10 TV Shows With Weird Video Game Episodes
9. The Big Bang Theory - The Barbarian Sublimation
Considering the heavy emphasis on nerd culture in The Big Bang Theory, it's no surprise that it tackled video games as early as it could. The third episode of the second season features a game-centric plot as Sheldon introduces Penny to an online game, to which she subsequently becomes addicted.
The show is smart to opt for Penny in the spotlight here, as she’s an outsider to geek culture, and so the way she’s drawn to the game is more surprising and entertaining. It gives the episode more room to grow the comedy as well, by keeping Penny in the driver’s seat.
Penny starts the episode at a low point, and this allows her obsession with the game to creep up to uncontrollable levels, letting us see a new side of her.
However, agreeing to an in-game date with Howard turns out to be the final straw for her to get help.
It's not the only time the show tackled video games either. Like comics and movies, their presence always lingers in the background, but in Season 7 they were back front and centre again as Sheldon agonised over whether to buy an Xbox One or a PlayStation 4.