As part of our "jobs" here at TV.com, we're assigned a list of shows that we keep tabs on and watch regularly. One of the shows that fell onto my plate was CBS' The Big Bang Theory; I don't think I requested it (though I may have, during a rare and fleeting moment of altruism, to make everyone's lives easier). Either way, I considered it a low-priority program (despite its good ratings) and opted to focus more on fan-friendly stuff like FlashForward and True Blood.
But as I was watching last night's episode of The BBT, "The Cornhusker Vortex," an unusual thought crept into my brain: "This episode isn't as good as the rest of this season's episodes." What followed was disappointment, as I hoped—nay, yearned—for something better. Something as good as Raj needing a job to avoid deportation in "The Pirate Solution," Sheldon's card battle with Wil Wheaton in "The Creepy Candy Coating Corollary," or the highlight of the season so far: Sheldon's brilliant positive reinforcement experiment with Penny in "The Gothowitz Deviation." I was pissed off! My inner monologue went something like this: "This isn't what I've come to expect from The Big Bang Theory. The last few episodes were pretty good. I mean, I know I didn't have high expectations for it or even want to cover this show, but..."
And then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was thinking like a fan of The Big Bang Theory. Oh my God, I am a fan of The Big Bang Theory. What the? When did this happen!?!
Let me explain. Traditional sitcoms do nothing for me. Cheesy laugh tracks grate me like limburger and stink of desperation like... well, also limburger. Simple storylines and rapid-fire, semi-funny jokes don't compound into one big joke for me. The awkward pauses that occur while we wait for a phantom audience guffaw are painful to sit through. What's more, the BBT is unapologetically CBS; it isn't sexy, it isn't that innovative, and it doesn't follow you to work the next day.
Instead, I prefer the daring (Mr. Show), the intelligent (Arrested Development), and the insane (The Mighty Boosh). So how did I take a fancy to The Big Bang Theory?
It's simple: Jim Parsons. I don't mean to take away from the rest of the cast, but is there any other sitcom out there that relies so heavily on the performance of a single individual?
Yes, this is old news, but seriously, have you watched Parsons play the awesomely socially inept yet total genius Sheldon? Pretty much everything that comes out of his mouth is funny, and Parsons brings perfect obliviousness to the role.
But while Parsons is the easy answer to why BBT works, there are several other factors that make it more than The Sheldon Show. First, Raj and Howard are excellent supporting characters who almost provide a sitcom-within-a-sitcom situation. Second, the show's nerdy humor works both for nerds and for the general public; there's no need to have seen every episode of Star Trek (but it helps). And finally, the relationship between Penny and Leonard—something fans feared would ruin the show—has been completely innocuous and almost... natural. Kudos to the writers for avoiding what could have killed the whole darned thing.
I don't race to the TV to watch The Big Bang Theory like I do with, say, Modern Family. But if my job told me I didn't need to keep watching the show, I'd act all cool and say, "No problem," then put on my oversized sunglasses and run off while smiling a cool-guy grin.
But when no one was looking, I'd watch it anyway (don't tell!).
Comments (38)
I fully understand your transformation from being a big bang hater to a big bang lover. The first few episodes I watched left me irritated by Sheldon's complete oblivion to social conventions and norms, but the more I watched the show I found everything he said to be hilarious. I especially have enjoyed the development and failure of Penny and Leonard's relationship. If I have one criticism, it's that Penny's character often seems like she suffers chronic PMS because she is so short with the guys. She is still adorable during her encounters with new characters etc which makes it easy to handle her other side. I hope this show continues for at least 5 more seasons!
Whats to be embarrassed about?! This show is brilliant and geeks and jocks can like this show alike. Although Sheldon is my favourite character, Howard and his mother is by far the funniest people in the show.: "Its your friend Leonard, he wants to know why you're not in school today!""I don't go to school, MA, I work at a university!""That's a school now pick up the phone!""I don't wanna talk to anybody!""Should I ask Leonard to bring over your homework?!""I don't have homework, Im a grown man with a master's degree in engineering!""Excuse me Mr. Fancy Pants, Want me to get you a popsicle!""cherry, PLEASE!!"
