Content guide
Skip for under 13
The Big Bang Theory S1 E8, “The Grasshopper Experiment”, scores 2/5 for violence, 4/5 for sex and 2/5 for language, for an overall kid-rating of 4/5 — Skip for under 13. Koothrappali is overwhelmed after his parents arrange a blind date, but he discovers he actually can talk to the opposite sex after a few drinks; however, complications set in when his beautiful date is more interested in Sheldon.
Across the episode we counted 17 flagged moments in 6 themes: Sex & hookups (5); Nudity & bodies (3); Suicide & self-harm (2); Alcohol & drugs (4); Racism & slurs (1); Fat-shaming (2). Every moment below is either a direct quote from the episode transcript or a short description of what happens on screen, so you can decide before you press play.
Parents need to know
Age 13+Nudity, suicide references, racist language in live-action sitcom.
Parents need to know that The Big Bang Theory S1 E8, "The Grasshopper Experiment", is a live-action sitcom episode. The series is known for more innuendo than the science jokes suggest, but rarely explicit. Driven by nudity & bodies (explicit, in dialogue), with suicide & self-harm alongside it. Suicide or self-harm is raised — for example, Sheldon says, "With certain obvious exceptions. Suicide, for example". Sexual content is explicit — for example, Sheldon says, "Fine. I’ll have a virgin cuba libre"; Explicit body / sex-act language appears in dialogue. Some mild language appears in the dialogue. This episode includes racism & slurs — for example, Dr Koothrappali says, "Oh, sorry, you all look alike to us". This episode includes fat-shaming — for example, Raj says, "The little fat girl that used to kick me in the samosas and call me untouchable". Every flagged moment below is a direct quote from the transcript or a short description of what happens on screen.
Watch for — every moment, theme by theme
Sex & hookups 5 moments
How Sex & hookups shows up in The Big Bang Theory S1 E8:
- Sheldon
Fine. I’ll have a virgin cuba libre.
- Sheldon
Nothing, I just really didn’t want to come. Virgin diet cuba libre please.
- Raj
You are my lady. Our parents said so. We are for all intents and purposes one hundred percent hooked up.
- Sheldon
How would I know, do you have a low sperm count?
- Raj
This has nothing to do with my sperm count.
Nudity & bodies 3 moments
How Nudity & bodies shows up in The Big Bang Theory S1 E8:
- Explicit body / sex-act language appears in dialogue.
- Howard
I’d like to try a slippery nipple.
- Raj
Is there another Penny here? I had such plans. I had dreams. I was going to be the Indira Gandhi of particle astro-physics. But with a penis, of course.
Suicide & self-harm 2 moments
How Suicide & self-harm shows up in The Big Bang Theory S1 E8:
- Sheldon
With certain obvious exceptions. Suicide, for example.
- Raj
So you’re a dental student? Hmm, are you aware that dentists have an extremely high suicide rate?
Alcohol & drugs 4 moments
How Alcohol & drugs shows up in The Big Bang Theory S1 E8:
- Penny
Okay, here you go, Leonard, one tequila sunrise.
- Penny
Okay, can you please order a cocktail, I need to practice mixing drinks.
- Leonard
Wait a minute, what’s the plan here? Let’s say he meets her and he likes her and they get married, what’s he going to do, stay drunk for the rest of his life?
- Sheldon
And may I point out she wouldn’t have asked me to go with her if you hadn’t been drunk and boring.
Racism & slurs 1 moment
How Racism & slurs shows up in The Big Bang Theory S1 E8:
- Dr Koothrappali
Oh, sorry, you all look alike to us.
Fat-shaming 2 moments
How Fat-shaming shows up in The Big Bang Theory S1 E8:
- Raj
The little fat girl that used to kick me in the samosas and call me untouchable.
- Raj
You have lost so much weight! That must have been difficult for you because you were so, so fat! Do you remember?
Watch With The Kids · Your kids — your rules! · Informal parent guidance, not an official rating.