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Long before she came to be known as Penny on The Big Bang Theory, Kaley Cuoco made her feature film debut alongside Denzel Washington in the 1995 sci-fi action film, Virtuosity. Directed by Brett Leonard, the film follows a former police officer who is tasked with taking down a virtual reality simulation created using the personalities of several serial killers.

The movie, though not one of the best works of Washington, received mixed to negative reviews at the time of its release, with many critics arguing that the film failed to live up to its promising premise. However, the film has still found its audience in the following years, receiving appreciation for its unique story and the cast’s performance.

Kaley Cuoco made her film debut alongside Denzel Washington in Virtuosity

With her roles in shows like The Big Bang Theory and The Flight Attendant, Kaley Cuoco has become one of...

With Sicario, Taylor Sheridan kicked off a literal storytelling empire. With Yellowstone, he redefined the modern Western. Then he kept going from the chaos of Mayor of Kingstown to the espionage edge of Special Ops: Lioness. Sheridan’s shows just hit different – be it cowboys or covert ops, his signature’s all over it, with good dialogue, moral gray zones, and damn good drama.

Now, with his universe spanning timelines, towns, and tough-as-nails leads, we’re ranking every Taylor Sheridan series by their Rotten Tomatoes scores. Because when your TV catalog runs this deep, someone’s got to lay it out straight.

‘1923’ (2022 – 2025)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

1923, folks, didn’t just ride in as another Yellowstone prequel; it carved out its own legacy. Premiering in December 2022 on Paramount+, the series followed a new gen of Duttons fighting for survival during the brutal early 20th century. With Prohibition, drought, and looming Depression-era chaos at their doorstep,...

Moving on from her sitcom sweetheart era, Kaley Cuoco is ready to saddle up for a western, and what could be a better option to start than Taylor Sheridan’s new Yellowstone spinoff, The Madison. Best known for her role as Penny in The Big Bang Theory, Cuoco has transitioned to more dramatic roles in shows like The Flight Attendant and Based on a True Story.

And the Emmy-nominated actress is now eager to explore a whole new genre, western. Cuoco has expressed her enthusiasm for stepping into a Western film in an interview with The Associated Press, saying,

Oh my gosh, you know… a Western. And they should put me in one because I ride horses. Okay, I’m a country girl at heart. I think an old-school Western would be kind of really up my alley and would be so fun. I’m so comfortable in that genre...

Exclusive: On the heels of Hacks‘ Season 5 renewal by Max, the Emmy-winning comedy series’ co-creators, executive producers and co-showrunners Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs have signed a new overall deal with Warner Bros. Television and the Warner Bros. Discovery streamer, which is set to revert to its previous name HBO Max later this summer.

Under the exclusive new multiyear pact, Aniello and Downs will develop and produce new television projects through their Paulilu Productions.

The new agreement begins in August 2025. It will succeed Aniello and Downs’ previous overall deal with Warner Bros. TV Group signed in August 2021, following Hacks‘ May 2021 series premiere, June 2021 Series 2 renewal and July 2021 Emmy breakthrough with 15 nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series.

The Universal TV-produced Hacks, on which Aniello and Downs are co-creators and co-showrunners alongside Jen Statsky, has garnered 48 Emmy nominations for its first three seasons. The 9 wins to date include Outstanding Comedy Series last year,...

Even by sitcom standards, "The Big Bang Theory" has plenty of colorful characters. However, the show tends to keeps a tight focus on the original core group of Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Penny (Kaley Cuoco), Howard (Simon Helberg), and Raj (Kunal Nayyar), which means that several supporting characters don't get the attention they deserve. Some rise above the fray: Mayim Bialik's Amy and Melissa Rauch's Bernadette were both promoted to main character status in season 4 and remained as such until the end of the show. Several other characters have also enjoyed briefer stints as part of the main cast before either exiting the show completely or quietly falling back out of focus. 

An abundance of these peripheral figures has left the show with an overwhelming surplus of fascinating characters who just don't get the sort of focus they could no doubt handle, either because they don't...

Six years after The Big Bang Theory came to an end, its creator, Chuck Lorre, has revealed why there is no Penny spinoff in a candid confession. Since its premiere back in 2006, Tbbt has become one of the best and most popular TV series of its time.

