The early life of child genius Sheldon Cooper, later seen in The Big Bang Theory.

9-year-old Sheldon Cooper is a once-in-a-generation mind capable of advanced mathematics and science but learns that isn’t always helpful growing up in East Texas, a land where church and football are king.

Pilot

To appease his worried mother, Sheldon employs the techniques of a self-help book to try and make a friend.

Rockets, Communists, and the Dewey Decimal System

When George Sr. is rushed to the emergency room, Connie comes to babysit, and the kids have an adventure getting to the hospital on their own.

Poker, Faith, and Eggs

After choking on a breakfast sausage, Sheldon wrestles with his fear of solid foods and discovers comic books for the first time.

A Therapist, a Comic Book, and a Breakfast Sausage

Sheldon struggles with newfound popularity after utilizing statistics to help the football team.

A Solar Calculator, a Game Ball, and a Cheerleader's Bosom

When a NASA representative visits Sheldon’s school and dismisses his science, Sheldon is set on a mission to prove him wrong.

A Patch, a Modem, and a Zantac

The kids brainstorm ways to resolve a family feud when Connie refuses to give George Sr. her brisket recipe.

A Brisket, Voodoo, and Cannonball Run

While Mary, Connie and Missy have their girls night at the salon, the three Cooper men plan their road trip to see the space launcher, but it doesn't go as well as they plan.

Cape Canaveral, Schrödinger's Cat, and Cyndi Lauper's Hair

George Sr. strikes a deal with Sheldon to tutor Georgie when poor grades threaten to keep him from playing football. While Sheldon's tutoring attempts are ultimately unsuccessful, he does learn some skills from his brother.

Spock, Kirk, and Testicular Hernia

When Sheldon moves to Dallas to attend a school for gifted children, the family struggles to cope with his absence.

An Eagle Feather, a String Bean, and an Eskimo

A worried Mary sends Sheldon to Sunday school after she finds him playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends, Tam and Billy.

Demons, Sunday School, and Prime Numbers

Sheldon asks for a computer and unknowingly sparks a heated argument between Mary and George Sr. over the family’s finances.

A Computer, a Plastic Pony, and a Case of Beer

When flu season hits Medford, Sheldon takes extreme measures to remain healthy.

A Sneeze, Detention, and Sissy Spacek

When Mary takes a job as church secretary, she finds herself becoming Pastor Jeff's marriage counselor. Also, Sheldon and Missy spend their first afternoon home alone.

Potato Salad, a Broomstick, and Dad's Whiskey

Sheldon makes friends with an upperclassman who introduces him to a new field of science. Also, Mary and George disagree on how to handle Sheldon's blossoming social life.

Dolomite, Apple Slices, and a Mystery Woman

A disappointing loss at the science fair sends Sheldon’s life in a new direction.

Killer Asteroids, Oklahoma, and a Frizzy Hair Machine

Sheldon is bullied by an unlikely character, and Mary and George disagree on how to handle the situation.

Jiu-Jitsu, Bubble Wrap, and Yoo-hoo

Mary bans Sheldon from reading a mature comic book. Sheldon decides it's time to stop living under Mary's thumb.

A Mother, A Child, and a Blue Man's Backside

When Sheldon is no longer academically challenged at Medford High, he audits a college class taught by Dr. John Sturgis.

Gluons, Guacamole, and the Color Purple

A battle erupts between the Coopers and Sparks when the Sparks' new dog terrorizes Sheldon.

A Dog, a Squirrel, and a Fish Named Fish

While Sheldon is busy keeping tabs on Connie’s budding relationship with Dr. Sturgis, George Sr. and Mary attempt to bond with their other children.

Summer Sausage, a Pocket Poncho, and Tony Danza

When Connie is pursued by two gentlemen callers, Sheldon interferes, forcing her to set some ground rules.

Vanilla Ice Cream, Gentleman Callers, and a Dinette Set

After Sheldon dismantles the refrigerator to stop an annoying hum, he gets a paper route to pay for the repairs.

A High-Pitched Buzz and Training Wheels

When Dr. Sturgis bonds with Paige, another 10-year-old genius, Sheldon’s jealousy leads Connie to intervene. Mary invites Paige’s family over for a play date.

A Rival Prodigy and Sir Isaac Neutron

When Mary’s faith is shaken by a tragedy in the community, Sheldon becomes an unlikely ally.

A Crisis of Faith and Octopus Aliens

When George Sr. asks Sheldon to keep a secret from Mary, the stress of not being honest drives Sheldon to hideout at Tam’s for his first sleepover.

A Financial Secret and Fish Sauce

When Dr. Sturgis recommends Sheldon and Missy for a university research study on twins, Mary is unhappy when the test results go to Sheldon's head.

