Get ready to sob, these are the saddest Young Sheldon episodes of all time

Young Sheldon has offered us some cathartic highs and lows over the years. From broken hearts to broken homes, pre-teen ups and downs to parent breakdowns, there have been so many moments in the show that have hit right where it hurts. I thought sitcoms were supposed to be lighthearted?

We might have been prepared for the heartbreaking death of everyone’s favourite on screen dad, but Young Sheldon’s showrunners certainly know how to stick a gut wrenching twist in when you’re least expecting it. Here’s our comprehensive breakdown of the saddest episodes from Young Sheldon – get your tissues ready, because it’s a teary one.

Missy running away from home after a string of teenage troubles

via Netflix

I think we’ve all seen a bit of our teenage selves in Missy, and the heartbreaking moment she decides to run away from home in season six really hits hard when you look back on her pre-teen struggles. Teen Angst and a Smart-Boy Walk of Shame was only a middle of the season episode, but the combination of George and Mary’s marriage breaking down, with the news of her dad’s potential affair, certainly made for a teary storyline.

We watched Missy act up at school, have a spat with her parents, and then decide enough was enough. Sheldon’s attempt to shine some light on their sibling love as she stormed away post-breakup is totally relatable too. She’s just a girl at heart, bless her.

George Sr. and Missy bond during the tornado

via Netflix

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A Tornado, a Ten-Hour Flight and a Darn Fine Ring was nothing short of a touching episode. There’s something teary about watching a fatherly bond bloom between a daughter, and when it’s George Sr. and Missy? Such a sad way to close out the sixth season. The two had a tear-inducing chat whilst sheltering from the tornado in East Texas, but the waterworks start pouring when we realise Connie, who was always a lighthearted character, discovered she’d lost her home in the storm.

It’s also one of the only times we see a bit of a dishevelled Meemaw. Watching your favourite TV sitcom grandma going through it? That’s enough to make anyone sob.

We see a lonely Sheldon crying for the first time

via Netflix

Nobody expected an episode about toast to be so emotional, but here we are. The season two finale, A Swedish Science Thing and the Equation for Toast, brought us a heart shattering shot of Sheldon sitting alone at his Nobel Peace Prize listening party. I’m crying already, don’t worry.

In the episode, we see a disappointed Sheldon having a teary breakdown over his friends not rocking up to his event. It’s not just that moment that broke our hearts, because it’s also the news of John’s mental health issues coming to light that really add a sad edge to the episode. The only light relief is the bittersweet scene where younger versions of Leonard, Penny, Raj, Howard, Bernadette, and Amy are spotted also doing their own quirky little things, just as Sheldon is. Knowing that The Big Bang Theory gang are destined to befriend him makes it all a bit better.

Sheldon convinces Mary to believe in God again

via Netflix

The moment in season two when Sheldon notices his mum isn’t feeling up to scratch is so wholesome, but definitely brings a tear to my eye. Mary’s faith in God is shaken up when the death of Stephanie Hanson’s daughter ripples through the town. In the episode, we see a tentative, emotional side to Sheldon shine through as he delivers the tear-jerking line: “There are five billion people on this planet and you’re the perfect mom for me”.

Watching Mary and Sheldon sit together on that seat was one of those heartwarming scenes that you just can’t help but sob at.

The news of George Sr.’s death gets delivered to the family

via Netflix

Young Sheldon is a notoriously hilarious show, but it hasn’t stopped the producers from getting the tears flowing from time to time. The death of George Sr. may have been alluded to in the very first season, but it didn’t mean we were prepared for it. The final moments of the 12th episode of season seven were nothing short of heartbreaking as we watched the Cooper family receive the sad news of his death. Even with the warning, it was one of the saddest Young Sheldon episodes ever.

It caught us off guard, that’s for sure. Sheldon ends up leaving for college right afterwards, meaning we’re sat there knowing he’s left his grieving family behind, without everyone’s favourite on screen dad. It’s actually gutting.

Watching Sheldon read at George’s funeral

via Netflix

Shock horror, another episode about death made us all bawl. There was something about seeing Sheldon open up about his dad in the penultimate episode of season seven that really tugged on the heartstrings. During the funeral scene, we see eulogies delivered by George, Mary, and Connie, and an imaginary non-speech from Sheldon, in classic fashion.

I don’t think anyone can sit through a funeral episode without getting upset. Knowing that Lance Barber, the actor that played George, couldn’t even bear to crack a joke during filming tells me everything I need to know. I’m still sobbing.

Can someone pass me a tissue please? All of these saddest Young Sheldon episodes cut me up even now.

Featured images via Netflix