After enjoying a 12-season run on CBS, the show continues to live on in its fans’ hearts, especially with its extended spinoff, including Young Sheldon, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, and the upcoming Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. However, it still raised questions about the other popular characters, who much likely deserved a show of their own, one of them being Penny, portrayed by Kaley Cuoco.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lorre reflected on how he came to learn the value of comedy spinoffs, suggesting why there is no Penny spinoff despite the popularity of the character in the sitcom.

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If there's one thing fans know about "The Big Bang Theory," it's that within the show's universe, the elevator in the gang's apartment building is broken. Let me clarify: even though only Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), Penny (Kaley Cuoco), and Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) — and eventually Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) — are the only main characters who live in this specific building for long periods of time throughout the series, their friends Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), and Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz (Melissa Rauch) hang out there all the time. What that means, practically, is that every time the whole gang heads over to Sheldon and Leonard's (later Leonard and Penny's) apartment, they have to climb several flights of stairs to get there. The elevator ends up getting a full repair at the very end of the series...

Hollywood actress Mayim Bialik is alone among The Big Bang Theory alumni, who has yet to join the DC Universe, unlike Kaley Cuoco and Melissa Rauch. Both actresses, who starred alongside Bialik in the CBS sitcom, have donned Harley Quinn’s signature voice role in major DC projects.

Best known for her role in the ’90s sitcom, Blossom, Bialik regained prominence in the industry again with her role as Amy Farrah Fowler in The Big Bang Theory. She earned four Emmy nominations for her performance in the sitcom. However, despite her multifaceted career, a role in the DC Universe remains conspicuously absent.

Kaley Cuoco and Melissa Rauch Both Voiced Harley Quinn in Major DC Projects

Known for starring in The Big Bang Theory, Kaley Cuoco and Melissa Rauch both share one common role in their resumes, one of the most beloved DC characters, Harley Quinn.

Cuoco, who played the charming...

These days, Kaley Cuoco is primarily known for playing Penny on "The Big Bang Theory." However, viewers who watched sitcoms in the early 2000s probably discovered her through ABC's "8 Simple Rules," in which she portrayed Bridget Hennessy, a ditzy high school student who is obsessed with boys, fashion, and popularity. Also starring John Ritter, Katey Sagal, Amy Davidson, Martin Spanjers, James Garner, and David Spade, the series ran for three seasons before its network lost faith in it -- but what led to the show's cancellation?

As is the case with most great TV shows that get canceled way too soon, "8 Simple Rules" was the victim of dwindling ratings. Season 1 averaged close to 11 million viewers per episode, while the second installment fell to 9.98 million. That isn't a massive drop off, mind you, but the third chapter proved to be the sitcom's death knell, with the show attracting around...

While Jim Parsons always shines in his on-screen performances and roles, the actor has had a creative partner and close confidant in his life, Todd Spiewak. The couple has been together for over two decades, and their love story is grounded in authenticity, longevity, and mutual respect.

Similar to his acclaimed and famous actor husband, Todd Spiewak has also had a celebrated career in the industry. But Spiewak is known to be a relatively private person. For fans who continue to be surprised by the genuinely heartwarming personal side of Parsons’ life, here is everything you need to know about his husband and Hollywood producer, Todd Spiewak.

Who is Jim Parsons’ husband, Todd Spiewak?

Jim Parsons came out initially in a 2012 interview with The New York Times. However, he has shared that it was not a secret for the people close to him. He even had a partner long before he came out publicly,...

Kaley Cuoco portrayed the role of the charming and lively Penny, the next-door neighbour of Leonard and Sheldon, whose entry in their lives leads to a series of unexpected changes. The series follows their evolving dynamics, where Penny eventually falls in love with and marries Leonard, who was also captivated the very moment he saw her.

However, long before the whole scenario unfolded in the sitcom, Cuoco had made a prediction that not just highlighted her understanding of her character but also her long-term vision for Penny’s arc, especially with Leonard.

Kaley Cuoco saw Penny and Leonard’s ending coming seasons in advance

The chemistry between Penny and Leonard was one of the driving forces of The Big Bang Theory from the very beginning. And it does play out in the show as the two get together eventually.

Penny and Leonard in The Big Bang Theory | Credit: CBS

And...

Even after six years of its conclusion, The Big Bang Theory still remains one of television’s most successful sitcoms. Famous for its quirky scientists, geek culture references, and a cast that quickly captivated millions, the show is still loved by many. But beyond all the laughter and science jokes, the sitcom has also made subtle strides in representing the real world of science.

