Amy and Sheldon, 2013. Her expression says it all.
Probably goes without saying, but there are major Spoilers for “The Big Bang Theory” (2007-2019) and “Young Sheldon” (2017-2024) below.
Read my other post on the portrayal of academia in The Big Bang Theory here.
The years that the sitcom Big Bang Theory aired (2007-2019) coincided with my scientific education- from high school to a PhD in engineering (yes, Sheldon engineering). The first time I saw The Big Bang Theory was in high school math class, when we watched the Physics Bowl episode. While my peers loved it, I found it cringeworthy, sexist, and unappealing. Through the years, it remained on the periphery of my vision—popping up online or on a friend’s TV.
Indeed, the early seasons of this show were steeped in sexist portrayal of women in STEM. There was Physicist Leslie Winkle (Sara Gilbert-Season 1-2), who was written as the stereotypically abrasive, hairy-legged feminist killjoy, despite being one of the few female physicists in pop culture. There were multiple female characters who were introduced as overly focused on romance/sex (Drs. Elizabeth Plimpton, Ramona Nowitzki), disturbing interests (Dr. Emily Sweeney) and others who were only there to do menial work for Sheldon (Alex Jensen).
The main female characters were Microbiologist Dr. Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch-introduced mid-Season 3) whose voice was shrill enough to shatter a test tube, and Harvard-educated Neurobiologist Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler (Dr. Mayim Bialik-introduced Season 3 finale) with robotic-like mannerisms, dowdy styling, and an unbelievably low amount of social awareness.
Fast forward to my own PhD program. Going through a tough time, I wanted to watch something different. I caught few episodes of Season 11. I was shocked how interesting Amy’s character was compared to her robotic portrayal in Season 4. So I went back and rewatched the series.
Amy is a Feminist
In Seasons 3 and 4, Bernadette and Amy, the girlfriends of Howard (Simon Helberg) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons), were reportedly introduced in response to backlash about the show’s sexist tropes.
Amy and Bernadette Season 11, 2017
However, I initially found them both dismaying. As other feminists pointed out at the time, their unpolished appearances and mannerisms reinforced negative stereotypes of women in STEM.
However, in the days of the polished ‘STEM-inist’ Instagram influencers and using pink colors to encourage women into STEM, Amy Farrah Fowler, who becomes the most accomplished female character on the show, is rather refreshing in 2026.
Amy’s appearance is actually not that unrealistic. Maintaining fashion and beauty standards is nearly impossible in a research lab environment like Amy’s. Lab rules require full coverage of limbs—no skimpy shirts, skirts, or high heels like Penny wears—and necessitate wearing goggles, masks, and hairnets. (In my own work, we aren’t even allowed to wear nail polish or have fake nails in the lab).
Hair must be tied back, open-toed shoes are forbidden, and sturdy non-slip or steel-toed footwear is recommended when handling heavy equipment. Jewelry, even wedding or engagement rings, are often discouraged, and anyway the frequent use of latex gloves makes wearing rings impractical. Clothing can be damaged in the lab and often needs to be replaced. Additionally, academic research positions are rarely lucrative enough to allow for expensive beauty products or fashionable clothing. Women in these roles often invest in durable, practical items that will last.
Amy and Howard collaborating, 2017
Science & Sexism in Sitcoms
Long ago, in a feminist studies class, we watched an episode of the sitcom Father Knows Best called “Betty the Engineer” (1956) (As the only engineer in the class, I could actually explain the science in the episode). The daughter Betty, a high school student, decides to become an engineer. Everyone makes sexist comments as she surveys a field and explains engineering principles. She decides to go on a date, the end. The newly formed Society of Women Engineers did protest this episode, saying “Father Does Not Know Best” at the time it aired.
Collage of women in STEM portrayals in American sitcoms: “Father Knows Best” (1954–1960), “The Big Bang Theory” (2007–2019), “Young Sheldon” (2017–2024), “Cheers” (1982–1993), “Frasier” (1993–2004), “Three’s Company” (1977-1984), and “MASH” (1972-1983).
There are few female STEM role models in pop culture. The ‘Sexy Nurse’ character trope was popular on sitcoms like Three’s Company and MASH. From 2018–2022, women remained underrepresented in on-screen STEM roles (across all media), comprising just 38%, only a small increase from 37% in 2007–2017. However, representation of STEM characters of color increased from 29% to 42%) , and there was a small increase in women in engineering (2% to 13%) and computer science (7% to 15%). Lack of representation in 30-minute sitcoms is even more troubling since these are frequently syndicated and are rerun decades after their original airing.
This trickles down to real-life exclusion. For example, among 998 unique presenters across 1202 TED Talk videos, only 21% were academics (n = 206) and 27% were women (n = 268). This limits opportunities for STEM outreach and reinforces negative stereotypes.
Pretty Privilege in the STEM workforce?
The Big Bang Theory goes to great lengths to highlight the supposed advantages that attractive women with ‘street smarts’ have over men. The show repeatedly reinforces the concept of “pretty privilege” for its female characters—the idea that attractive individuals (i.e, conforming to white, Western beauty standards) receive more opportunities, benefits, and positive attention than their less attractive counterparts, including faster promotion in the workplace. However, discussions of pretty privilege remains somewhat taboo in many feminist discourse, as conventionally attractive women also experience harassment and assault in professional environments. However, ‘pretty privilege’ ultimately ties back to patriarchal control of work environments; those women who benefit from the male gaze are less likely to push back against sexist structures because they gain marginal benefit from them. Something that The Big Bang Theory mainly celebrates.
Both Penny and Bernadette are presented as conventionally attractive. They are styled in tight clothing that emphasizes their slim figures and large chests, they regularly keep up with beauty treatments, with numerous mentions of shopping, waxing, makeup, nail painting. There are references to numerous sexual partners in their past, which signals their desirably to the audience. For Penny in particular, despite her lack of clear career goals, disorganization, and history of cheating on schoolwork, she receives constant romantic attention, free internet, food, and a car from her neighbors across the hall.
Both of them unrealistically advance in their careers based on their established educational background and character traits. After earning her doctorate, Bernadette is “headhunted” by a pharmaceutical company. Since Bernadette has no prior experience in pharmaceuticals, the show could have explored the challenges of transitioning from academia to industry—the hundreds of job applications, the internships, the postdoctoral training before securing a pharmaceutical role with a high salary. Through her early career, Bernadette routinely makes significant, fire-able and career-ending mistakes in the lab involving dangerous microorganisms, and harasses and bullies coworkers, yet she inexplicably advances to a managerial position and even gets Penny an interview for a drug rep job—a role she gets by developing a rapport with her male interviewer despite being completely unqualified. Penny then succeeds and earns a high salary within months—an entirely unrealistic outcome given her lack of a bachelor’s degree, relevant experience ,and the typically rigorous training and credentialing process required for pharmaceutical sales.
Yet the narrative of the show, largely celebrates ‘these’ accomplishments and suggest that women should take whatever they need to get ahead. Even if that means flirting with creepy doctors or sleeping with a professor or bullying coworkers with no apparent negative ramifications. In the show’s universe, flaunting one’s sexuality is a form of empowerment, that rarely has negative consequences.
No such privileges are afforded to Amy.
Career-wise she is hired at Caltech years later than Sheldon despite her comparable research accomplishments. Sheldon removes her from projects and denigrates her in front of her colleagues. Social-wise, she is excluded from activities like bridesmaid’s dress shopping, criticized for her appearance, and her desire for intimacy is routinely turned into a joke. She is frequently coerced into doing other people’s work and has endured relentless bullying from her mother, peers, and classmates throughout her life. Because she does not conform to conventional beauty standards, is sexually inexperienced, and does not fit the show’s idealized notions of femininity, the series portrays her as a dork and, implicitly, as a failure as a woman.
As a 2021 study indeed confirmed the sexism baked into the show’s writing by analyzing the characters’ linguistic patterns:
It was found that changes in the speed and pitch of the dialogue delivered by these characters [Penny, Amy, Bernadette] correlated with the characters enacting certain female stereotypes that are not at the forefront of their personalities. The stereotypes of the traditionally feminine woman, overly aggressive woman, and ditzy blond are key in maintaining the inferior status of women.
Yet Amy Farrah Fowler is the kindest person on the show. For example, while Sheldon hires someone to find her a Valentine’s gift and recites a canned speech for their anniversary, Amy plans an elaborate Valentine’s Day train ride (in which he ignores her). She invites Penny to a conference at a resort. She consistently gives gifts, and hosts elaborate events like a Victorian-style Christmas dinner.
Amy in Season 5, playing her harp in her clean, well organized, apartment. Bialik actually learned how to play the harp for the show.
