TV Guide E4 Thursday

Marge and rebellious new friend Ruth set off for a girls' night out - but end up being pursued at high speed through the streets of Springfield by Chief Wiggum and a distraught Homer

Sheldon makes friends with an upper-class senior pupil who introduces him to a new field of science. Meanwhile, Mary and George disagree on how to handle Sheldon's blossoming social life

A disappointing lack of success in a competition at the school science fair sends Sheldon's life in a new direction as he rejects the idea of becoming a scientist in favour of acting. Comedy, starring Iain Armitage

Claire and Phil aren't convinced that Haley and Dylan can make it on their own as they move them into their new apartment before the baby arrives. Meanwhile, Pameron gets out of prison early and has a bone to pick with Mitchell

Beverly confronts her husband after discovering her engagement ring is the same one Murray gave to his former fiancee. Assisted by Pops, Adam looks to a romantic comedy film for inspiration when trying to capture the attention of his attractive neighbour. Comedy, starring Wendi McLendon-Covey and Jeff Garlin

Adam abandons Pops to go trick-or-treating with some new friends, but he gets a shock when he discovers what they are really planning. Meanwhile, Beverly dons a costume so she can attend a teenager's Halloween party in secret and protect Barry from social humiliation. Comedy, starring Wendi McLendon-Covey and Jeff Garlin

The chef heads to Babylon in New York, where the peace of Long Island is regularly shattered by the volatile Pellegrino family, proprietors of Peter's Italian Restaurant. Gordon finds owner Tina's work to save the eatery from oblivion is frequently ruined by the behaviour of her brother, a tyrannical front-of-house manager whose violent temper constantly undermines staff morale

The chef tries to reverse the fortunes of the Mixing Bowl diner in Bellmore, New York, where a talented cook's work is being undone by the manager's marketing plans - putting the finances in dire straits

Marge is feeling neglected by Homer, and the timing couldn't be worse as their 10th wedding anniversary is fast approaching. Little does she know her husband is planning a grand romantic gesture inspired by a special moment from their first year of marriage. But wires get crossed when the miffed housewife stumbles upon a dodgy website for couples bored of their partners, and she ends up chatting to the too-good-to-be-true Ben (voiced by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane)

The friends struggle through an awkward morning after Sheldon's mother and Leonard's father share an evening together. Penny's family arrives in town to attend Penny and Leonard's second wedding ceremony. Keith Carradine, Laurie Metcalf, Christine Baranski and Judd Hirsch guest star

Howard has a meeting with Colonel Williams, a representative from the US air force's department of material command, about the gyroscope he invented with Leonard and Sheldon. Penny accidentally reveals that Bernadette is pregnant to their colleagues at work. Dean Norris guest stars

Phil comes across footage of an incriminating sneeze while looking at Cameron and Mitchell's wedding video that proves he is responsible for the family's flu epidemic, so he sets about getting rid of the proof with the help of Luke and some creative editing. Claire struggles to make it through an important business meeting while feeling under the weather, while Cam is forced to make a difficult decision when it comes to Manny and the school football team. Mitch meets Lily's know-it-all friend and male nanny Andy (Andy DeVine) makes a welcome return

The Dunphys move into a hotel while their house is being treated for mould, but when they are forced to share a single room, cabin fever soon sets in. Gloria worries after finding out that Manny is dating one of the popular girls at school, while Cam's attempt to keep his football team's unprecedented winning streak going is threatened by a 'cursed' Mitchell

Sheldon is given the chance to square off against the one actor from the Star Trek franchise he holds a grudge against - Wil Wheaton. Meanwhile, Leonard asks Penny to set Howard up on a date with one of her friends. Comedy, starring Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons

Leonard worries his lack of American football knowledge is alienating him from Penny and her friends. However, he finds an unlikely sporting tutor in the form of Sheldon, who reluctantly spent most of his childhood attending games with his father. Meanwhile, Raj is infuriated when Howard abandons him to pursue a girl at a kite-fighting contest

A jealous Leonard argues with Penny when she invites one of her male friends to stay at her apartment while he is in town. Unfortunately, the row brings up unpleasant memories for Sheldon of watching his warring parents, causing even more tension between the friends. Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons star

Leonard, Raj and Howard go camping to watch the Leonid meteor shower, but the trip takes an unexpected turn thanks to some specially baked cookies. Meanwhile, Penny injures herself in the shower, and with the rest of the gang out of town, it's left to Sheldon to come to her aid

When Sheldon is bullied by an unlikely character, Mary and George disagree on how to handle the situation, contemplating whether they should their son employ self-defence techniques. Undeterred, he tries his hand at jiu-jitsu and even covers himself in bubble-wrap for protection

When Mary bans Sheldon from reading a comic book that she considers to be too mature for him, the youngster decides it's time to stop living under his mother's thumb

Sheldon tries to extend his lifespan, concerned he will not be around long enough for his consciousness to be downloaded into a robot body, and the friends encounter Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak (guest starring as himself) at the Cheesecake Factory

Sheldon breaks up with Amy and turns to cats in his search for an alternative to human companionship. However, when he starts to bulk-buy pets, Leonard decides enough is enough and calls for reinforcements to help bring his friend back to his senses. Comedy, starring Jim Parsons

An embarrassing secret from Howard's past comes to light as he tries to win back Bernadette, while Sheldon and Raj engage in a battle of wills when they have to work in the same office. Guest starring Katee Sackhoff and George Takei

Leonard is depressed that everyone seems to be paired off except him, and resorts to desperate measures to get a girlfriend. Meanwhile, Sheldon looks for a way out of his relationship with Amy, who wants him to meet her mother. Comedy, starring Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons