Although The Big Bang Theory was incredibly popular with audiences, the series was often underrepresented in major critical discussions, especially when it came to awards recognition. Jim Parsons’ portrayal of Sheldon Cooper earned him four Emmy wins, but the series as a whole was not seen as a critical darling in the way shows like 30 Rock or Arrested Development were.  The Big Bang Theory’s use of traditional multi-cam sitcom tropes and laugh tracks often led to the show being unfairly dismissed.

The Big Bang Theory excelled in character development over time, particularly with arcs like Sheldon’s emotional evolution and Howard’s growth from a wannabe player to a devoted husband and father. Over 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory, the show slowly introduced new female characters who became fan favorites, a difficult feat for any sitcom. These are 10 episodes that showcase The Big Bang Theory cast’s chemistry, sure to make you fall in love with Sheldon and his friends.

When Penny gets Sheldon a gift for Christmas, he calls gift-giving “an obligation,” stressing over how to reciprocate with an appropriate gift. This helped me understand how Sheldon thinks; in a way, he’s right about how delicate it can be to pick out the right present. However, when Penny gives him a napkin signed and used by Leonard Nimoy, the actor famous for portraying Mr. Spock, Sheldon showers her with dozens of gift baskets. It’s still not enough to convey his gratitude, so he gives Penny a hug, a rare instance of him initiating physical contact.