Never Have I Ever | The Big Bang Theory
“Never have I ever” is a popular party game where players take turns saying something they’ve never done. Anyone who has done the mentioned action must take a drink. The humor often comes from revealing embarrassing or unexpected personal facts, and participants sometimes try to surprise or tease each other with statements they think others will have to drink to.
Watch the episode and do the task
Watch again and answer the questions
- Why does the game Never Have I Ever make some characters feel uncomfortable?
- Which characters seem most uncomfortable, and why?
- What is the significance of Sheldon’s toothbrush joke?
- How does it contribute to the playful tension?
- Why is Penny surprised when she learns that someone else has been arrested?
- What does this reveal about her assumptions?
- How does Leonard justify his secret bank account?
- Do the others understand his reasons?
- What do we learn about Penny’s feelings toward her job?
- Why does she keep this a secret from Leonard?
- Why does Leonard say, “we’re kind of a cute couple that way,” when comparing their habits with money and shoes?
- How does Leonard respond when Penny expresses dissatisfaction with her job?
- What does this reveal about their relationship?
- Why is the ending (“Never have I ever made love in the forest…”) significant for their relationship?
Let’s discuss
- What does the game reveal about each character?
- How would you describe the humor in the characters’ interactions? Does it depend more on words, actions, or situational irony?
- Why do you think Leonard kept a secret bank account from Penny? Do you think he had good reasons, or was it wrong?
- What advice would you give Leonard and Penny to improve their communication?
- Why do you think the game Never Have I Ever is popular in American culture? How does it serve as both a bonding experience and a source of humor or conflict?
- Which jokes or lines did you find the funniest, and why?
- How does this episode use sarcasm, understatement, and exaggeration to make the jokes more impactful?
- Have you ever played a game like Never Have I Ever?
- In what ways do you relate to the idea of “keeping a secret” from friends or partners? Do you think some secrets are okay to keep?
Transcript
okay let’s see … never have I ever …
She’s trying to think of something she’s never done before. This could take a while
Very funny! okay … never have I ever … yeah … you know what – let’s just circle back
Okay, I’ll go. Never have I ever been arrested.
So I drink?
No, it’s only if you’ve done it!
Got it!
I can’t believe you’ve been arrested!
I can’t believe Penny hasn’t!
This game’s dangerous. I could get you in trouble.
How?
Well, never have I ever used Sheldon’s toothbrush to clean the sink.
Is that how you want to play this?
All right, never have I ever come up with a nickname for my own genitals. Never should have told you about Alvin of the Chipmunk.
Okay, my turn. Um, never have I ever completely rocked my girlfriend’s world in bed.
You know the rules. Drink.
Yeah, go ahead, that’s right.
All right, my turn. Oh, I know—never have I ever kept a secret bank account because I think my wife can’t handle money.
Did I win? I feel like I won.
I can’t believe this. You realize I make more money than you?
I know, but this isn’t a big deal; it’s just a little savings I put aside.
We’re married; we’re supposed to share everything.
Oh, you mean like your massive credit card debt?
I’m calling it—I won.
How long have you had this secret account?
A couple of years, but I just put a few bucks aside every month for emergencies.
Well, how much you got in there?
$642… $647 once my birthday check gets here.
My God, Leonard, do you know what I could do with that kind of money?
No, I do—and that’s why I hid it.
What good is it if you don’t use it?
Uh, you have shoes you love but never wear. I have money I love but never spend. We’re kind of a cute couple that way.
Again, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have kept it a secret.
Well, I have a secret I’ve been keeping from you too.
Is it a secret bank account? Because that would be awesome.
I hate my job.
Really? Why?
I just don’t feel good flirting with doctors for sales. I mean, I know I make a lot of money, but I haven’t been happy for a while.
Why didn’t you tell me?
Because I know how important it is to you that I’m having some success.
That’s not true.
Okay, really? So you’d be fine if I went back to acting and waiting tables again?
If that’s what you want to do, yes.
Well, it’s not what I want to do.
Well, it doesn’t matter what I want. Look, this job is going to get me out of debt, so I’m going to do the grown-up thing and see it through.
Wow, that is the grown-up thing, I guess.
I love you.
I love you too.
You know, never have I ever made love in the forest while it was raining.
Well, guess I got a..drink.