Did you know that it’s possible to stream all 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory on Netflix for free? It’s true! It doesn’t matter where you’re located or what device you’re using, in a matter of 10 minutes or less, you can have access to 279 hilarious episodes of Sheldon and the gang. Here’s how you can watch online.

Most people don’t realize that Netflix licenses different shows in different countries around the world.
So while The Big Bang Theory isn’t available to stream in the United States, it is available for viewing in more than 27 other countries.
Because of this, all you need to do to watch The Big Bang Theory on Netflix is to trick the streaming service into thinking you’re located in a country where the show has been licensed. In this case, that would be:
Countries that Stream Big Bang (and # of seasons)
- Czech Republic (12)
- Germany (12)
- Greece (12)
- Hong Kong (12)
- Hungary (12)
- Iceland (12)
- India (12)
- Israel (12)
- Lithuania (12)
- Netherlands (12)
- Poland (12)
- Portugal (12)
- Romania (12)
- Russia (12)
- Singapore (12)
- Slovakia (12)
- South Korea (12)
- Spain (12)
- Switzerland (12)
- Thailand (12)
- Turkey (12)
- U.K. (12)
- South Africa (12)
- Australia (11)
- Belgium (11)
- France (11)
- Japan (5)
How can you watch Netflix from these countries if you aren’t actually there?
All you need is a paid subscription to Netflix and a Virtual Private Network, or VPN for short. It’s a simple piece of software that can secure your internet connection while spoofing your location.
The 3-step process, which I’ll explain in more detail below, goes like this:
- Step 1: Purchase and install a VPN (like I said, I recommend Surfshark or NordVPN). It really doesn’t matter which VPN you choose as long as it has servers in countries where Netflix has streaming rights for The Big Bang Theory (8 min)
- Step 2: Connect to the appropriate VPN server. (2 min)
- Step 3: Log on to Netflix and search for “The Big Bang Theory”. Enjoy watching! (3 min)
That’s it! Sure you could try to watch on the official TBBT HBONow page, but why pay for yet another streaming service?
Using this method, in a little over 10 minutes you can start binge-watching The Big Bang Theory on Netflix without ads.
Note: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use the services mentioned. I only recommend what I personally use, though, and I’m grateful for your support of this website!
What is The Big Bang Theory?
The Big Bang Theory is a beloved American sitcom that aired from 2007 to 2019, capturing the hearts of millions with its unique blend of humor and geek culture. The show centers around a group of socially awkward scientists and their interactions with their charming neighbor, Penny, who is a waitress and aspiring actress.
At the core of the series are Sheldon Cooper, a theoretical physicist with a penchant for strict routines, and his roommate Leonard Hofstadter, who often finds himself putting up with Sheldon’s eccentricities. The show delves into the social dynamics of these characters, exploring their friendships, romantic relationships, and professional lives. Known for its witty references to scientific concepts and pop culture, The Big Bang Theory offers a comedic take on the lives of these endearing characters.
Stream The Big Bang Theory on Netflix (3 Steps)
For those that don’t feel comfortable with the short description above, here’s a more detailed explanation of the 3 steps required to watch The Big Bang Theory online free using your Netflix account.
Step 1: Purchase and Install a VPN
It’s possible that you’ve never heard of a VPN before. Don’t worry, it’s nothing to be afraid of, I promise!
A VPN is simply a piece of software installed on your phone, tablet or computer that allows you to encrypt and route your internet traffic through a specific server in a specific country. (read more on my article What is a VPN?)
It may sound weird, but this means that you can literally choose on a map where in the world you want your computer to appear to be browsing from.
Netflix will read this “location” and then serve you the content licensed for that country.
One memorable scene you can watch using a VPN is when Leonard volunteers to sign for a package, aiming to impress Penny. This situation escalates when he seeks Sheldon’s assistance, leading to comedic mishaps that underscore Leonard’s noble intentions and the ensuing chaos.
Now, there are literally hundreds of VPN services on the market today, but there are only two that I would recommend for streaming Netflix:
Recommended VPN Tools
If you’re looking to watch The Big Bang Theory online, we highly recommend using NordVPN to ensure a secure and private streaming experience. NordVPN offers fast and reliable connections, allowing you to stream your favorite shows without any interruptions. With its robust encryption and strict no-logs policy, you can enjoy The Big Bang Theory without worrying about your online activity being tracked. Whether you’re avoiding hearing Penny sing or watching Leonard volunteer for another experiment, NordVPN ensures you have a smooth and safe viewing experience.
NordVPN (Recommended)
This is the VPN that I use on a daily basis for all my devices. As you can see in the screenshot above, NordVPN has a map view that helps you choose the right server location for watching Netflix. For instance, you can watch the episode where Sheldon finds himself in a humorous situation after being replaced on a team, or when he discovers an intriguing book that sparks his intellectual curiosity.
Surfshark (Alternative)
Currently, this is my go-to VPN for streaming anything on Netflix. It’s cheap, the servers are fast and the software is some of the easiest to use. For instance, you can watch the episode where Leonard and Sheldon learn about the social aspects of life through their interactions with Penny, highlighting themes of friendship and personal growth.
Keep in mind that each of these services carries a monthly or annual cost. And it works to help with streaming Disney+ anywhere in the world as well.
