The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory
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The Big Bang Theory

"Smart is the new sexy."

7.9
Yr 2007
Rt 22m
Status Ended
Comedy
Your Verdict
Unrated

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Series Brief

Overview

Physicists Leonard and Sheldon find their nerd-centric social circle with pals Howard and Raj expanding when aspiring actress Penny moves in next door.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 65 /100

Critical reception for The Big Bang Theory is polarized, balancing its status as a massive cultural hit against persistent criticisms of its writing style. Proponents often highlight the show's humor and its ability to turn geek culture into mainstream entertainment, with some early reviews praising its ability to evoke genuine laughter.

Conversely, detractors frequently point to the series' reliance on lowbrow humor, including sexual innuendo, crass language, and the use of tired stereotypes regarding gender and personality types. While the show is noted for its range of intellectual characters, critics often argue that these traits are overshadowed by a sitcom format that relies on problematic tropes, leading to a mixed legacy of both charm and controversy.

“The series is still predicated on low humor—sex, swearing, bodily functions and sometimes squalid stereotyping.”

“The pilot episode of this sitcom actually made me laugh quite a bit.”

“The series finale of 'The Big Bang Theory' was everything the show did well, and a bit of what it did poorly, wrapped into one hourlong package.”

“Common Sense Media warns that the show is fun but contains a fair amount of sexual innuendo and relies heavily on geeky and stereotypical tropes.”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

HBO Max
US • UK
HBO Max Amazon Channel
US • UK
YouTube TV
US
Show 4 more
TBS
US
Crave
CA
Crave Amazon Channel
CA
Discovery+
UK
Why fans love it

Since its 2007 premiere, this comedy found its groove by bringing full-on geek culture into a traditional sitcom setup. The series follows a group of physicist friends whose highly structured, nerd-centric lives are upended when an aspiring actress moves into the apartment next door. It treats science careers and fan passions not as quick background gags, but as the foundation of the characters' daily existence.