Compared to Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, Penny, and Howard who spend money like drunken sailors, Amy is fiscally responsible, pays all her own bills, and navigates career transitions alone. She tutors Sheldon on academic politics, builds professional networks, and slowly but steadily earns respect and recognition from the scientific world. We also see the “boring parts” of science—labeling test tubes, taking measurements, and meticulously recording notes—thanks to Dr. Bialik’s efforts to depict research authentically.
Unlike her male colleagues, Amy is highly productive, organized, and diligent in developing new projects. She doesn’t collapse when a problem arises, nor does she have the luxury to goof off like they do. Yet, in Season 12, she is reassigned to a project at Sheldon’s request without prior consultation.
She’s the most well-rounded character on the show. She has humanity-oriented hobbies (enjoys Chaucer readings, creative writing, playing the harp, plus is a Little House on the Prairie Fan) and is well-versed enough in both Biology and Physics, to collaborate with other researchers, including Howard and Sheldon.
When she calls out sexism in science, her concerns are dismissed. When Amy emails a magazine to express concern about a photoshoot featuring “sexy” women in STEM, for which Bernadette was chosen, Bernadette responds by insulting Amy’s appearance and lack of a sex life, framing Amy’s feminist stance as mere jealousy (a super common argument levelled at feminists), rather than a legitimate critique of sexism. However, many fans will unabashedly side with Bernadette. Because advocations to be sexy are often wrapped in the guise of female empowerment which the show does little to contradict.
The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) with its accolades had a large impact on cultural perceptions of academia, science, and women in STEM. However, the series was created, directed, and mainly written by men and works to reinforce sexist stereotypes in STEM.
Amy’s Ending
Young Sheldon finale, 2024. Amy’s doing the childcare while Sheldon’s holed away in his study and dismissing his children’s hobbies (acting and hockey).
The richest story arc comes in Season 9, when Amy finally breaks up with Sheldon after enduring years of his emotional detachment. While she starts dating others, to the shock of her friends, Sheldon falls apart and openly flouts his sexism. Amy grows by realizing her worth outside of Sheldon’s orbit and navigates the breakup better than her friends assume she would. Unfortunately, the show undercuts that growth when Sheldon suddenly realizes he “misses” Amy and rushes back to her mid-season.
From then on, Amy and Sheldon’s relationship takes a fairytale-like trajectory: he finally sleeps with her, they move in together, get married, and win a Nobel prize within a few years. None of these developments are realistic given Sheldon’s established characteristics in the first eight seasons. His obsessive-compulsive tendencies are so severe that it’s hard to imagine him ever comfortably sharing a bed with someone, let alone engaging in a sexual relationship. Some fans were dismayed at the show’s erasure of Sheldon’s asexuality. and that Amy and Sheldon were one of TV’s few, if any, long-term sexless couples.
Nobel Prize–winning work typically takes years, even decades, to be recognized. Given the complexity of their project, it’s implausible that Amy and Sheldon could have conducted calculations, written models, received peer feedback, revised, submitted, and had their paper accepted—all within a few months. Realistically, it would have taken far longer to complete their research.
More troublingly, Sheldon continues to breadcrumb her—she is thrilled to share a toothbrush holder with him, after being overwhelmed by his control of their living space. In the ultimate insult, he considers cutting Amy off the Nobel Prize (though eventually he defends her).
Later, when Amy receives an incredible opportunity to work at Princeton for the summer, Sheldon panics that she’s gone, proposes, and then denigrates her in front of her colleagues. A more compelling narrative arc would have shown her rejecting him outright, focusing on her own career, and perhaps moving permanently to Princeton instead of being pulled back to California.
Even in the 2024 Young Sheldon finale, the same dynamic persists: Sheldon remains a workaholic who neglects his children, and Amy must actively demand his attention—a continuation of the imbalance that the series never fully resolves.
Conclusion
Some might argue that sitcoms are supposed to be caricatures and unrealistic. However, sitcoms do have significant cultural impact on perceptions of sexism, women, and social norms. Watching Amy mundanely label test tubes, fight for recognition, being dismissed for her appearance, and struggling with an emotionally unavailable workaholic boyfriend—this was more similar to my experience. I also appreciated her unapologetic comfort with her own sexuality; her happiness and openness around masturbation were refreshing, even though the show tried to frame them as pathetic. At the end of the series, Amy is now an international role model for women in science. Her victory never fails to bring a smile to my face.
Finale Episode of The Big Bang Theory.
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