Seriously what's to "confess" to? It's smartly written and wonderfully acted by all. Stop writing contrary articles just to rile people up and 'make a name' for yourself. This is TV.com, not the New York Times.
What's with the "it's not cool to watch this show" tone? TBBT is very very funny. One of the only comedy shows that is actually funny.
TBBT is my favorite show on TV. I know people like those characters. In my way, I am like those characters. This show is truer to life for a certain fan segment of the population than most sitcoms are to the kinds of people they show us. I don't apologize for my love for TBBT. I'm a total geek for it and will tell anyone so.
BBT is one of the best sitcoms to come out in recent years. Parsons is by far and away the draw (and should win an emmy for the way he brings Sheldon to life). When I first saw promos for it, I thought it would outright suck, but I caught a few episodes, and was immediately drawn into the show. From the writing, to the casting, the acting and the chemistry the cast has it's definitely a winner. I just really hope they can keep it rolling. My only beef with the show was the sudden disappearance of "Doctor Stephanie"...How can a character be introduced, and in several episodes, then just be gone with no explanation? I'd also like to see more of Cripkey...
i'm not a big fan but if it's on i'll watch it and maybe smile at some off the jokes
As a rule I don't watch many situation comedies these days. I yearn for the 70's and 80's when comedy wasn't full of sexual innuendo and filth. When cartoons weren't a disguise for the afore mentioned. I tried TBBT b/c so many of my TV.com friends raved avout it. i was completely hooked after the first half hour. I'm in agreement that Jim Parsons is a comedic genius. The rest of the cast are great as well, but it's Sheldon that keeps me tuning in every week.
I like the show. The nerds are the best part for me, I find them hilarious.
Confession: Who doesnt like The Big Bang Theory
the only thing I don't like about the show is Leonard Hofstadter's voice. It makes me want to not watch it at all.
i don like...peeny leonard relationship.... :(n hope next episodes will be much fun>>>
The same thing happened to me! Well, not exactly--I'm not a writer for tv.com, but I didn't think it would be funny (mainly because sitcoms usually suck, and even more so on CBS), but I watched it once online because I was bored and bam! I'm actually laughing! Sheldon is the best part, but Rai and Howard do create a sitcom-within-a-sitcom. Don't worry--I won't tell it you won't tell!
That's funny. My family watched the show cause we were bored and it came on after Two and a Half Men. We got addicted without really realizing it. Sheldon is definitely the main attraction.
Heh-heh, that's funny, Tim because my family and I were talking the other night as we watched the new episode that Jim Parsons as Sheldon really does make the show.And don't worry, we won't tell (well, at least I won't). :)
I have loved this show since day one... But my girlfriend on the other hand has hated it during that same time... But I have noticed that the last few weeks she hasnt complained like she used to when the show was on... And I actually noticed last night that she laughed at one of Sheldon's Comments... So when I asked her last night if she liked the show now... This show is like mold... Give it time and it will grow on you.
I totally agree. If you read my review of the first episode of this show, I thought it was terrible with some promise. But I kept watching, and now I really enjoy it. Go figure.
Tim, from all the shows that you pointed that you like to see ... i dont see any of them. Yet i am a big fan of the BBT. Maybe that's it's 'magic', maybe it has the capability to transcend all of the shows genre out there.
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Love the show as well. It's just plain genius
The best sitcom out there right now.
The BBT is one of the best shows going now. Really funny
Funny,funny show.
Just like The Big Bang Theory totally relies on Sheldon, How I Met Your Mother relies on Barney. I really hope Robin and Barney break up soon so that we get our awesome Barney back.
There is more to the show than the premise, sheldon can actually percieve others emotions and leonard has become more confident through the relationship with penny. Also the fact that characters like Raj and Wolowitz dont change all that much is one of the perks of the show. The characters stay true to themselves. Also any changes that would be made would be slow coming because a person can't change over night and neither can a sitcom character.