Much of the appeal stems from the ongoing friction between these socially awkward scientists and their new neighbor. The show balances rapid-fire banter about physics with simple relational humor, anchored by central performances like Jim Parsons' portrayal of an exceptionally difficult genius. As the central group expands over time to include new friends, the comedy remains grounded in the tight-knit bonds of its main ensemble.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 7
Longest run 279 eps
Johnny Galecki
Johnny Galecki
as Leonard Hofstadter
279 episodes
Jim Parsons
Jim Parsons
as Sheldon Cooper
279 episodes
Kaley Cuoco
Kaley Cuoco
as Penny
279 episodes
Simon Helberg
Simon Helberg
as Howard Wolowitz
279 episodes
Kunal Nayyar
Kunal Nayyar
as Rajesh Koothrappali
279 episodes
Melissa Rauch
Melissa Rauch
as Bernadette Rostenkowski
221 episodes
Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik
as Amy Farrah Fowler
217 episodes
Kevin Sussman
Kevin Sussman
as Stuart Bloom
84 episodes
Show 67 more
Laura Spencer as Emily Sweeney 17 episodes Aarti Mann as Priya Koothrappali 12 episodes Kate Micucci as Lucy 8 episodes Laurie Metcalf as Mary Cooper 14 episodes Sara Gilbert as Leslie Winkle 9 episodes John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke 25 episodes Brian George as V.M. Koothrappali 16 episodes Brian Patrick Wade as Kurt 3 episodes Erin Allin O'Reilly as Cheryl 2 episodes James Hong as Chen 2 episodes Stephen Root as Dan 2 episodes LeVar Burton as LeVar Burton 3 episodes Dakin Matthews as Santa Claus 2 episodes Jim Meskimen as Minister 2 episodes Elena Campbell-Martinez as Maria 2 episodes Alex Ball as Waiter 2 episodes Alessandra Torresani as Claire 5 episodes Annie O'Donnell as Mrs. Fowler 2 episodes Judd Hirsch as Alfred Hofstadter 2 episodes Molly Morgan as Hostess 2 episodes Vernee Watson as Althea 5 episodes Dean Norris as Richard Williams 6 episodes Katie Leclerc as Emily 2 episodes Riki Lindhome as Ramona Nowitzki 3 episodes Carol Ann Susi as Debbie Wolowitz (voice) 40 episodes Casey Sander as Mike Rostenkowski 6 episodes Margo Harshman as Alex Jensen 4 episodes Kimberly Brooks as Computer (voice) 3 episodes Mark Harelik as Eric Gablehauser 5 episodes Michael J. Massimino as Michael J. Massimino 6 episodes Swati Kapila as Ruchi 3 episodes Stephen Merchant as Dave Gibbs 3 episodes Marcus Folmar as Security Guard 3 episodes Sara Rue as Stephanie Barnett 3 episodes Ira Flatow as Ira Flatow 3 episodes Ed Lieberman as Announcer (voice) 5 episodes Katee Sackhoff as Katee Sackhoff 2 episodes David Trice as Waiter 2 episodes Josh Brener as Dale 2 episodes Robert Clotworthy as Dave Roeger (voice) 4 episodes Kevin Brief as Glen 2 episodes Lance Barber as Jimmy Speckerman 2 episodes Lio Tipton as Vanessa Bennett 2 episodes Bill Nye as Bill Nye 2 episodes Neil deGrasse Tyson as Neil deGrasse Tyson 2 episodes Ian Scott Rudolph as Captain Sweatpants 3 episodes Courtney Henggeler as Missy Cooper 2 episodes Jerry O'Connell as Georgie Cooper 3 episodes Kathy Bates as Mrs. Fowler 3 episodes Teller as Larry Fowler 3 episodes Keith Carradine as Wyatt Teller 5 episodes Wil Wheaton as Wil Wheaton 17 episodes Chasty Ballesteros as Karen 2 episodes Regina King as Janine Davis 6 episodes Pamela Adlon as Halley Wolowitz (voice) 10 episodes David Theune as Dr. Graybel 2 episodes Kal Penn as Kevin Campbell 3 episodes Sean Astin as Greg Pemberton 3 episodes Lauren Lapkus as Denise 8 episodes Joshua Malina as President Siebert 13 episodes Bob Newhart as Arthur Jeffries 6 episodes Pasha D. Lychnikoff as Dimitri 5 episodes Brian Thomas Smith as Zack Johnson 11 episodes Rati Gupta as Anu 9 episodes Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler 15 episodes Stephen Hawking as Stephen Hawking 7 episodes Christine Baranski as Beverly Hofstadter 16 episodes
Production Board

Crew

Production Design
John Shaffner
Director
Anthony Rich Bob Koherr James Burrows Peter Chakos Andrew D. Weyman
Costume Design
Mary T. Quigley
Creator
Chuck Lorre Bill Prady
Assistant Director
Gay Linvill Ryan Berdan
Camera Operator
Richard Price John DeChene
Script Supervisor
Marilyn A. Bagley Julie Fleischer Marilyn Bagley
Key Makeup Artist
Linda Cowan
Property Master
Lee Lee Baird Scott L. London
Prosthetic Makeup Artist
Clinton Wayne
Costume Supervisor
Sara Markowitz
Key Hair Stylist
Sylvia Surdu
Hairstylist
Faye Woods
Graphic Designer
Hugo Maldonado
Transportation Coordinator
Brian Steagall
First Assistant Director
Chris Klausen
Makeup Artist
Vikki McCarter Beth O'Rourke
Second Assistant Director
Joseph Stafford T. Ryan Brennan
Signal Match

Similarity

Where The Big Bang Theory overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

geek nerd friends scientist sitcom
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
September 24, 2007
Status
Ended
Episode Runtime
22 minutes
Origin
US
TMDB Votes
12,795