I think Howard in The Big Bang Theory is the worst (& I have receipts)

Not only has The Big Bang Theory given us many memorable moments, but it has also given us cringy scenes that we would rather forget about. And the biggest culprit of all remains Howard Wolowitz, portrayed by Simon Helberg. While Howard’s sarcastic comments in The Big Bang Theory occasionally seem funny, they more often make him appear obnoxious and awkward.

Especially in the first few seasons of The Big Bang Theory, Howard comes off as sexist, racist, and misogynistic. He frequently fails to understand social norms, especially when it comes to objectifying women. He is also demeaning towards his own best friend Rajesh Koothrappali (played by Kunal Nayyar), who is always at the receiving end of his racist insults. It is not until he marries Bernadette (played by Melissa Rauch) that he becomes more mature and acts responsibly.

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Why is Howard the worst character on The Big Bang Theory?

Misuse of university facilities

Howard will go to any lengths to impress a girl, as depicted in the The Big Bang Theory Season 2 episode 8 titled ‘The Lizard-Spock Expansion’. Howard shares that he had been trying to impress a girl, namely Stephanie Barnett (played by Sara Rue), whom he had picked up at the bar, to his friend group.

While trying to show her the Mars Rover, he realizes that it has gotten stuck in a ditch and calls his friends for aid. The group realizes that the situation cannot be fixed, so Howard decides to wipe all security records and information to keep himself out of trouble.

And as ironies go, they learn from the news that the Mars Rover incident led to NASA finding data of possible life on the planet. But since the person responsible for the mishap was not found, the credit for the discovery remains anonymous. The episode shows Howard’s impulsive behavior and lack of accountability.

In several other episodes, it is also mentioned that Howard had used Caltech facilities for personal experiments. In the Season 4 episode 1, titled ‘The Robotic Manipulation’, Howard showcases a robotic arm that he ‘borrowed’ from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He uses the robotic arm as a massager and even for m**turbation, ending up in a hospital.

Having an unhealthy dependence on his mother

Howard grew up with his single mother, and while his attachment is reasonable, it is his unhealthy act of ‘mama’s boy’ that quickly gets tiring. Mrs. Wolowitz constantly treats Howard like a child by doing his laundry and completing chores for him. She continues to do the same even after he gets married, and Howard takes full advantage of it.

In The Big Bang Theory Season 7, episode 2, titled ‘The Deception Verification’, Howard also points out his unhealthy relationship with his mother to Bernadette. He pays her mother a visit to put ointment on her back, which Bernadette finds strange.

After Howard and Bernadette get married, she is forced to take on the duties, including keeping track of his expenses, which he tends to go overboard when it comes to buying toys and video games. Though he would habitually joke about his mother’s death, in Season 8, episode 15 titled ‘The Comic Book Store Regeneration’, her passing leaves him broken.

Belittling best friend Raj

From the first episode of The Big Bang Theory, it is established that Howard and Raj are best friends. Yet, we often find Howard making hurtful comments about his friend’s race or trivializing Raj’s inability to talk to girls while sober.

A case can be made that Raj is also equally clingy towards Howard, but when Howard steps back in the later seasons, Raj finally starts to become his own person.

Howard’s lack of empathy is especially clear when he does not see Raj’s own fight with insecurities. In Season 11, episode 10 titled ‘The Confidence Erosion’, Raj’s father tells him on a call that his problems are because of his friends, especially Howard, who constantly makes fun of him. He tells him to replace Howard in his life.

When Howard meets Raj later, he once again jokes about his appearance, which upsets Raj. Howard dismisses him by saying that it is just a friendly banter, but Raj finally stands up for himself.

Their fight continues to the next episode titled ‘The Celebration Reverberation’. But they end up getting back together, thanks to Howard’s daughter's birthday party.

Disrespect towards women

From the first time Howard is introduced on The Big Bang Theory, he is creepy and disrespectful to women. Howard’s misogynistic comments, complete with inappropriate jokes and antics, become his core characteristic. He uses his magic tricks and cheap pick-up lines to impress girls and fails miserably.

In Season 2 episode 7 titled ‘The Panty Pinata Polarization’, Howard and Raj learn about the show ‘America’s Next Top Model’. The two men dedicate hours to figure out the exact location of the house and turn up at the place pretending to be TV repairmen. Creepy much? Yes, of course.

While his personality as someone who objectifies women in the early seasons of The Big Bang Theory was an established character trait, he does evolve into a more affable and responsible family man who respects and loves his wife and children as the seasons progress.

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