That’s right – in an interview, the co-creator revealed the real reason why actor Kunal Nayyar was cast in Big Bang. Let’s dive deeper to know how Nayyar’s Raj Koothrappali brought more authenticity to the show.

Kunal Nayyar was cast to reflect real diversity in science, says Tbbt creator

When The Big Bang Theory was in its early stages of development, the creators wanted the sitcom to reflect the real world, especially the world of science. While they hired real-life experts to ensure that...

"The Big Bang Theory" aired for 12 successful seasons and ended on its own terms, allowing Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), Penny (Kaley Cuoco), Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik), and Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz (Melissa Rauch) to bow out on a happy note. The show also spawned the spin-offs "Young Sheldon," "Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage," and the upcoming "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe," so viewers can look forward to the franchise continuing for years to come. However, the original series is still as popular as ever, and some folks would love to see it return down the line -- but what are the chances of that actually happening?

In an interview with the New York Post, Nayyar revealed that he's open to playing Raj again someday. At the same time, he believes that the "Big Bang Theory" should be given...

Penny is a character from The Big Bang Theory who fans have long believed to be one of the most poorly treated on the sitcom, whether it’s being reduced to the ‘dumb blonde’ trope or receiving minimal character development in the early seasons. However, one episode takes this treatment to a whole new level: The Barbarian Sublimation.

The episode makes a drastic and uncharacteristic shift in Penny’s behavior, from being a fun-loving, outgoing woman into a disheveled, video game–obsessed recluse, overnight. And even 17 years after its release, the episode remains one of the least favorite among The Big Bang Theory fans, who continue to criticize its portrayal of her character.

The Big Bang Theory episode that betrayed Penny’s character arc

Seventeen years may have gone by, but The Barbarian Sublimation still lingers as a sore spot in The Big Bang Theory’s legacy, especially for fans of Penny,...

The Big Bang Theory's Kunal Nayyar shares candid thoughts about the possibility of a revival. The third spinoff in the Big Bang Theory universe is slowly taking shape with the upcoming Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, which is planned for the HBO Max streaming service. Kevin Sussman will reprise his role as the titular Stuart Bloom, with the project also starring Lauren Lapkus and Brian Posehn, returning as Denise and Bert, respectively. But even after the individual success of Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, questions remain about whether the original series could return.

In an interview with the New York Post, Nayyar addresses the possibility of a TheBig Bang Theory revival. The actor touched on a number of his recent works, including his role in Criminal: UK. But when it comes to reprising the role of Raj Koothrappali, Nayyarfeels that a The Big Bang Theory revival...

Here are some cold hard facts: "The Big Bang Theory," the CBS sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, ran for 12 years, the same number of seasons, and an incredible 279 episodes. After it kicked off in 2007, the show almost floundered during its first season but was improbably saved, in a way, by the writers' strike that took place until 2008; after that, the series was an unquestionable and undeniable success. Stars Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch, and Mayim Bialik — who play Sheldon Cooper, Leonard Hofstadter, Penny, Howard Wolowitz, Raj Koothrappali, Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz, and Amy Farrah Fowler, respectively — were all skyrocketed to fame and acclaim, and Parsons even took home a handful of Emmys for his leading role. With all of this context in mind, it can be hard to winnow down the "best" episodes of "The Big Bang Theory," partly because of the sheer number and partly because,...

The Big Bang Theory is still a fan-favorite show after all these years!

The hit sitcom – starring Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik, and Melissa Rauch – first premiered on CBS back on September 24, 2007.

Throughout the course of the show, The Big Bang Theory won tons of awards, including seven Critics’ Choice Awards, 14 People’s Choice Awards, and 10 Emmy Awards.

After 12 seasons, The Big Bang Theory came to an end in 2019.

In April 2023, HBO Max revealed that they are developing a new Big Bang Theory spinoff series!

The cast of the hit show has gone on to achieve incredible things in their own careers, and have amassed an impressive amount of money.

We’ve gathered all of the main cast members of The Big Bang Theory, and ranked them from lowest to highest estimated net worth.

If you didn’t know, The Big Bang Theory...

Throughout 12 years and the same number of seasons, Kunal Nayyar played Raj Koothrappali on Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady's massively popular sitcom, "The Big Bang Theory". Raj is an important part of the main group — which otherwise includes Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), Leonard and Penny Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco), Howard Wolowitz and Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz (Simon Helberg and Melissa Rauch), and Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) — and it's hard to imagine the series without him. So, with that in mind, did Nayyar have any favorite moments or memories from his time as Raj?

