengefulness, no one profits from this experience, although one person comes very close. In a final flashback, we see Stuart sweeping the floor in his store; when what should he stumble upon? We can’t bear to picture his devastation if he ever were to find out about the fortune he erased.
#5: Penny Calls Him by the Wrong Name
“The Classified Materials Turbulence”
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Remember when Stuart’s impressive art skills scored him a date with Penny? We weren’t sure if anything would bloom between them, especially when Leonard, driven by jealousy, offers Stuart some lousy advice. Turns out fate didn’t need Leonard to intervene anyway. How would you feel if your partner called out the wrong name mid-kiss? Yikes! His romantic woes continue when he goes out with Amy, hitting a new low when she and Sheldon advance their relationship during the date. Talk about a cosmic collision of bad luck! Luckily, his fortunes start to change when he meets Denise. Orange, you glad she finally brought some zest into his romantic life? We know we are.
#4: Howard Takes Issue with His New Living Arrangement
“The Hook-Up Reverberation”
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At the end of season seven, with no job and nowhere to live, Stuart takes a live-in carer role at Mrs. Wolowitz’s home while she’s recovering from a fall. However, even when she’s all better, she welcomes him to stay since they’ve developed such a tight bond. This irks Howard, who’s both uncomfortable with the arrangement and enraged that he’s no longer his mom’s only “Bubula.” But be reasonable, Howard! The guy hit rock bottom! He lost everything in one night; doesn’t he deserve to be cut some slack and treated to some TLC? Plus, isn’t Stuart doing him a favor by keeping his mom company? Not cool, Howard!
#3: Being Left Out of Group Activities
“The Scavenger Vortex”
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Stuart holds an exclusive membership to the “Left Out” club—a recurring theme in his story. But if they’re not going to invite him to the party, isn’t it just cruel to bring the party to him? That doesn’t stop Raj from thoughtlessly making the comic book store a pit stop in his scavenger hunt. Ever been left out of a group hang? That sting just sticks around, doesn’t it? Fast forward several seasons, and Stuart learns about the group’s Vegas trip from Sheldon, who isn’t even invited! Still, he tags along with Sheldon’s gatecrashing escapade. The group ultimately forgives Sheldon, while Stuart is left out in the cold.
#2: Finding Out He’s a ‘Test’ Friend over Brunch
“The Fetal Kick Catalyst”
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This is one of the few occasions Stuart does make the guest list— only it’s not for the most flattering reasons. While he probably did a little happy dance about the invite, Sheldon quickly rains on his parade. Imagine being all excited for a social event, only to find out you’re essentially a test subject, there to help smooth things out before the VIPs roll in. It’s so callous, and we’re devastated for him. If that doesn’t get you, then you probably felt your heart shatter into a gazillion pieces when he voiced just how much they’d hurt him. We hope his tipsy love fest with Sheldon somewhat helped ease the pain.
#1: His Store Burns Down
“The Status Quo Combustion”
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Many “Big Bang” fans will remember the horror and dismay when Sheldon walks into the charred remains of the comic book store. If Stuart thought he’d hit rock bottom before, he really crashed straight through it now. As if things weren’t bad enough, many folks served him suspicious side-eyes, questioning if he’d purposely burned down the place for insurance money. Seriously? In one night, the guy loses his livelihood and shelter, and people are still throwing shade? That’s just cruel. Howard steps in with a lifeline while Stuart gets back on his feet. But before then, things were looking pretty bleak. Poor Stuart! He just can’t seem to catch a break!
Did you cheer for Stuart when things finally started looking up in the last season? When else did you wish the writers would cut him some slack? Let us know in the comments.
