THE BIG BANG THEORY

A fun look at the sitcom megahit.

The Big Bang Theory had an impressive run: 279 episodes over 12 “mostly joyful but always laugh-filled years,” as co-creator Chuck Lorre puts it in his brief foreword. Radloff, the West Coast Editor for Glamour, digs into the series with in-depth interviews with the cast, directors, writers, technicians, and many of the guests. The behind-the-scenes approach is never particularly critical, but the author still offers crucial insights. The concept of the series—four smart but socially inept guys meet one ditzy wannabe actress—did not fit the Hollywood formula. However, because the creators, Lorre and Bill Prady, had launched numerous successful TV shows, CBS allowed them room to experiment. When the series finally aired, the viewer numbers were average, but there was a steady increase. More importantly, the show built a strong group of loyalists. Though it was an ensemble show, Sheldon (played by Jim Parsons), brilliant and neurotic, emerged as the protagonist. Radloff acknowledges that much of the action was driven by the Leonard-Penny relationship (Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco), but she believes that it was the connection between Sheldon and Penny that provided the emotional heart, at least during the early seasons. The writing staff and directing crew changed over time, which kept the ideas fresh. By the fifth season, the series had become enormously popular, and the risky introduction of new characters worked out well. Radloff ties the success of the series to its willingness to challenge the boundaries of the sitcom form, but the quality could not have been maintained without talented writing and direction as well as actors willing to commit to their roles. There was a sense that it ended at an appropriate time, leaving on a high note. As a bonus, the author reveals Penny’s maiden name.

Entertaining in its own right, this book examines the how and why behind the success of a landmark series.