Kaley Cuoco's Favorite Big Bang Theory Episode May Surprise You

Actress Kaley Cuoco has certainly made a mark in the entertainment industry over the last two decades. In 2021, she snagged her first Emmy nomination for playing Cassie Bowden in "The Flight Attendant." While she has impressed critics with her acting chops on the HBO Max series, the actress may be better known for being a "Big Bang Theory" cast member. Throughout the show's 12 seasons, Cuoco portrayed the down-on-her-luck actress Penny, who ends up marrying her geeky neighbor Dr. Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki). During a February 2019 interview with TV Insider, the actress confirmed that her character was more relatable than her husband and his scientist friends for a specific reason. She explained that the former Cheesecake Factory waitress was "the eyes and ears for the actual audience."

"It helped people understand and it helped people laugh whenever she'd give a funny look [to the guys]," stated the former "8 Simple Rules" star, who, during that same interview, also revealed her most beloved episodes of "The Big Bang Theory." 

In the TV Insider interview, Cuoco shared that she was fond of "Big Bang Theory" Season 2, Episode 11, "The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis," and Season 7, Episode 3, "The Scavenger Vortex." The actress explained that she enjoyed "The Scavenger Vortex," which focused on Penny and her friends competing in a complicated scavenger hunt, "because it involved the whole cast." She then noted that "The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis" marked the first time that Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) hugged Penny. "It was a defining moment between them," Cuoco added.

In the episode, Sheldon, who is not a fan of physical affection, hugs Penny after he unwraps her thoughtful Christmas present. The gift in question is an autographed cloth napkin from "Star Trek" star Leonard Nimoy, which reads "To Sheldon, live long, and prosper." After Penny explains that Nimoy had used the napkin, the senior theoretical physicist excitedly remarks that he can use the gift to clone the actor. Not only does Sheldon hug Penny in reciprocation, but he also presents her with several baskets containing lotions and soaps.

Cuoco referenced the scene as an example of her character's kindness toward her husband's socially awkward friends. "She was always kind to [the guys]. That's why she was able to later make fun of them and joke with them because she had earned it because everyone knows how much she loves them," stated the "Harley Quinn" voice actress.