A Research Study and Czechoslovakian Wedding Pastries

Mary clashes with Sheldon's drama teacher over plans for a Halloween fundraiser for the church. Georgie falls for a rebellious teenage girl whom Sheldon is tutoring.

Seven Deadly Sins and a Small Carl Sagan

Sheldon gets into trouble with fellow child genius, Paige at the science museum. George is forced to play therapist to Paige’s bickering parents. Mary, Georgie and Missy help Connie with a garage sale.

Carbon Dating and a Stuffed Raccoon

A video game takes over Sheldon and Connie’s life. George Sr. is jealous when Georgie bonds with Herschel at the auto shop.

An 8-Bit Princess and a Flat Tire Genius

Sheldon studies his family for a psychology project. Thanksgiving dinner turns into a family fight when George Sr. is offered a job in Oklahoma.

Family Dynamics and a Red Fiero

When Sheldon learns that people with stunted childhoods can turn into social outcasts, he tries to act. Connie and Dr. Sturgis' relationship is tested when she teaches him how to drive.

A Stunted Childhood and a Can of Fancy Mixed Nuts

Sheldon experiments on Missy, and Georgie joins Mary’s bible study to spend more time with his crush, Veronica.

A Race of Superhumans and a Letter to Alf

When Sheldon has to spend a few days in the hospital, he turns into the world’s worst patient. Also, Missy gets a taste of what life would be like without her twin.

A Tummy Ache and a Whale of a Metaphor

Sheldon attempts to build a nuclear reactor. Also, a university cocktail party gets heated when Dr. Sturgis’ colleague, Dr. Linkletter, flirts with Connie, and Georgie is heartbroken when he learns Veronica has a boyfriend.

A Nuclear Reactor and a Boy Called Lovely

Sheldon uses his new friendship with the school bully to boss Georgie around. Also, Missy steals Connie's makeup for picture day.

David, Goliath and a Yoo-hoo from the Back

Sheldon and Dr. Sturgis have their first fight when Dr. Sturgis marks a question wrong on Sheldon's test. Also, Mary takes over for Pastor Jeff when he's out sick.

A Math Emergency and Perky Palms

Things spiral out of control when Sheldon boycotts his favorite bread company. Also, Georgie offers Veronica a shoulder to cry on when she's dumped by her boyfriend.

A Loaf of Bread and a Grand Old Flag

Inspired by his hero, Albert Einstein, Sheldon tries his hand at the violin. Also, Mary and Connie secretly buy a pregnancy test when Mary thinks she's pregnant

Albert Einstein and the Story of Another Mary

Sheldon moves in with Dr. Sturgis for the weekend to see what his life will be like in college. Also, a lonely Mary tries to bond with the other Coopers during Sheldon's absence.

A Perfect Score and a Bunsen Burner Marshmallow

Unhappy that school funds are going towards football rather than academics, Sheldon decides to run for class president.

A Political Campaign and a Candy Land Cheater

Georgie is thrilled when Veronica stays at the Coopers' house for a few days. Also, Connie and Dr. Sturgis celebrate their one-year anniversary.

A Proposal and a Popsicle Stick Cross

The Coopers help Pastor Jeff through a rough patch in his marriage. Also, Sheldon pressures church members for donations when Mary takes him to work for a day.

A Broken Heart and a Crock Monster

Sheldon invites the entire school to a party for the Nobel Prize announcements. Also, Connie learns more about Dr. Sturgis' past, and Georgie's desire for cable TV leads to a standoff between him and George Sr.

A Swedish Science Thing and the Equation for Toast

After Dr. Sturgis experiences a nervous breakdown, Mary worries Sheldon is headed down a similar path. Also, Georgie discovers he has a knack for sales.

Quirky Eggheads and Texas Snow Globes

Without Dr. Sturgis’ university class, Sheldon must find a new way to stay academically challenged. Also, Mary helps Pastor Jeff avoid temptation with his girlfriend.

A Broom Closet and Satan's Monopoly Board

Sheldon takes matters into his own hands when Connie refuses to drive him to a lecture with Dr. Linkletter. Also, Georgie tries to impress Veronica with his new business venture

An Entrepreneurialist and a Swat on the Bottom

Sheldon is forced to take a break from science when his new obsession with "The Lord of the Rings" leads to an unhealthy habit. Also, Missy asks George Sr. to teach her how to play catch.

Hobbitses, Physicses and a Ball with Zip

After being released from the mental hospital, Dr. Sturgis unexpectedly breaks up with Connie.

A Pineapple and the Bosom of Male Friendship

A church carnival leads Missy to try out for the baseball team. Also, Connie struggles after her breakup with Dr. Sturgis.

A Parasol and a Hell of an Arm

Sheldon starts an internet flame war, and Missy stands up to the boys on her baseball team. Also, Connie is unhappy when George Sr. spends time with her new boyfriend.

