Updated: 10/10/2025 22:01:10
The Big Bang Theory (TV Show)
The Big Bang Theory is an American sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady that aired on CBS from September 24, 2007 to May 16, 2019. Set in Pasadena, California, it follows a group of scientists and their friends as they navigate careers, social life and relationships. The series ran 12 seasons, became one of television's highest-rated comedies, produced long-running syndication deals, generated the prequel spin-off Young Sheldon, and left a notable cultural footprint.
Awards & Reception
Garnered multiple award nominations and wins across acting and industry categories. The series achieved strong audience reception, commercial success, and cultural impact despite mixed critical responses at different points. [1]
Cast & Notable Guest Stars
Principal cast members include Jim Parsons (Sheldon), Johnny Galecki (Leonard), Kaley Cuoco (Penny), Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. The show also featured recurring and high-profile guest stars who influenced plotlines and public attention. [2]
Episodes & Seasons
Twelve seasons totaling a multi-hundred-episode run. Episode titles commonly start with 'The' followed by a scientific or descriptive term; the series developed serial character arcs and season milestones across its run. [3]
Main Characters & Core Ensemble
The principal ensemble includes Leonard Hofstadter, Sheldon Cooper, Penny, Howard Wolowitz, Raj Koothrappali, Amy Farrah Fowler, Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz, and Stuart Bloom—each with defining personalities and long-running relationship and career arcs. [4]
Opening Theme & Music
The theme song, performed by Barenaked Ladies, summarizes the history of the universe in brief lyrical form. The theme became closely associated with the series and received attention separate from episodes. [5]
Overview & Premise
A multi-camera sitcom centered on a group of socially awkward scientists and their friends in Pasadena. Themes include geek culture, scientific careers, friendship dynamics and romantic development across the ensemble. [6]
Production Costs & Cast Salaries
Production costs rose with the show's success; principal cast negotiated significant salary increases and contract renewals that influenced budgeting and production decisions in later seasons. [7]
Production History & Development
Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, the show underwent pilot retooling before debut. Produced by Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions, filmed on Stage 25, and used writers and scientific consultants to ground science references. [8]
Ratings, Syndication & International Broadcast
Grew into one of broadcast television's top-rated comedies in the U.S., securing major syndication deals (including cable and international markets) and becoming a staple in global rerun schedules. [9]
Spin-offs, Franchise & Related Media
The series expanded into a franchise, most notably with the prequel Young Sheldon. The show also generated home media releases (DVD/Blu-ray) and ongoing licensing and franchise opportunities. [10]
References:
Additional Sources:
11. Awards and Nominations (Fandom) [https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/The_Big_Bang_Theory#Awards_and_nominations]
12. Episode List (Fandom) [https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_The_Big_Bang_Theory_episodes]
13. List of Characters (Fandom) [https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_The_Big_Bang_Theory_characters]
14. Main Characters (Fandom Category) [https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Main_Characters]
15. Production Costs (Fandom) [https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/The_Big_Bang_Theory#Production_costs]
16. Production History (Fandom) [https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/The_Big_Bang_Theory#Production_history]
17. Syndication (Fandom) [https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/The_Big_Bang_Theory#Syndication]
18. The Big Bang Theory (Fandom Main Page) [https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/The_Big_Bang_Theory]
19. Theme Song (Fandom) [https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/Big_Bang_Theory_Theme]
20. Young Sheldon (Fandom) [https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/Young_Sheldon]