Content guide
Preview first — about 10+
The Big Bang Theory S4 E20, “The Herb Garden Germination”, scores 2/5 for violence, 3/5 for sex and 3/5 for language, for an overall kid-rating of 3/5 — Preview first — about 10+. Sheldon and Amy experiment on their friends by spreading gossip, while Howard takes a big step in his relationship with Bernadette.
Across the episode we counted 10 flagged moments in 3 themes: Sex & hookups (5); Violence & injury (1); Swearing (4). 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 10+Sex talk, violence, language in live-action sitcom.
Parents need to know that The Big Bang Theory S4 E20, "The Herb Garden Germination", is a live-action sitcom episode. The series is known for more innuendo than the science jokes suggest, but rarely explicit. Sits in the gray area mainly on sex & hookups (explicit, in dialogue). Violence is mild but includes Sheldon says, "(Leonard mimes drawing an arrow and stabbing Sheldon with it.) That was uncalled for,…". Sexual content includes Amy says, "Yes. He looks much cooler than the non-smoking monkeys. Although it’s not much of a…". Language isn't constant, but you can expect swearing — for example, Penny says, "Oh, that gossipy bitch! No offense". 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 S4 E20:
- Amy
Yes. He looks much cooler than the non-smoking monkeys. Although it’s not much of a contest. The other monkeys just sit around and masturbate.
- Penny
All right, try thinking about this. Sheldon and Amy had sex.
- Leonard
Do you think a sexually ambivalent Indian astrophysicist with selective mutism and alcohol issues is better than a hundred-pound Jewish guy who lives with his mom?
- Amy
Sheldon and I engaged in sexual intercourse. In other news, I’m thinking of starting an herb garden. Mum’s the word. Gotta go.
- Amy
Bernadette just asked about my sexual encounter with you. The meme has reached full penetration.
Violence & injury 1 moment
How Violence & injury shows up in The Big Bang Theory S4 E20:
- Sheldon
(Leonard mimes drawing an arrow and stabbing Sheldon with it.) That was uncalled for, but I’ll play along.
Swearing 4 moments
How Swearing shows up in The Big Bang Theory S4 E20:
- Penny
Oh, that gossipy bitch! No offense.
- Penny
Oh, damn it. I told Amy that in the strictest confidence. Boy, some people are such blabbermouths. Well, whatever, I’m sure Bernadette can do better.
- Leonard
Lucky bastard.
- Penny
What the hell are you doing? Howard is your best friend, and that is his girlfriend. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Watch With The Kids · Your kids — your rules! · Informal parent guidance, not an official rating.