Pongo Pygmaeus and a Culture that Encourages Spitting

The University makes George Sr. a lucrative job offer in the hopes of recruiting Sheldon. Also, Georgie gets a job working for Connie's new boyfriend, and Mary is determined to rid her home of greed.

The Sin of Greed and a Chimichanga from Chi-chi's

Mary gets Pastor Jeff involved when Sheldon isn't invited to Billy's birthday party. Also, George Sr. has "male-bonding time" with Dr. Sturgis.

A Party Invitation, Football Grapes and an Earth Chicken

Sheldon fakes being sick to avoid a swim test at school. Also, Dr. Sturgis spies on Connie's new boyfriend.

Teenager Soup and a Little Ball of Fib

George Sr. and Connie struggle to manage the Cooper household while Mary plans Pastor Jeff’s wedding.

A Live Chicken, a Fried Chicken and Holy Matrimony

Sheldon learns to listen when an emotional Paige struggles with her parents’ divorce. George Sr. is furious when Georgie tries to buy his way out of chores.

Body Glitter and a Mall Safety Kit

George Sr. and Georgie go camping with Connie's new boyfriend, Dale, but things get complicated when her ex-boyfriend, Dr. Sturgis, tags along. Also, Sheldon and Missy invent a super-game.

Contracts, Rules and a Little Bit of Pig Brains

Sheldon and Georgie mine for platinum in roadside gravel. Mary is concerned when Missy misuses religion to help with a batting slump.

A Slump, a Cross and Roadside Gravel

Connie meets Dale’s ex-wife, June. Sheldon is forced to work on a group project with reluctant college students.

A Boyfriend's Ex-Wife and a Good Luck Head Rub

Sheldon visits CalTech for the very first time. Also, Georgie is furious when Mary listens in on a phone call with his girlfriend, and Connie tries to cheer up a jealous Missy.

Pasadena

Dr. Sturgis is furious when Sheldon accuses him of plagiarism. Also, Mary sets out to find a “girl trophy” for Missy’s end-of-season baseball ceremony, and Georgie has an awkward run-in with Veronica while on a date with his new girlfriend, Jana.

An Academic Crime and a More Romantic Taco Bell

When George Sr. accidentally lands the school librarian in the hospital, the Cooper family must nurse her back to health. Connie gives Georgie relationship advice.

A Couple Bruised Ribs and a Cereal Box Ghost Detector

When Sheldon learns the house next door is for sale, he takes it upon himself to find the perfect neighbors. Missy is torn when she’s forced to pitch against her boyfriend at the baseball game.

A House for Sale and Serious Woman Stuff

Sheldon has a scientific breakthrough at the dentist's office. Also, Dale and Connie go to the casino, and Georgie makes a big mistake when Dale leaves him in charge of the store

A Baby Tooth and the Egyptian God of Knowledge

Sheldon discovers that Mary's been keeping a secret about his future. Also, Connie is furious when she learns Dale fired Georgie.

A Secret Letter and a Lowly Disc of Processed Meat

After graduating high school, Sheldon has a breakdown when he realizes he may not be ready for college. Dale tries to make amends with Connie.

Graduation

Sheldon gets a summer job at the local train museum. Also, George and Missy bond when Missy embarks on a new stage of womanhood, and Georgie discovers Mary's guilty pleasure.

A Docent, A Little Lady and a Bouncer Named Dalton

With college in sight, Sheldon is determined to ride his bike without training wheels. Also, Mary and George Sr. argue over parenting styles.

Training Wheels and an Unleashed Chicken

When their mothers force them to attend Vacation Bible School. Also, George is furious after Georgie makes a questionable purchase.

Bible Camp and a Chariot of Love

Dale and Connie work out relationship issues while playing Dungeons and Dragons with Sheldon and Missy. Also, Mary and George take a trip with Coach Wilkins and his wife, and Georgie freaks out when his girlfriend thinks she's pregnant.

A Musty Crypt and a Stick to Pee On

College orientation does not go as Sheldon planned. Also, Mary is invited to a party when she's mistaken for a university student, and George Sr. helps Pastor Jeff set up a children's nursery.

Freshman Orientation and the Inventor of The Zipper

Sheldon's first day of college is derailed by his new philosophy teacher, Professor Ericson. Also, Mary and Brenda live vicariously through Missy's first day of middle school.

A Philosophy Class and Worms That Can Chase You

Connie takes matters into her own hands when Sheldon's philosophy teacher, Professor Ericson, sends him into a tailspin. Also, George Sr. learns Georgie has been cutting class.

An Existential Crisis and a Bear That Makes Bubbles

Sheldon and George Sr. dine with President Hagemeyer and a university benefactor. Also, Georgie gives Missy some brotherly advice when Mary won't let her go to the school dance, and Dale and June convince Connie to attend their son's wedding.

