“How’d you do it?”: The Best Ever, Most Slept Upon The Big Bang Theory Episode Proves Kaley Cuoco as Penny is Smarter Than Sheldon

Unlike Sheldon, Leonard, and Amy, Penny’s intelligence in The Big Bang Theory often gets overlooked following her lack of formal education in physics and mathematics. While Jim Parsons’ Sheldon is more academically well-versed and has a higher IQ than that of Kaley Cuoco’s Penny, this isn’t to say the latter can’t outsmart the former.

Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco |

Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco | Credit: The Big Bang Theory (via CBS)

Although Penny might not be book smart like Sheldon, who ends up nabbing the Novel prize, there have been a more than few cases in which the former outplayed the scientist, thanks to her problem-solving abilities.

Kaley Cuoco’s Penny Has Proven To Be More Street-smart Than Sheldon

Even though Sheldon is arguably the smartest among the bunch when it comes to theoretical knowledge, he isn’t exactly street-smart. On the flip side, despite just having a modest education, on several occasions, Penny has showcased impressive problem-solving skills, one example being her chess win against Leonard.

Episode 13 of season 11, The Solo Oscillation, once again puts Penny’s out-of-the-box thinking to the forefront, as before Sheldon could come up with a solution, the former figures out that strings must be able to make knots. In The Prestidigitation Approximation, while Sheldon struggles to figure out the secret behind Howard’s card trick and keeps on asking “How’d you do it?”, it doesn’t take Cuoco’s character to see right through it.

The Prestidigitation Approximation

The Prestidigitation Approximation | Credit: The Big Bang Theory (via CBS)

While there are several more examples of Penny outsmarting Sheldon streetwise, The Prestidigitation Approximation perfectly demonstrates the duo’s approaches to problems. Unlike Penny, Sheldon often limited himself to his book knowledge, while the former’s creative thinking gives her the edge over the Nobel prize winner in practical situations.

Jim Parsons Doesn’t Come Close to the Genius of Sheldon

jim-parsons-the-big-bang-theory-3

Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory | Credit: The Big Bang Theory (via CBS)

Like Kaley Cuoco‘s Penny, Jim Parsons himself isn’t much book smart as the actor’s TBBT counterpart. Although the Home star clarified that he isn’t stupid, he doesn’t come close to the geniuses of Sheldon Cooper.

Although some fans speculated that the actor would’ve learned a thing or two after playing Sheldon for so long, per Cuoco, this wasn’t the case, as she clarified none of them acquired any knowledge of science.

No… I would like to pretend I could, and the guys on the show like to say they’ve learned things… they haven’t learned anything. It is all bs. I mean we have real people there who have actual real brains who write all of that stuff. We, not so much. We just say what’s on the page and do the best we can to get through.

On top of that, Parsons also doesn’t share Sheldon’s passion for pop culture, as he confessed to having not watched Star Trek and Doctor Who, two IPs that his TBBT counterpart absolutely adores.

The Big Bang Theory is available to stream on Max.

Related Posts

How Kaley Cuoco Saved The Big Bang Theory From Cancellation

By Nina StarnerDec. 9, 2024 6:00 am EST   It's hard to imagine "The Big Bang Theory" without its main cast — specifically, Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Simon…

Mayim Bialik Wasn’t Asked to Join ‘Big Bang Theory’ Spinoff — But Would She Return? (Exclusive)

The Big Bang Theory has a spinoff in the works — but has Mayim Bialik been offered a chance to reprise the role of Amy? “I haven’t…

Kaley Cuoco Reveals Her Favorite Co-Star of All Time: “We Have a Blast” (EXCLUSIVE)

The fun doesn’t stop for Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina when the director yells cut, that’s for sure. In Based on a True Story Season 2, newborn…

NEW UPDATE – Kaley Cuoco Reveals Sweet Moments from Sister Briana’s ‘Gorgeous’ NYE Wedding — Including Her Daughter as Flower Girl!

Kaley Cuoco had the "best New Year's Eve to date," officiating her sister Briana Cuoco's wedding! In an Instagram post on Thursday, Jan. 2, the actress, 39, reflected on Briana's wedding…

Why Kaley Cuoco Was Initially Turned Down for ‘The Big Bang Theory’

The Big Bang Theory is one of the most popular and iconic sitcoms of modern television. It lasted for an impressive 12 seasons, running from 2007 to…

HOT NEWS – Kaley Cuoco Goes For Elegance Wearing Jimmy Choo Heels and Chanel Dress on the Globes Globes 2025 Red Carpet

Kaley Cuoco got glammed up in a pair of strappy sandals from Jimmy Choo while attending the Golden Globes 2025 red carpet in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Sunday night. For the event,…