"Big Bang Theory" is a sitcom that rocketed onto our screens in 2007 and ran for 12 seasons until 2019. It was created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady. The show is set in Pasadena, California, and centers on a group of socially awkward scientists and their interactions with each other and the world around them.
The main characters include Sheldon Cooper, portrayed by Jim Parsons, who is a theoretical physicist with an IQ of 187 and an obsessive-compulsive personality; Leonard Hofstadter, played by Johnny Galecki, an experimental physicist who shares an apartment with Sheldon; Penny, portrayed by Kaley Cuoco, a waitress and aspiring actress who lives across the hall; Howard Wolowitz, portrayed by Simon Helberg, an aerospace engineer; and Rajesh Koothrappali, played by Kunal Nayyar, an astrophysicist who initially can’t speak to women unless he’s drunk.
The title of the show, "Big Bang Theory," is a playful nod to the scientific theory about the creation of the universe, which is fitting given the characters’ professions. The show's opening theme song, "The History of Everything," was performed by Barenaked Ladies and summarizes the formation of the universe in a snappy, catchy tune.
Some fun trivia includes the fact that Mayim Bialik, who plays Amy Farrah Fowler, actually holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience in real life. Her character, Amy, is a neurobiologist, making her a rare case of art imitating life.
The show’s writers worked closely with actual scientists to ensure the accuracy of the scientific concepts presented on the show. One of these consultants was David Saltzberg, a physics professor from UCLA.
The apartment building where Sheldon and Leonard live is located at 2311 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California. While the building is fictional, it’s become a significant landmark for fans of the show.
The characters often reference comic books, video games, and science fiction movies, creating a rich tapestry of geek culture. Stuart Bloom, played by Kevin Sussman, is the owner of the comic book store frequently visited by the main characters.
The catchphrase "Bazinga!" used by Sheldon was actually inspired by writer Stephen Engel, who used it as a prank word. It became so iconic that a species of bee was named Euglossa bazinga in honor of the show.
Did you know that the show’s iconic broken elevator was a running gag? The elevator in Sheldon and Leonard’s apartment building is out of order for most of the series. It’s finally revealed in Season 3, Episode 22, "The Staircase Implementation," that Leonard caused the malfunction due to a failed rocket experiment.
In the pilot episode, Sheldon and Leonard donate their sperm to a high-IQ sperm bank, but this plotline was quickly dropped. The original pilot also featured a different female lead named Katie, played by Amanda Walsh, but she was replaced by Kaley Cuoco’s Penny after the show was retooled.
The character of Bernadette Rostenkowski, played by Melissa Rauch, was introduced in the third season and became a regular cast member. Bernadette’s high-pitched voice is a part of her character, but Rauch’s real voice is much deeper.
The show’s success led to a prequel spin-off, Young Sheldon, which explores the early years of Sheldon Cooper growing up in Texas. It premiered in 2017 with Iain Armitage playing the young Sheldon.
The show’s influence on popular culture is immense, with numerous references in other TV shows, movies, and even scientific discussions. The phrase "Big Bang Theory" has become synonymous with the show, sometimes even overshadowing the actual scientific theory.
The show was praised for its humor, character development, and the way it brought geek culture into the mainstream. However, it also faced criticism for reinforcing stereotypes about nerds and intellectuals. Despite that, it garnered a massive fanbase and won numerous awards, including the Primetime Emmy Awards.
In summary, "Big Bang Theory" is a beloved sitcom that combined humor, science, and geek culture to create a unique and influential show. Its characters, catchphrases, and cultural references have left a lasting impact on television history.