Is it worth buying yet another service?
I don’t mind paying this because not only do I get to watch The Big Bang Theory on Netflix, I also get a secure connection both at home and while I’m on public WiFi networks.
Step 2: Connect to the Appropriate VPN Server
Once you’ve purchased, downloaded and set up a VPN on your computer or device, the next step is to connect to the appropriate server.
In this case, as mentioned earlier, you would want to find a server in one of the 27 countries listed above. For me, I’ve been connecting to the Surfshark VPN Germany server and the speeds have been excellent (no buffering!).
For example, after connecting, you can watch the episode where Sheldon is removed from the gang’s Physics Bowl team and decides to create his own team to prove his superiority.
As you can see, there are a few different of Germany cities to choose from (and many more that you could scroll down to find).
All you have to do is click on one of them to connect, and you’re golden.
Whichever VPN you choose, make sure you get a service that offers a 30-day money back guarantee just in case it doesn’t work well in your specific location.
Step 3: Log Into Netflix and Find The Big Bang Theory
Before you log in to your Netflix account, make sure that you’ve closed the browser or the app if it’s already running on your computer or mobile device. This will allow the app to reset your location when it restarts.
After you’ve logged in to Netflix with the VPN connected, you won’t see any special notification or indication that you’re connected in a different country.
The only difference will be the TV shows and movies that are available.
Obviously, you’re looking for The Big Bang Theory on Netflix, which you can either browse or search for. One of the most memorable scenes is when Leonard and Sheldon meet their new neighbor, Penny, in the pilot episode, highlighting the contrast between their scientific knowledge and real-life experiences.
As long as you have a fast enough internet connection, you shouldn’t have a problem streaming the show through a VPN.
I’ve done it from both China and Thailand and it’s been great!
The Big Bang Theory Cast and Characters
The Big Bang Theory boasts a talented ensemble cast that brings the quirky characters to life. Jim Parsons stars as Sheldon Cooper, whose strict adherence to routines and social awkwardness provide endless comedic moments.
Johnny Galecki plays Leonard Hofstadter, Sheldon’s best friend and roommate, who often finds himself in humorous predicaments.
Kaley Cuoco shines as Penny, the new neighbor who forms an unlikely bond with the gang.
Simon Helberg portrays Howard Wolowitz, one of the fellow Caltech scientists, known for his eccentric fashion sense and over-the-top personality.
Kunal Nayyar rounds out the main cast as Raj Koothrappali, who initially struggles with talking to women.
The show also features memorable recurring characters like Melissa Rauch as Bernadette Rostenkowski and Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Fowler. The chemistry and comedic timing of the cast are key factors in the show’s enduring success.
Why You Need a VPN to Stream Netflix with Neighbor Penny
Netflix, like pretty much every other streaming service, licenses shows and movies and because of this they have to restrict viewing for specific countries.
This is known as geo-restricting or geo-blocking content (click to learn more about what is geo-blocking). It’s regulating who can view content based on their geographic location.
To be honest, it’s ridiculous. If I’m a paying customer, shouldn’t I get access to all content on a certain platform? YES. That makes perfect sense, and I imagine that we’re moving in a direction where geoblocking is no longer an issue – but for now, it’s a big deal.
- Amazon geo-restricts content.
- Hulu geo-restricts content.
- Disney+ limits their available content.
Almost every streaming service you can think of places limits on their content.
The only way around these restrictions is to spoof your location. You can think of it like changing the license plate on a car. The car hasn’t actually changed locations, but the license plate reads a different country.
Continuing on with this analogy, Netflix only looks at your license plate to determine where you’re coming from.
There are a number of great VPNs for streaming that give you the ability to “change the license plate” so to speak, in addition to encrypting and securing your internet connection.
For a deeper look into how you can use a VPN to find and stream US Netflix anywhere in the world, watch this video:
Be sure to subscribe to the All Things Secured YouTube channel!
It’s simple, easy to use and it gives you access to loads of extra content on platforms like Netflix. For example, you can watch the episode where Sheldon’s reluctance to share credit with Leonard at a physics conference causes tension and complications in their relationships.
The Big Bang Theory’s Impact on Pop Culture
The Big Bang Theory has left an indelible mark on pop culture, particularly in the realm of geek culture. The show’s frequent references to comic books, science fiction, and video games have helped bring these interests into the mainstream.
Catchphrases like “Bazinga!” and “That’s my spot!” have become iconic, often quoted by fans around the world.
The show’s influence extends beyond its own episodes, inspiring a wave of geek-themed TV shows and movies, such as The Walking Dead and Guardians of the Galaxy. By celebrating and normalizing geek culture, The Big Bang Theory has played a significant role in shaping contemporary pop culture.
Final Thoughts | Streaming The Big Bang Theory Online
Contrary to what you may have believed, it is entirely possible to stream The Big Bang Theory or even watch Modern Family on Netflix. It takes an extra piece of security software and a few minutes to set up, but in the end, it’s worth it.
For instance, you can watch the episode featuring Leonard’s plan to win over Sheldon’s twin sister, which is complicated by Sheldon’s interference as he insists on controlling who is allowed to date her.
Think about it: you can trade about 15 minutes of work for access to over 5,500 minutes of Big Bang Theory episodes! I don’t know about you, but that seems like a pretty good trade. 🙂