Content guide
Skip for under 13
The Big Bang Theory S7 E9, “The Thanksgiving Decoupling”, scores 1/5 for violence, 4/5 for sex and 2/5 for language, for an overall kid-rating of 4/5 — Skip for under 13. Sheldon protests when the gang drags him to Mrs. Wolowitz's house for Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, Penny and Leonard must deal with a mistake from her past.
Across the episode we counted 10 flagged moments in 4 themes: Sex & hookups (2); Porn / strippers / sex work (2); Alcohol & drugs (5); Fat-shaming (1). 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+Strip-club and porn references, sex talk, fat-shaming in live-action sitcom.
Parents need to know that The Big Bang Theory S7 E9, "The Thanksgiving Decoupling", is a live-action sitcom episode. The series is known for more innuendo than the science jokes suggest, but rarely explicit. Driven by porn / strippers / sex work (explicit, in dialogue), with sex & hookups alongside it. Sexual content is explicit — for example, Howard says, "Sounds like Zack’s the victim. You’re sleeping with his wife"; Stripper or strip-club material shows up in the plot. Some mild language appears in the dialogue. This episode includes fat-shaming — for example, Howard says, "You know, my mom’s been to Arizona. She rode one of those mules down in the Grand…". Characters drink or talk about alcohol and drugs — Leonard says, "Were you drunk?". 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 2 moments
How Sex & hookups shows up in The Big Bang Theory S7 E9:
- Howard
Sounds like Zack’s the victim. You’re sleeping with his wife.
- Howard
He doesn’t want me in there. I’m the creepy little guy who has sex with his daughter.
Porn / strippers / sex work 2 moments
How Porn / strippers / sex work shows up in The Big Bang Theory S7 E9:
- Stripper or strip-club material shows up in the plot.
- Penny
Which was surprising, since we were at a strip club.
Alcohol & drugs 5 moments
How Alcohol & drugs shows up in The Big Bang Theory S7 E9:
- Leonard
Were you drunk?
- Bernadette
Oh, you brought beer for everybody.
- Howard
Anyone need a beer?
- Sheldon
Now, how’s about you get us a couple of beers?
- Mike
Well, I’m drunk.
Fat-shaming 1 moment
How Fat-shaming shows up in The Big Bang Theory S7 E9:
- Howard
You know, my mom’s been to Arizona. She rode one of those mules down in the Grand Canyon. Long story short, they had to shoot it. ‘Cause she’s so fat. I’ll get the door while you finish laughing. Hey, guys.
Watch With The Kids · Your kids — your rules! · Informal parent guidance, not an official rating.