The Big Bang Theory Showbiz Cheat Sheet

The Big Bang Theory
'The Big Bang Theory' cast | Smallz & Raskind/Getty Images for The People's Choice Awards
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory is an American sitcom TV series created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady. It aired on CBS from September 2007 to May 2019. The popular series follows the lives of Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), who are both physicists at Caltech and share an apartment in Pasadena, California. It also involves Penny (Kaley Cuoco), an aspiring actor who lives down the hall, as well as Leonard and Sheldon's friends, Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) and Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar). Through the seasons, other supporting characters became main characters, including Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik), Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch), and Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman). Filmed in front of a live audience, The Big Bang Theory was produced by Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions.
- Genres: Sitcom
- Premiere Date: Sept. 24, 2007
- Cast: Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik, Melissa Rauch, Kevin Sussman.
- Where to Watch: CBS, HBO Max
- Spinoff: Young Sheldon
Read the latest articles about The Big Bang Theory.
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2 years ago
‘The Big Bang Theory’: Which of Bernadette’s Pregnancies Coincided With Melissa Rauch’s?
Entertainment
2 years ago
‘The Big Bang Theory’ Star Johnny Galecki Perfectly Responded to Rumors About His Sexuality
Entertainment
1 year ago
3 Important ‘Young Sheldon’ Characters Who Sheldon Cooper Never Mentioned in ‘The Big Bang Theory’
Entertainment
4 years ago
‘The Big Bang Theory’: Did the Cast Play Their Own Instruments in the Sitcom’s Musical Moments?
Entertainment
1 year ago
Bob Newhart Needed 2 Conditions Met Before Joining ‘The Big Bang Theory’

comedy

side by side photos of Anthony Anderson in a red velvet jacket and John Amos wearing a hat

Exclusives / TV

Anthony Anderson Says John Amos ‘Reminded Me Of My Dad’ in Clip From ‘Black Comedy In America’

In the next episode of 'Black Comedy in America,' Anthony Anderson talks about why he wanted John Amos to play his dad in 'All About the Andersons.'

by Megan Elliott

Published on October 29, 2024

2 min read

Movies / What to Watch

Netflix Comedies for March 2024: 6 Best Comedy Movies on Netflix This Month

Netflix is adding comedies with something for everyone in March 2024. These six comedies are the best picks to stream this month.

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Exclusives / TV

‘Killing It’ Stars Craig Robinson and Rell Battle Reflect on Role Challenges and Having to ‘Bring out New Weapons’ [Exclusive]

'Killing It' stars Craig Robinson and Rell Battle talk about the many dimensions within their characters and tease season 2.

by Gina Ragusa

Remembering ‘Blue Bloods’: See Photos From the Show’s First Episode

Look back at the first episode of 'Blue Bloods' ahead of the show's series finale on Dec. 13.

by Megan Elliott

Published on December 7, 2024

3 min read

Edward James Olmos, standing in the foreground in an orange prison jumpsuit with Tom Selleck sitting at a desk behind him in the 'Blue Bloods' series finale

See Edward James Olmos in the ‘Blue Bloods’ Series Finale [PHOTOS]

It's "all hands on deck" for the Reagans in the 'Blue Bloods' series finale, airing Dec. 13 on CBS.

by Megan Elliott

Beckylee, wearing sunglasses and a helmet while climbing a glacier in 'The Summit' episode 8 on CBS

Exclusives / Thanks, I Hate It

‘The Summit’: Beckylee Plots to Eliminate a Rival [Exclusive Clip]

Beckylee has another player in her sights for elimination in the upcoming episode of 'The Summit' on CBS.

by Megan Elliott

‘Based on a True Story’ Star Shares How ‘The Shining’ Influenced His Character –’There Are Clearly a Lot of Fantasies’ [Exclusive]

Actor Alex Alomar Akpobome reveals if his character Ryan is real or a figment of Ava's (Kaley Cuoco) imagination – similar to 'The Shining.'

by Gina Ragusa

Published on July 15, 2023

3 min read

Exclusives / TV

‘Based on a True Story’ Star Reveals How Kaley Cuoco’s Mysterious Buyer Could ‘Rev Everything Up’ on Season 2 [Exclusive]

Actor Alex Alomar Akpobome's character Ryan could return in a much bigger role on 'Based on a True Story' Season 2.

by Gina Ragusa

Movies / TV

Pete Davidson and Kaley Cuoco’s ‘Meet Cute’ Director Inspired by ‘Silver Linings Playbook’

'Meet Cute' director Alex Lehmann said the Pete Davidson and Kaley Cuoco dark rom-com was inspired by 'Silver Linings Playbook' about another couple finding love while in a dark place.

by Gina Ragusa

Kaley Cuoco Is Nominated for an Emmy Award for ‘the Flight Attendant’ She Was Never Nominated for ‘the Big Bang Theory’

Kaley Cuoco's Emmy nomination is kind of a big deal. Not only is the former 'The Big Bang Theory' star up for his first individual Emmy, but it's for a show she not only found but developed and starred in. Cuoco toiled away on 'The Big Bang Theory' for years and never got individual recognition, but that's true for most of her castmates, too.

by Andrea Francese

Kunal Nayyar, Jim Parsons, Simon Helberg, and Johnny Galecki having a conversation in 'The Big Bang Theory.'

Kaley Cuoco Opened Up About the ‘Shocking’ Moment She Learned 1 Co-Star Was Leaving ‘The Big Bang Theory’

'The Big Bang Theory' was a comedy series on CBS. Kaley Cuoco opens up about the show ending and the "shock" she felt when finding out one particular co-star wanted to leave the show.

by Karelle McKay

‘The Big Bang Theory’: Penny’s Last Name Was Revealed in Season 2 and No One Noticed

Kaley Cuoco said that Penny's last name was never decided on. The writers, production team, and creator of 'The Big Bang Theory' agree. Still, a fan spotted the last name of Teller on a shipping box, and now viewers are pretty sure Teller was Penny's last name.

by Andrea Francese

Celebrity / TV

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Reunion? ‘Friends’ Has Kaley Cuoco Itching for One

Actor Kaley Cuoco wants a 'The Big Bang Theory' reunion after seeing the 'Friends' one.

by Produced by Digital Editors

How Did ‘The Big Bang Theory’ End?

The Big Bang Theory had been on TV for over a decade and came to an end in 2019. It is not easy to end a series, especially one that has been going on for so long. However, many viewers loved the finale. They felt it was a nice way to finish the series.

by Victoria Koehl

‘The Big Bang Theory’: According to Kaley Cuoco a Reunion Isn’t out of the Question

Kaley Cuoco has moved on from 'The Big Bang Theory.' Her new show, 'The Flight Attendant,' is a success, and she's receiving recognition for it. Still, she's into the idea of returning to her former home sooner rather than later. Kaley Cuoco said she thinks the format of the 'Friends' reunion would be perfect for 'The Big Bang Theory' eventually.

by Andrea Francese

‘The Big Bang Theory’: 3 Little Details That Still Infuriate Fans

'The Big Bang Theory' fans are still irritated by a few tiny details from the show's 12-season run. They note that none of the scientists practiced basic lab safety, first and foremost. They are still mad that Penny was never given a last name and that Howard Wolowitz went to space.

by Andrea Francese

‘The Big Bang Theory’: 3 Things You Probably Never Noticed About Raj Koothrappali

Raj Koothrappali was a fan favorite on 'The Big Bang Theory'. While he's largely considered the most mysterious and complex character, fans still learned plenty about him. By the time the show ended, fans had learned that Raj had various hobbies and was taller than most of his pals, despite being shorter than average. What else did you learn about Raj?

by Andrea Francese

‘The Big Bang Theory’: 3 Things You Probably Forgot About Leonard Hofstadter

'The Big Bang Theory' was wildly successful for all 12-seasons of its run. Part of the allure was the detail that went into crafting the four main characters. So much work went into creating their personas that it's easy to forget some of the smaller details of each character. Do you remember that Leonard Hofstadter loved Superman, Dell computers and that he'd never celebrated his birthday?

by Andrea Francese

‘The Big Bang Theory’: The Pilot Episode Almost Opened With a Much Different Conversation

'The Big Bang Theory' won over fans with its largely wholesome nature and its group of geeky but well-meaning scientists. The show didn't always look like that, though. Showrunner Chuck Lorre had a vision for a much grittier series. A crass pilot scene proves that Lorre's idea was a lot different from what made it to air.

by Andrea Francese

‘The Big Bang Theory’: 3 Side Characters That Fans Wanted To See More From

'The Big Bang Theory's main characters absolutely stole the show, but the side characters were just as importnat. While some stayed for several seasons, others left the show far too soon. Fans would have liked to see more from Leslie Winkle, Janine Davis and the Koothrappalis.

by Andrea Francese

Mayim Bialik Defends Jim Parsons, Says ‘a Lot of Factors’ Influenced the Decision to End ‘The Big Bang Theory’

In the years since 'The Big Bang Theory' ended, Jim Parsons has taken a lot of flack for choosing to walk away. Parsons' desire to explore new projects is considered the catalyst for the show's cancelation. Mayim Bialik insists that that isn't the case. At the very least, she wants the public to know that Parsons isn't the only reason the show ended.

by Andrea Francese

Chuck Lorre Credits ‘Two and a Half Men’ for the Existence of ‘The Big Bang Theory’

Whether you call it comedic genius, business knowhow, or sheer luck, Chuck Lorre's career is storied. He's created more than a handful of truly successful shows. It seems that everything Lorre touches turns to gold. Still, the famed show creator insists none of it would have come to be if it weren't for 'Two and a Half Men'

by Andrea Francese

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Cast: What Are They Doing Now?

For ten years, The Big Bang Theory was one of the most-watched TV shows ever aired.

by Produced by Digital Editors

Celebrity / TV

Is ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Star Jim Parsons Smart Like Sheldon?

When it comes to intellect, how does actor Jim Parsons compare to his on-screen character Sheldon from 'The Big Bang Theory'?

by Christina Nunn

Why Was ‘The Big Bang Theory” Canceled?

Some sitcoms come and go without making much of a splash, but others become a huge cultural touchstone, and it seems like The Big Bang Theory is in the latter category.

by Produced by Digital Editors

3 Giant ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Plot Holes Created by ‘Young Sheldon’

'Young Sheldon' has been busy telling Sheldon Cooper's origin story. While fans adore the series, and the Cooper family's dynamic, there is one big problem with the show. 'Young Sheldon' has created several major plot holes for 'The Big Bang Theory' fans. Have you spotted them?

by Andrea Francese