Stuart Bloom was one of the most sympathetic characters in The Big Bang Theory. The down-on-his-luck comic book store owner was often the group's punching bag, with everyone from Howard to Sheldon mocking his string of bad luck and all-around miserable existence.
Still, not all was bad about Stuart; indeed, he was one of the show's funniest characters. The show remains highly successful on streaming, and Stuart is a large reason. He might've been sad most of the time, but his self-deprecating humor resulted in some memorable and hilarious quotes throughout the 12-season run.
When the show first introduces Stuart, he is a successful and even cool character. His business is a cause of envy from Leonard and Sheldon, and his behavior is confident and fun. Stuart is charming enough to successfully flirt with Penny and go out on a date with her.
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The two meet when Leonard takes Penny to the comic book store to look for a present for her nephew. Stuart jokes with her and makes her laugh, suggesting she's there against her will. It's humor based on stereotypes, but that's the show's bread and butter, and it's not a particularly offensive thing to say.
Although he suffered significant changes throughout his journey, Stuart remained one of the funniest side characters in The Big Bang Theory. His early humor was never at his expense because the show portrayed him as a clever character capable of keeping up with Sheldon and Leonard's wit.
During an argument about comic books, Sheldon and Stuart reach an impasse. Stuart tries to keep things light-hearted, delivering this charming response to one of Sheldon's usual totalitarian claims. His response even makes sense, to the point where Sheldon can't outright deny it. It would've been nice to see more of this Stuart, but the show had other plans.
Stuart is one of the least competent characters in The Big Bang Theory. Despite his initial success, he becomes increasingly worst at managing his business as the episodes pass, until his comic book store becomes a failing ruin and the butt of the joke.
His financial struggles become the main source of his humor, and he seems happy going along. This particular quote is funny because it's also somewhat charming. It's a silly joke, but it gets the job done, especially because it's one of the few times Stuart isn't outright cruel to himself.
Seasons 5 through 7 are the worst times for Stuart. His business is failing, he is still very lonely, and his prospects seem dire. He is also at his most unforgiving to himself, making numerous jokes at his expense, most of them too savage to be funny.
When the girls go to him to ask for comic book recommendations, he replies with this quote. It's not too rude to be uncomfortable while seeming casual enough to provoke a chuckle from most people. The girls know Stuart and realize the honesty behind his words but still laugh because the comment is genuinely funny.
Although Stuart's comic book store has a slew of loyal customers, mainly the guys and other regulars, like Captain Sweatpants and Lonely Larry, not many people buy anything. Things become so dire that Stuart expresses surprise whenever there's any movement in his store.
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Most of the time, there's no one in the store other than the guys and maybe one or two others. Even then, the other customers don't buy anything and only browse through the comics. The show exploits his misery for laughs, and while it doesn't always work, this is one time when the joke at his expense is funny, if only because he attempts to rationalize his situation through humor.
The season 7 finale sees Stuart's comic book store burning down. The guys go to offer their support and offer him a place to stay, but Howard asks what everyone is thinking and questions if Stuart set the place on fire to claim the insurance money.
Stuart reacts hostilely, although he acknowledges the possibility considering everyone else has already asked the same question, including his parents and therapist. However, Stuart isn't the kind to do something so extreme, and the fact that everyone else thought so makes his response funny.
"The Leftover Thermalization" is one of the best episodes in The Big Bang Theory. It features a dinner where everyone pays their respects to the recently deceased Mrs. Walowitz, a crucial figure in the group's lives.
Howard's Jewish ancestry is exaggerated for laughs, but using his many menorahs to light the house is a nice touch. Stuart's comment thus comes across as funny rather than offensive or insulting. As he says, the candles provide an intimate mood to the gathering without making it overly somber, which is exactly what Mrs. Wolowitz would've wanted.
Throughout most of the show, Stuart experiences dire financial distress. His comic book store isn't exactly thriving, forcing Stuart to live in the back for a long time. Logically, he becomes famous for his freeloading antics, including overstaying his welcome at Howard and Bernadette's home.
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Stuart's quote about liking everything free is funny within the show's context. It might sound cruel, and it is; however, Stuart is so used to his situation that he deals with it by using self-deprecating humor. His friends know it and go along with it during their interactions, laughing along rather than at him.
Stuart experiences considerable bad health throughout the show. Many people believe he's sick most of the time because of his thin frame, but viewers never actually see him in distress. However, they do hear about his many ailments, mainly from Raj.
When Bernadette goes into labor, Stuart is at the hospital with the others. Raj says something rude, but Stuart doesn't mind, considering himself lucky to be at a hospital without being the patient. There were many things about Stuart that Big Bang fans didn't get, but his happiness at not being sick was honest and even heartwarming, making this quote one of his funniest and wholesome.
Season 12 is the best time for Stuart since his early days in season 2. His comic book store is back in action, and he even has a relationship with Denise. Above all, he has a true support system in Howard, Bernadette, and Raj, forming a makeshift family with them.
Stuart loves Howard and Bernadette's children so much that he considers him their uncle. When Howard makes one of his usual mean jokes, Stuart replies with his equally dark comment. Things are looking up for Stuart in season 12, but the scars of his many years of misery are still there.NEXT: The 12 Best Guest Stars On The Big Bang Theory