‘Big Bang Theory’ plots momentous milestone for Sheldon and Amy

Editor’s Note: The following story has spoilers for an upcoming episode of “The Big Bang Theory.”

Story highlights

"Big Bang Theory's" Sheldon and Amy have been dating on and off on the hit sitcom for many years

Show's producer confirms "coitus," as Sheldon would call it, is in their near future

The Hollywood Reporter  — 

It’s a moment CBS’ “Big Bang Theory” has been waiting to see for nearly nine seasons.

During the Dec. 17 episode, Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik) will have sex, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

While the plot twist may not sound like a big deal for non-fans of the nerdy comedy, dedicated “Big Bang” followers know the moment is a major milestone for the emotionally stunted Sheldon who, after nearly 200 episodes, has never been intimate. (The same is also true for Amy.)

“After over five years of dating, we felt the time was right for Sheldon and Amy to finally consummate their relationship, and we’re so excited for the audience to see the journey over the next several episodes,” showrunner Steve Molaro said in a statement following Tuesday’s taping of the pivotal episode in which Sheldon and Amy both lose their virginity.

The episode also features the return of “Big Bang” Emmy winner Bob Newhart, who will reprise his role as Arthur Jeffries and reappear as a ghostly Jedi in Sheldon’s dreams in a bid to help him sort out his feelings and make what was billed as a “very important” decision. (It’s worth noting that the episode will have a “Star Wars” storyline as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” opens mere hours after this installment airs.)

What’s next for Sheldon and Amy after the “divorce?”

In its current ninth season, Sheldon has been struggling with the aftermath of his breakup with Amy, with details slowly emerging about his possession of an engagement ring he planned to use to propose. Recent episodes have seen Sheldon attempting to woo Amy back, despite her pleas for space.

For “Big Bang,” the news comes as TV’s No. 1 comedy among the all-important adults 18-49 demographic continues to march toward a happy ending for all of its central characters. The season nine premiere featured on-again/off-again couple Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) officially getting married. Howard (Simon Helberg) and Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) tied the knot in the season five finale. Raj, meanwhile, first had to overcome his inability to talk to women without the aid of alcohol before he could explore dating (which happened in the season six finale). He’s currently in a long-term relationship with Emily, who is played by new series regular Laura Spencer.

Penny and Leonard say “I do:” Now what?

With so many major milestones checked off, it’s unclear if the previously announced 10th season of “Big Bang” will be its last. In an interview ahead of season eight’s final episodes, Molaro said it was “way too soon” to discuss if season 10 will be the end of the series. “We’re just focusing on finishing up season eight strong and coming back hard out of the gate for season nine. I can’t think that far ahead,” he told THR in April.

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