Another one admits taken by the spell of Sheldon. Like Madelynn1984 I'm also more of a proud fan, rather than a secret one. Jim Parsons is amazing, the allusions make the show and the way the characters rub off on each other is so rewarding for those familiar with the show. *knock, knock, knock Penny* *knock, knock, knock Sheldon* still makes me laugh.
I'm not a secret fan, I'm a proud fan. This show is better than Modern Family by far. (I'm a closet nerd, and I can understand how people who aren't up on science (and Star Trek) wouldn't be as into the show.) Still, it's one of my favorite comedies on tv, along with 30 Rock. They're both for smart people. Also, I agree with everyone who is impressed that the writers handled the whole Leonard/Penny thing so well.
Ever since Sheldon and Leonard's first walk down the hall I have been into this show. I don't like awkward situation sitcoms, stupid people sitcoms, look how crazy the US are sitcoms or this is our family sitcoms - for me it's always about verbal comedy: repartees, references, punning. This show simply does it for me, and keeps doing it in this season. The last episode didn't focus on Sheldon so much, and maybe that's why you were disappointed. Personally, I think it was a good episode and I am glad the writers keep shifting the focus - that's what kept the show from jumping the shark when Leonard and Penny became an item. The staff of HIMYM should take some lessons.
It seems like this season, all shows have been a disappointment compared to last season. Two and a half men, BBT, Dexter, New Adventures of Old Christine, The Office (the wedding episode was good) etc. Kudos to the writers of Big Bang Theory to put Penny and Leonard together instead of playing out years of will they or won't they? It does seem to have made the show lose some comedic steam though. Hopefully the writers will change some of the shows direction and shake things up a bit. I would have liked to see Sheldon stay away from the group longer than one episode. Have they fired half the writing staff on all these shows? The only show that is better than last season is Curb Your Enthusiasm, but Larry David is the creator and writer so it's no surprise this season is absolutely...pretty good!moreless
Since Friends i don't watch Comedy's but when this came on i really enjoyed it. My whole family enjoys watching every week. This is a great show with some great writers.
this show has never caught my eye, ill say its probably because of the lame looking cast....it shouldnt be about looks, but so far I havent given the show a chance.
What a job! Forced to watch television.
The Big Bang Theory is definitely must see TV for me. I'm a nerd and I love the nerd humor and they all definitely remind me of people I now. Shows like modern family or the office just don't interest me.
You, dear secret ninja BBT fan, just describe why I even watch the show. Going in I thought I was going to hate it. Being a nerd, myself, I feared that it was going to be one of two things: a show making fun of nerds OR a show that all about nerdy humor. "Roflecopter. You win the internet." And all that jazz. I was surprised to find a very charming show. Sure, the jokes are down right hilarious if you get the references...But even if you don't know them, you'll laugh. My little sister, who knows nothing about Star Trek but who Odo is, can laugh at a reference. She really begins to giggle when anything Batman related comes up. (My sweet little girl, I tainted you with my fanatic ways! Heh.) But yes! You don't need to know the source directly. That's so great about it. It really is a show meant for everyone.
I got to say, though, I think Sheldon is everyone's favorite character. He's just great. Love the others, but nobody makes my snicker or smile as much as him.moreless
I think it is a fun show and being into science it is funny to see all the jokes about science while still being funny. The cast is great and Jim so should be an emmy contender again next year.
The Big Bang Theory is so awsome...
XO XO
:):):):)
The Big Bang Theory is somewhat better than Modern Family which isn't that good to begin with.
I decided, mostly becasue of some funny Sheldon one-liner promos, to give this show a chance this year. I had never watched this before and after three episodes this season I doubt I will ever again. It is a one joke show, "hey look at the nerd doing & saying funny nerd things". I think Parson's performance is excellent but it just not enough to carry a show. In three episodes I felt like I had seen everything there was to see with these characters. It leaves me wondering if the show has moved forward at all, I mean were these characters more pathetic in previous seasons? Cause they seem pretty pathetic now. Sheldon is a snooty nerd, Raj can't speak to women and so on. Sorry but it is just not funny past the premise.
Thank the big TV execs in the sky for Modern Family!!!!moreless