The Big Bang Theory Cast Channels Their Inner Trekkie

By Brent McKnight | Updated

I’m not a big fan of the CBS smash hit The Big Bang theory, the humor just doesn’t do it for me (Dad, on the other hand, can’t get enough of it). That said, it’s hard for any sci-fi fan to deny the true geeky tendencies of the show. Where else in primetime can you listen to characters argue about the physics behind Superman’s ability to fly, or opine over mint action figures still in the original packaging? These predilections are on full display in this promo for the next episode, “The Bakersfield Expedition,” which finds the characters decked out in full Star Trek: The Next Generation regalia.

Those wacky nerds Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Howard (Simon Helberg), and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) are on their way to the Bakersfield Comic-Con. Their mission gets sidetracked, however, when they stop to take some glamour shots in front of an iconic piece of Trek scenery and their car gets stolen.

While the boys are off exploring the final frontier, the ladies—Penny (Kaley Cuoco), Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), and Amy (Mayam Bialik)—have an adventure of their own, by taking a trip to the local comic book store.

This isn’t the first time The Big Bang Theory has channeled their inner Trekkie. Most recently Leonard Nimoy himself stopped by last season to lend his voice to an episode, and Next Gen‘s Wil Wheaton has popped up several times playing an  evil version of himself. The show is more popular than ever, and is coming off its best-ever ratings among viewers 18 to 49.

“The Bakersfield Experiement” airs this Thursday, January 10th.