In a retrospective posted by TBS (a channel known for frequently airing "The Big Bang Theory" in syndication) on Facebook on the day that the series finale, "The Stockholm Syndrome," aired on CBS, Nayyar opened up about episodes he particularly loved — and the moments that made them so special. From a major piece of his...

Veteran actor Mark Hamill has built a lengthy career that will make most contemporaries jealous. He rose to fame with his role as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, starting with the 1977 original movie directed by George Lucas. However, Hamill has also appeared in a number of stage plays.

While building his resume for a Broadway production, Hamill intentionally underplayed his Star Wars fame. However, Hamill recalled how his co-star and onscreen sister, Carrie Fisher, asked him to get over himself and embrace his fame. Here is what Hamill had to say about Fisher’s advice to him.

Mark Hamill reveals how Carrie Fisher made him embrace his Star Wars fame

Actor Mark Hamill made his film debut with 1977’s blockbuster space opera Star Wars, appearing as Luke Skywalker in the original trilogy, which launched his career. He later ventured into voice and stage acting, gaining acclaim for his versatility.

Johnny Galecki’s journey on the sitcom The Big Bang Theory almost came to an abrupt end after Season 4, when the actor faced a serious health scare. The actor, who played Leonard Hofstadter throughout the show’s 12-season run, earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance.

However, the actor has revealed that around the time he received his nomination, he was considering leaving the show due to a health scare, until showrunner Chuck Lorre stepped in.

Johnny Galecki almost left The Big Bang Theory after four seasons

In Jessica Radloff’s The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, Johnny Galecki recalled an unexpected health scare that made him reconsider his future on the sitcom.

“I was at my sister’s house in Chicago and kept getting teary out of my right eye,” he recalled in the book,...

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In the 17th episode of the debut season of "The Big Bang Theory," something huge happens: Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), the nerdy roommate and best friend of Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), is brave enough to ask out their neighbor Penny (Kaley Cuoco), arguably the girl of Leonard's dreams. According to Jessica Radloff's 2022 book "The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series," this moment was a long time coming, even though it was relatively early in the show ... and audiences responded very, very well.

After the show took a hiatus following just a handful of episode due to the 2007-08 writers' strike (but returned as an even bigger sensation than before), creator Chuck Lorre said that the audience showed their love for the series in a big way while they filmed the aforementioned episode,...

Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky are well-known to HBO fans as the creators and showrunners of Hacks. The acclaimed comedy stars Jean Smart as Deborah, an aging stand-up comic forced to partner with young writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder) to try to get back to the top. The series has been a huge hit with Smart winning just about every Leading Actress in a Comedy award there is for her role.

Season 4 ended a rollercoaster ride for fans, with Deborah and Ava fighting to free Deborah from her talk show contract so she could get back on the road. The finale aired just hours after HBO gave the show a fifth-season renewal.

Speaking to Deadline, the trio did share a lot of details on season 4’s finale and what may come in season 5. They also teased the idea of a spinoff about agent Jimmy (Downs) and his goofball assistant Kayla (Megan Stalter). However,...

Jim Parsons Walked Away From $50 Million and Ended The Big Bang Theory’s Run ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Can you believe it’s been six years since The Big Bang Theory signed off? Yep, back in 2019, Sheldon Cooper said his final “Bazinga,” and just like that, one of TV’s biggest comedies came to an end. Fans were floored, and the industry? Even more so. All because Jim Parsons decided it was time to walk away.

Back in 2018, Parsons shocked both fans and the industry by turning down a jaw-dropping deal. CBS and Warner Bros. TV were ready to hand him over $50 million for two more seasons. He was already pulling in almost $1 million per episode alongside co-stars Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, and Kunal Nayyar. But Parsons? He said nope.

He didn’t leave in a storm. There wasn’t some scandal brewing behind the scenes. Instead, as he told Entertainment Weekly,...

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The pilot of "The Big Bang Theory" — the massively successful CBS sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady — went through a few iterations before it reached its final form, but the point I'm making here is that once everything clicked into place, the show found its way. After stars Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki appeared in the original, unaired pilot alongside actor Amanda Walsh, Prady and Lorre got some rough feedback and changed quite a lot, recasting Kaley Cuoco as the new female lead, Penny, and retooling everything. This, to put it lightly, worked ... and according to a book about the series by Jessica Radloff titled "The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series," one moment in the final pilot set the tone for the entire series (sort of).

