Before the spinoff: Revisit these 5 Stuart and Denise Episodes from The Big Bang Theory

There's always that one couple on a sitcom who goes under the radar—and then suddenly, fans just can't help but go on and on about them. On The Big Bang Theory, Stuart and Denise experienced exactly that. Although the main focus of the show was on the lives of Leonard, Sheldon, Penny, and the gang, Stuart and Denise went quietly from being a couple fans noticed to characters fans became increasingly interested in throughout the series. And now that there are rumblings of another spinoff on the horizon, everyone's eye is on these offbeat buddies!

Before we dive into what's next, it's worth going back to the episodes that sowed the seeds for Stuart and Denise's romance. From cringeworthy bookstore run-ins to surprisingly real moments, these episodes provide a better image of how their dynamic changed. Whether you missed out on them initially or just need a swift refresher, here are the five most important episodes you should revisit before any spinoff launches!

1. Season 11, episode 5 of The Big Bang Theory– “The collaboration contamination”

This is where it all begins! Stuart nervously asks Denise out while they’re both working at the comic book store. The interaction is short, a little clumsy, and exactly what you’d expect from a first step into sitcom romance. The moment stands out because it's one of the few times Stuart—often portrayed as socially awkward—takes initiative.

Denise, however, is optimistic, smart, and unexpectedly open to Stuart's proposal. It's a brief scene, but it's an indicator of what's to come.

2. Season 11, episode 8 of The Big Bang Theory– "The tesla recoil"

The relationship picks up steam as Stuart and Denise get more screen time together. Denise invites herself to Howard and Bernadette's home under the assumption that Stuart already checked it out—he hadn't! While it does create some tension, it also acclimates viewers to how Denise works: she's direct, assertive, and not afraid to take up space.

This episode suggests Denise is going to be a much larger part of the show than a one-episode character. The chemistry begins to bubble here.

3. Season 11, episode 22 The Big Bang Theory– "The monetary insufficiency"

Stuart's narrative leaps big time in this episode. After weeks of dawdling, he finally kisses Denise! This brief moment doesn't feature big gestures or big confessions—it's low-key, characteristic of both characters. It also marks an uncommon victory for Stuart, whose love life in the show hadn't exactly been full of triumphs.

The kiss doesn't just advance their relationship—it assures fans that Stuart and Denise are indeed a "thing."

4. Season 12, episode 5 The Big Bang Theory– "The planetarium collision"

Now that Stuart and Denise are a couple, this episode provides insight into their everyday dynamic. Denise assists Stuart with dressing for a date night, and the couple is exposed to their very first real argument. The tension isn't about something dramatic—rather, it's over Stuart's confidence level and how he carries himself.

It's a small but significant episode that reveals Denise encouraging Stuart to be more confident, without altering who he is. Their relationship becomes slightly more mature here.

5. Season 12, episode 12 The Big Bang Theory– "The propagation proposition"

This one's unexpected! Stuart, desperate to keep up with how fast Howard and Bernadette were moving in their relationship, awkwardly proposes having a child with Denise. Of course, she's surprised. It's a strange moment, but it's realistic about how Stuart tends to leap before he looks when he feels insecure. Denise's response is firm but gentle—she's not ready for that, and that's fine.

This episode does not culminate in any dramatic blowback, yet it does serve to set a definite boundary in their relationship.

Stuart and Denise's relationship on The Big Bang Theory isn't full of melodrama or soap-operatic declarations. Rather, it's composed of little, real moments—each one filled with humor, uncertainty, and surprise sincerity.

These five episodes might not be the flashiest in the series, but they provide true insight into what made their bond unique. If a spinoff is actually on the horizon, this is the foundation it'll most likely base itself on.