The Proposal Proposal
Sheldon proposes; Bernadette reveals a second pregnancy.
"The Proposal Proposal" serves as the season eleven premiere and the 232nd installment of *The Big Bang Theory*, broadcasting on CBS on September 25, 2017. In the plot, Amy accepts Sheldon’s marriage proposal with enthusiasm, but later that evening, while dining with her colleagues, Sheldon feels slighted that they praise Amy’s work more than his own. With guidance from Stephen Hawking, Sheldon eventually accepts that he won’t always be the focal point in the marriage. Meanwhile, Bernadette discovers she is pregnant again, a development she and Howard greet without enthusiasm, given the short interval since their first child. They try to persuade Leonard and Penny to also have a baby, but are turned down. The episode drew 17.65 million live viewers in the U.S., with a 4.1/16 ratings share, and attracted 2,182,000 viewers on its British premiere, becoming the most-watched program on E4 that week. Critic Jesse Schedeen of IGN gave it a 5.9 rating, praising the handling of Sheldon’s proposal but noting the show’s staleness after a decade. Caroline Preece of Den of Geek criticized the tired portrayal of Sheldon’s obliviousness to his own arrogance and narcissism.
- Episode number
- 232nd overall, 1st of season 11
- Original air date
- September 25, 2017
- Network
- CBS
- U.S. viewers (live)
- 17.65 million
- U.K. viewers (E4)
- 2,182,000
- Ratings share
- 4.1/16
Quick Facts
- Series
- The Big Bang Theory
- Season
- 11
- Episode
- 1
- Director
- Mark Cendrowski
- Story
- Chuck Lorre / Eric Kaplan / Jeremy Howe
- Teleplay
- Steve Holland / Maria Ferrari / Tara Hernandez
- Production
- T12.15601
- Airdate
- 2017-09-25
- Guests
- George Wyner as Dr. Zhang / Susan Chuang as Dr. Harris
- Prev
- The Long Distance Dissonance
- Next
- The Retraction Reaction
- Season Article
- The Big Bang Theory (season 11)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The episode opens with Amy enthusiastically accepting Sheldon's marriage proposal. Later that night, while dining with Amy's colleagues, Sheldon becomes offended that they are more impressed with Amy's work than his own. With help from Stephen Hawking, Sheldon eventually comes to grips with the fact that he will not always be the center of attention in the marriage.
Meanwhile, Bernadette is shocked to realize that she is pregnant again. She and Howard are not thrilled at the idea of having another baby so soon after their first. They attempt to convince Leonard and Penny to have a child as well but are rebuffed.
The episode was watched live by 17.65 million viewers and had a ratings share of 4.1/16. Upon its British premiere, it attracted 2,182,000 viewers, making it the most watched programme on E4 for the week.
Reader's Guide
The episode serves as a transitional moment for the series, advancing two major character arcs: Sheldon's acceptance of a less self-centered role in his relationship, and the Wolowitzes' unexpected second pregnancy. Critical response was mixed: Jesse Schedeen of IGN rated the episode 5.9, complimenting how it handled Sheldon's proposal but criticizing the show's staleness after its ten-year run. Caroline Preece of Den of Geek criticized how tired Sheldon not understanding his own arrogance and narcissism is. The episode's high viewership—17.65 million in the U.S. and a top spot on E4 in the U.K.—indicates continued audience interest despite critical reservations. Its legacy lies in setting up the season's emotional stakes: Sheldon's growth toward partnership and the Wolowitzes' family expansion.
Did You Know?
- The episode is the 232nd episode overall of The Big Bang Theory.
- Stephen Hawking appears (via help given to Sheldon) in the episode.
- Bernadette's pregnancy is revealed as a shock to her and Howard.
- The episode was the most watched programme on E4 for its week in the U.K.
More in The Big Bang Theory episodes 1-24
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