The best Young Sheldon episodes prove that The Big Bang Theory’s spinoff is not only a great prequel, but also works as a standalone sitcom. When Young Sheldon premiered in 2018, there was reason to believe the show would be a huge flop. It seemed likely that Sheldon would be insufferably annoying without the of his friend group, and the fact that the inimitable Jim Parsons needed to be replaced in his iconic role didn’t bode well either. However, Young Sheldon was a massive hit with audiences and even managed to win over critics thanks to some canny surprises.

After seven seasons of surprising success, Young Sheldon came to an end in 2024. While the franchise continues with the spinoff George and Mandy's First Marriage, the best episodes of Young Sheldon give it great rewatch value. These episodes highlight the strengths of the show, from the charming lead character to the family dynamics, while also delivering a nice mix of humor and heart. These episodes cover the earliest moments of the series as well as the later seasons when the show found even more confidence to stand on its own.

20 "Memoir"

Season 7, Episode 14

Young Sheldon ended its seven-season run with an episode that allowed it to go out on a high note and provide some highlights to fans of the spinoff series as well as fans of the franchise as a whole. Following the death of George Sr, it was inevitable that the finale episode of Young Sheldon would be bittersweet and "Memoir" certainly hit that aspect with an episode that focuses on Sheldon leaving home and beginning his new era at CalTech.

The episode provides a fitting end to Sheldon's story with his family, dealing with the complicated relationships yet strong love that exists with the Coopers. However, it is also a nice tie into the beginning of The Big Bang Theory, showcasing that Sheldon found a place (and people) where he belonged. Fittingly, Jim Parsons and Mayim Bialik ​​​​​​reprise their roles as Sheldon and Amy and give a little more closure to fans.

19 "A Launch Party And A Whole Human Being"

Season 6, Episode 14

Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage is yet another spinoff series in the franchise that explores the complicated, chaotic, and hilarious relationship between Georgie and Mandy. However, it is likely that episodes like "A Launch Party and a Whole Human Being" are what helped launch that spinoff series once Young Sheldon came to an end. Just as with wedding episodes, episodes with a birth are big in the sitcom world and Young Sheldon doesn't up such an opportunity.

With the young couple eagerly awaiting their baby's arrival, once Mandy's water breaks there is no one around to help except Sheldon. The chaos ensues from there with a lot of great shenanigans, including some hilarious moments of Georgie struggling to install the baby's car seat. However, there are also some more impactful moments, like George Sr. and Mary confronting their marriage problems as well as Georgie's doubts about being a father.

18 "The Wild And Woolly World Of Nonlinear Dynamics"

Season 4, Episode 18

There are plenty of sitcoms about dysfunctional families, but Young Sheldon is one that never shied away from the very serious disagreements and fights that can come about in a household of people who are simply not on the same page. This is highlighted wonderfully in the episode “The Wild and Woolly World of Nonlinear Dynamics,” in which Missy is left heartbroken by a boy she has a crush on, which leads to a spiraling effect that has the whole family feuding with one another.

Those fans who go to Young Sheldon to find non-stop laughs might not be as interested in this episode as it can be quite intense at times. There are real screaming matches and insults thrown around that threaten to do serious damage to the family. Of course, things work out in the end, but without resorting to cheap sitcom writing to handwave the problems. Instead, it remains grounded and real, yet incredibly touching.

17 "Cape Canaveral, Schrödinger's Cat, And Cyndi Lauper’s Hair"

Season 1, Episode 8

While there are many great Young Sheldon episodes that see the whole family together, “Cape Canaveral, Schrödinger's cat, and Cyndi Lauper’s Hair” delivers some very memorable moments by splitting them up into groups. The episode sees Mary taking Meemaw and Missy for a night at the salon while she encourages George Sr. to spend some time with Sheldon. George Sr. decides to take his son to a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral, only for the bad weather to cancel their plans and force them to find some other way to connect.

The episode is a great exploration of the various dynamics in the family with different generations struggling to find some commonalities. However, it also makes for some touching moments. George Sr. was a better father in Young Sheldon than The Big Bang Theory led fans to believe and this episode is one of the earliest examples of his kindness.

16 "Funeral"

Season 7, Episode 13

George Sr.'s death in Young Sheldon was something that fans knew was coming before the pilot episode of the prequel series even aired. However, even though The Big Bang Theory let us know what to expect with the character's fate, that did not prepare fans for the emotional impact that the moment actually had when it finally arrived in season 7.

