In the build up to the Season 8 premiere of "The Big Bang Theory" on Sept. 22, CBS has released a new batch of photos to drop teasers about what fans can expect next season.

In addition to romantic relationships, the new photos suggest that friendships will be an underlying theme when the new season kicks off with the episode "The Junior Professor Solution."

One photo suggests that Sheldon and Howard will face some tension. 

Actress Regina King will also make a return playing the university human resources representative Mrs. Davis, which is sure to drive Sheldon crazy, notes Hypable.com.

Anther pic hints that Penny and Bernadette will rub each other the wrong way while the try to work on their new working relationship.

In the Season 7 finale, Penny and Leonard found Sheldon at a train station, right before he tried to escape Pasadena. According to the International Business Times, Sheldon "was overwhelmed with all the changes that were taking place around him, including the newly engaged Penny and Leonard's talk about moving-in together, without him, and the burning down of Stuart's comic-store."

According to executive producer Steve Molaro, Season 8 picks up 45 days into Sheldon's trip, when he finds himself in big trouble.

"His belongings have been stolen and he needs Leonard to come pick him up in Arizona," said the showrunner to TVLine.

Although Leonard comes to his rescue, his situation gets worse once he returns home to his girlfriend. "Amy's not pissed at him for leaving, but she's certainly not thrilled that when he ran into trouble he called Leonard instead of her," said Molaro.

In the meantime, Leonard's relationship with his fiancée Penny will trek new ground when she gets a new job and starts making more money working as a pharmaceutical sales rep at Bernadette's company.

"It alters their dynamic because now she's actually doing well financially," says Molaro. "It's a new chapter for her."

To top things off, Penny will debut a new short haircut.

"The Big Bang Theory" Season 8, episodes 1 and 2, will premiere on Monday, Sept. 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS.