he Big Bang Theory begins with five friends—Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, Howard, and Penny—sharing life in Pasadena. Over its 12 seasons, many side stories came and went. Some ended with satisfying closure; others left loose threads. Below, I’ll walk you subplots that were wrapped up just right — and that didn’t quite make the cut.
Perfectly Wrapped Up: Sheldon & Amy’s Intimacy
The romantic evolution of Sheldon and Amy was one of the most anticipated arcs. Their first on-screen kiss didn’t come until Season 7 in “The Locomotive Manipulation”, and true intimacy didn’t arrive until Season 9. After seasons of buildup, the payoff felt earned, giving longtime fans a sense of completeness.
Penny’s Acting Career & Serial Ape‑ist 2
Penny’s early aspirations as an actress were a recurring plot point. She auditions, she’s cast, she’s rejected, and eventually she moves beyond it. By the end, the show delivers a full-circle moment: she quits Serial Ape-ist 2, acknowledges that acting no longer defines her, and steps away with dignity.
The Broken Elevator
The broken elevator was more than a running gag — it symbolized the group’s interconnectedness and the many conversations in the stairwell. In Season 12, the elevator finally gets fixed. That simple resolution serves as a sweet punctuation mark after years of humor and frustration.
Tam & Sheldon’s Childhood Connection
Tam, one of Sheldon’s friends from Texas, had been part of his backstory. In “The Tam Turbulence,” we see their history, learn why Tam chose not to move with Sheldon, and allow Sheldon to confront his feelings. The reconciliation and closure make this subplot deeply satisfying.
Leonard & Penny’s Baby
One of the lingering questions toward the end was whether Leonard and Penny would have children. Their differing stances created tension. In Season 12, Penny becomes pregnant, and the show threads that development into their growth as a couple. For many, it’s a poignant and fitting resolution to their long journey.
Needed Some Work : Who Got Tenure?
In “The Tenure Turbulence” (Season 6), Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, and Raj all vie for a new tenure position at Caltech. By the end, they prioritize friendship over competition, and we’re told they all made the “final shortlist.” But we never find out—did any of them actually get tenure? That question lingers unanswered.
The Neural Network
Sheldon and Amy attempt to grow a neural network from their skin cells, sparking talk of a scientifically conceived child. Amy resists, Sheldon pushes forward, but the subplot fades. There’s never a full resolution or follow-up—the idea remains a tantalizing tease rather than a completed story.
The New Neighbor Alicia
In “The Dead Hooker Juxtaposition,” Penny learns about a new upstairs neighbor, Alicia. Initially causing tension with Penny, she is introduced, a few dramas ensue, then… she vanishes. We never get an exit or revisit. What became of Alicia? The show never tells us.
Priya’s Disappearance
Priya’s romance with Leonard had strong arcs: conflict, distance, emotional fallout. But after their breakup, she more or less disappears. We’re told she moves back to India, but we never see or hear from her again. For many fans, that felt abrupt and unsatisfying.
Elon Musk & Howard’s Thanksgiving Offer
During “The Platonic Permutation”, Howard helps out at a homeless shelter and meets Elon Musk, who casually suggests working together in space engineering. It’s a promising setup, but thereafter, the show never returns to it. The potential is abandoned, making this subplot feel like a beautiful idea with no fulfillment.