"Funeral" deals with the aftermath of George Sr.'s fatal heart attack as the family attempts to move forward and organize the funeral to say farewell. Among the different emotions being handled by the family, Sheldon grapples with the unfortunate why he and his father ended things. George Sr.'s role on Young Sheldon was always a complicated one and the episode deals with that in a powerful way. It wasn't quite the last episode of the series, but did provide an effective emotional endpoint.

15 "Pilot"

Season 1, Episode 1

Pilot episodes for sitcoms are notoriously tricky to pull off. Along with having to deliver the laughs that audiences are expecting, the first episode also has to set up so much that it can often drag down the comedy and feel pull. Many classic sitcoms had to get past their awkward first episode before they truly started to be funny. However, Young Sheldon impressed by kicking things off on a strong note.

Ian Armitage takes on the role with confidence and perfection

While the fact that the audience likely already knew the main character would seem to help, Jim Parson's performance as Sheldon Cooper was so iconic that it was a barrier the prequel had to overcome. Ian Armitage takes on the role with confidence and perfection, but the real strength of the first episode is showing the Cooper family dynamic, which would be the heart of the show going forward.

The episode features a cameo from Bob Newhart reprising his role as Professor Proton from The Big Bang Theory.

14 "An 8-Bit Princess and a Flat Tire Genius"

Season 2, Episode 8

Young Sheldon is set in the past but doesn't rely too heavily on nostalgia to work. However, this episode that revisits the older days of 8-bit video games does so in a charming and heartwarming way. The season 2 episode "An 8-Bit Princess and a Flat Tire Genius" focuses on Sheldon and Meemaw finding a common love for a particular video game. This shared interest allows them to bond in a way that Sheldon appreciates.

Sheldon is not always the easiest person to make a connection with, so to see him actively trying to recapture the fun they shared together is touching.

However, when the game breaks Sheldon attempts to find one that can replace it. This is one of the best Young Sheldon episiodes because it highlights Sheldon's relationship with Meemaw in a very sweet way. Sheldon is not always the easiest person to make a connection with, so to see him actively trying to recapture the fun they shared together is touching.

13 "A Parasol and a Hell of an Arm"

Season 3, Episode 6

Given the antics that can ensue whenever the Coopers are together, it is fun to see a family outing as in the Young Sheldon season 3 episode "A Parasol and a Hell of an Arm" which sees the family visiting the carnival. While there, Mindy proves to have a real talent at throwing baseballs for the dunk tank which kickstarts a storyline about her trying to the local boys' baseball team.

Georgie working at the carnival is a particularly notable subplot with some big laughs.

The episode is also a key one for Meemaw's relationships on Young Sheldon as she is dealing with her breakup from Dr. Sturgis while also meeting her new love interest, Dale. While the Mindy storyline gets center stage, "A Parasol and a Hell of an Arm" ranks among the best Young Sheldon episodes because it gives the characters an equal chance to shine. Georgie working at the carnival is a particularly notable subplot with some big laughs.

12 "A Crisis of Faith and Octopus Aliens"

Season 2, Episode 3

While the sitcom does a good job of providing the humor fans expect, more so than The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon's best episodes show a willingness to play around with heavier themes and explore more challenging storylines. Going all the way back to Mary's appearance on The Big Bang Theory, her faith has always been a big part of her character. The season 2 episode "A Crisis of Faith and Octopus Aliens" sees that shaken when she learns of a tragedy with one of the church which fills her with doubt.

Sheldon puts his own beliefs aside when he sees she is struggling and even attempts to use science to help Mary regain her faith.

While this is an interesting storyline to explore on a sitcom, it is Sheldon's reaction to his mother's pain that makes it truly special. Sheldon's lack of faith has always been something that divides him and his mother. However, Sheldon puts his own beliefs aside when he sees she is struggling and even attempts to use science to help Mary regain her faith.

11 "Graduation"

Season 4, Episode 1

The Big Bang Theory saw Sheldon go through some big changes over its run, but Young Sheldon does a great job in showing the vulnerabilities of a character who seems too brilliant at times. "Graduation" is one of the best examples of this as it focuses on Sheldon graduating from high school. While excelling at school has always been easy for Sheldon, the episode shows him doubting himself for the first time as he questions if he is really ready for college.

The episode also features a voice cameo from Jim Parsons revealing Sheldon and Amy have a son named Leonard.

Seeing this side of Sheldon is a very effective character moment that makes him more relatable than he has ever been. The episode becomes even sweeter when it is Missy who helps to guide Sheldon through this and the fact that he delivers his valedictorian speech directly to her in the audience is a very sweet moment. As a bonus, the episode also features a voice cameo from Jim Parsons revealing Sheldon and Amy have a son named Leonard.