Crappy Frozen Ice Cream and an Organ Grinder's Monkey

Sheldon campaigns to become Dr. Linkletter's lab assistant. Also, Georgie enlists the help of Mr. Lundy, the drama teacher, for a surprising business venture.

Cowboy Aerobics and 473 Grease-Free Bolts

Dr. Linkletter pushes Sheldon to make friends with his fellow students at college. Also, Georgie gets a pager.

A Pager, a Club and a Cranky Bag of Wrinkles

Sheldon, Dr. Linkletter and Connie team up on a science experiment. Also, Mary is jealous that Pastor Jeff and Brenda are spending time together, and Georgie has a new side hustle.

A Box of Treasure and the Meemaw of Science

Sheldon refuses to ride in a car after getting into an accident with Connie. Also, Missy uses their trauma to her advantage at school and Connie is forced to take the church shuttle while her car is in the shop.

The Geezer Bus and a New Model for Education

When the IRS accuses Sheldon of making a mistake, he'll stop at nothing to prove them wrong. Also, Dale is forced to get a colonoscopy and tries to convince Connie to join him.

Mitch's Son and the Unconditional Approval of a Government Agency

Sheldon is caught in a moral dilemma when offered a bootleg copy of a computer game he can't afford. Also, Mary and Connie take Brenda out for girls' night while George Sr. and the guys watch Billy, and Missy asks Georgie to take her and Marcus on a secret date.

A Virus, Heartbreak and a World of Possibilities

Sheldon finds himself at odds with Paige once again when she considers enrolling at East Texas Tech. Also, Mary seeks June's advice when looking for a change.

A Second Prodigy and the Hottest Tips for Pouty Lips

The Coopers discuss the possibilities of black holes and alternate universes when Dr. Sturgis comes over for dinner.

A Black Hole

Missy's first heartbreak triggers a series of events that lead the Cooper family to the brink.

The Wild and Woolly World of Nonlinear Dynamics

Sheldon and Missy both run away from home, and Mary gets upsetting news about George Sr.

One Bad Night and Chaos of Selfish Desires

Sheldon encourages Missy to question the Bible. Also, Connie is determined to catch George Sr. in a lie, and Mary helps Pastor Jeff search for a youth pastor.

Snoopin' Around and the Wonder Twins of Atheism

Sheldon tries to convince Dr. Sturgis to return to the university. Also, Georgie upsets the family when he makes a life-changing decision.

Potential Energy and Hooch on a Park Bench

Sheldon, Missy and Georgie adapt to new living arrangements. Also, Connie opens a gambling room.

Pish Posh and a Secret Back Room

Sheldon and Dr. Linkletter struggle to solve an equation. Also, Georgie has a solution for Connie's business woes, and George Sr. gives advice on Missy's love life.

Stuffed Animals and a Sweet Southern Syzygy

Missy asks some uncomfortable questions at church, and Connie and Georgie go into business together.

Money Laundering and a Cascade of Hormones

Sheldon takes his first engineering class with Professor Boucher. Also, Meemaw and Dale help take care of his ex-wife, June.

An Introduction to Engineering and a Glob of Hair Gel

Sheldon battles President Hagemeyer's mysterious boss over the university's science requirements. Also, Mary discovers that Georgie is working at Connie's illegal gambling room.

The Grand Chancellor and a Den of Sin

Sheldon gets the science yips and has to learn how to not think. Also, George Sr. plays handyman at Brenda Sparks' house.

The Yips and an Oddly Hypnotic Bohemian

Sheldon gets a dorm room all to himself. Also, Connie gains an unwanted business partner.

An Expensive Glitch and a Goof-Off Room

Sheldon acts as Mary's spy during a youth lock-in at church. Also, Georgie is attracted to an older woman, Mandy.

A Lock-In, a Weather Girl and a Disgusting Habit

Sheldon attends his first comic book convention; Mary tries selling makeup.

A Pink Cadillac and a Glorious Tribal Dance

Sheldon makes friends with his dorm neighbors; George Sr. learns his job is in jeopardy.

A Lot of Band-Aids and the Cooper Surrender

Sheldon butts heads with Dr. Lee, a new scientist in the lab. Also, Mary is given a lotto ticket.

A Free Scratcher and Feminine Wiles

Sheldon joins Dr. Linkletter and Dr. Sturgis on a science road trip. Also, Georgie continues to lie about his age.

A Lobster, an Armadillo and a Way Bigger Number

Connie's gambling room is a success, and Sheldon dips his toe in the stock market. Also, Missy starts a business.

A Suitcase Full of Cash and a Yellow Clown Car

Sheldon gets an odd request from an old friend, Paige. Also, George Sr. and Mary are caught in the middle of Connie and Dale's breakup, and Georgie comes clean to Mandy.

Young Sheldon

Episode · Musim 1