As the pilot opens, Sheldon Cooper...

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For twelve years and the same number of seasons, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady's CBS sitcom "The Big Bang Theory" absolutely dominated pop culture, letting "nerds" take over the cultural zeitgeist. According to Prady, who spoke to Variety shortly after the series ended its massively popular run in 2019, he based the story on his own experience, as many writers are wont to do.

"'Big Bang' began as the story of me in my early 20s, when I was in the computer business in New York and failing at romantic relationships," Prady said at the time. "It's the story of that time in my life and I knew I'd get one shot to tell those stories. I don't think I get to come back and re-explore that time again. For me, [the finale] winds up the chance I had to...

Spoiler Alert: The following story contains details from Hacks‘ Season 4 finale.

Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) goes to hell and back in the Season 4 finale of Hacks, which aired on HBO Max tonight.

After blowing up her late-night dreams, she finds herself under a network non-compete in Episode 10, “Heaven,” which states that she can’t perform as a comedian for 18 months. Ava (Hannah Einbinder) encourages her to make the most of her mandated time away from the spotlight, in the writing of a new act, but Deborah instead sets out to find a legal loophole that will allow her to skirt the agreement.

At loose ends for perhaps the first time in her life, Deborah pays a visit to former manager Marcus (Carl Clemons-Hopkins), trying to convince him to come back to work alongside her — though he’s now content to oversee a warehouse producing solar panel materials.

Marty (Christopher McDonald...

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The Better Sister is a crime thriller drama series created by Olivia Milch and Regina Corrado. Based on the 2019 novel of the same name by Alafair Burke, the Prime Video series follows Chloe and Nicky, two estranged sisters who reunite after Chloe’s husband is murdered and her son becomes the prime suspect. The Better Sister stars Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Banks, Corey Stoll, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Kim Dicken, and Bobby Naderi. So, if you loved the thrilling story, intense drama, and compelling characters in The Better Sister, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Bad Sisters (Apple TV+) Credit – Apple TV+

Bad Sisters is an Irish dark comedy mystery crime thriller drama series created by Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel, and Brett Baer. Based on the Belgian series titled Clan by Malin-Sarah Gozin, the Apple TV...

From serial killers to toxic relationships, these shows find the funny in the darkest places.

Comedy has always been my thing — but I like it even better with a dark twist. The messier and more morally complicated, the better. Some of my favorite shows of all time are on this list, and honestly, a few of these have helped define what TV has looked like over the last decade. They’re sharp, funny, uncomfortable in all the right ways… and totally bingeable. If you’re into shows that tackle secrets, dysfunction, and satire with a side of emotional chaos, these are the seven best dark comedy TV series streaming right now.

Top 7 dark comedy TV shows on streaming right now:

No. 7: ‘Based on a True Story’

No. 6: ‘Dead to Me’

No. 5: ‘Bad Sisters’

No. 4: ‘You’re the Worst’

No. 3: ‘Sirens’

No. 2: ‘Succession’

No. 1: ‘The White Lotus’

No.

Jim Parsons became the heart and soul of The Big Bang Theory with his compelling performance as Sheldon Cooper, so much so that the show had to be shut down once the actor decided to leave the role behind. His departure, which ultimately led to the show’s cancellation after 12 seasons, left many fans disappointed and even resentful.

However, while his exit may have been painful for fans, Parsons has continued to deliver powerful performances in television and film. The following three movies might just prove that leaving the sitcom was ultimately the right move.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Jim Parsons had already appeared in several notable films even before leaving The Big Bang Theory, including The Normal Heart, A Kid Like Jake, and Hidden Figures. In each of these films, Parsons made a strong impression, even in a supporting role.

Related: Jim Parsons’ 2015 Flick Mercilessly Dethroned Tim Burton...

A Look Into Henry Cavill’s Dating History & Current Relationship Status(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Henry Cavill, the popular British superstar known for portraying Superman in the DC Universe and the beloved Geralt of Rivia of the popular Netflix series The Witcher, has often been a fan theory goldmine when it comes to his personal life. Despite all the scuttlebutt, Cavill is not married as of now, but his romantic relationships and various other love affairs have often been the subject of speculation and conversation across the media.

Who Is Henry Cavill’s New Girlfriend?

According to People Magazine, Cavill has been in a relationship with Natalie Viscuso for some time now. Natalie is a television executive who serves as the Vice President of Television at Vertigo Entertainment. Only four years ago, in 2021, did the duo publicly announce their relationship through an Instagram post, in which the Hollywood star shared a photo of them playing chess.

With 12 seasons, over 270 episodes, and a loyal fanbase, The Big Bang Theory became one of the most successful sitcoms. But if you’re wondering whether it’s worth diving into, especially with so many episodes to choose from, you’re not alone. The show’s blend of geek culture, quirky friendships, and sharp comedy isn’t for everyone.

And to help with that indecision, here are five carefully selected episodes that capture the essence of the series, its humor, heart, and character dynamics. Whether you’re a skeptic or just curious, this mini-watchlist is all it takes to know if The Big Bang Theory deserves a spot on your binge list.

The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis

Ever since its release, this episode has remained a fan favorite, a perfect blend of awkward humor and unexpected heart. The Big Bang Theory episode follows Sheldon obsessively looking for a perfect gift for...

The Big Bang Theory became the longest-running multi-camera sitcom by the time it concluded after a 12-season run on CBS. Surprisingly, part of the show’s long-term success can be attributed to the 2007–08 Writers’ Guild strike, which helped boost its visibility in its early days.

The showrunner and the cast later reflected on how the strike, which halted the entire industry for nearly three months, helped the sitcom gain traction despite having only a handful of episodes in the bag.

How did the 2007-08 Writers’ strike impact The Big Bang Theory

Soon after its premiere, The Big Bang Theory, along with the rest of the industry, faced an indefinite halt when the Writers Guild of America went on a strike. And while it brought much of Hollywood to a standstill, the CBS sitcom still managed to survive and even thrive.

The Big Bang Theory | Credit: CBS

At the time of the strike,...

When you think of Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady's massively popular sitcom "The Big Bang Theory" and the characters that inhabit its quirky, nerdy world, you probably think of the brilliant but stubborn Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), the bubbly yet socially smart Penny (Kaley Cuoco), lovelorn Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), or their friends and loved ones Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz (Melissa Rauch), and Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik). You might not immediately think of Stuart Bloom, the mild-mannered, down-on-his-luck comic book store proprietor played throughout the series by Kevin Sussman ... but you should, honestly!

Not only is Sussman a really good actor — before "The Big Bang Theory," he popped up on shows like "ER" and "Ugly Betty," and he actually almost played Howard Wolowitz before his commitment to the latter got in the way — but Stuart is pretty lovable, especially because he doesn't...

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From November 2007 to February 2008, Hollywood's output came to a screeching halt over a Writers Guild of America strike, affecting both coastal factions of the creative guild ... and according to Jessica Radloff's book about "The Big Bang Theory," this strike was, somehow, a good thing for Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady's series.

As Radloff and the show's cast and crew tell us in her 2022 oral history "The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series," the strike happened just eight episodes into the show's very first season, but when productions shut down across California and New York, something interesting happened. Because the network had to show something to audiences during the strike, they just ... kept showing those first eight episodes.

"In my opinion, the strike was one of the most accidentally fortuitous things that could...

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Anyone who's even a little bit familiar with Sheldon Cooper, the main character of "The Big Bang Theory," played for 12 years and seasons by Jim Parsons, knows that he is very particular. (A less flattering term for the guy would probably be "absolute fussbudget.") That's why, in the show's 10th season, some fans might have been a little taken aback when Sheldon leaves the apartment he's always shared with his best friend Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) to live with his girlfriend Amy Farrah Fowler, played by Mayim Bialik (Amy and Sheldon go on to get engaged at the start of season 11 and marry in that season's finale). In doing so, Sheldon frees up the apartment for Leonard and his wife Penny Hofstadter (Kaley Cuoco) to finally share an abode without Sheldon.

According to Jessica Radloff's 2022 book "The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive,...

Immediately after its one-hour series finale, Dragon Ball Daima received two new nominations following its recent 2025 nod. These nominations come after Dragon Ball Daima's English dub completed its Crunchyroll run.

The Astra Awards announced its 2025 nominations to recognize greatness and achievements in the entertainment industry. Formerly known as the Hollywood Critics Association Awards, the Astra Awards nominated numerous animated and anime programs for this year's show, such as Dandadan, Solo Leveling, Invincible, and Batman: Caped Crusader. Dragon Ball Daima, which premiered in October 2024, received two monumental nods by The Astra Awards: Best Anime Series and Best Lead Voice-Over Performance.

Dragon Ball Daima Picks up 2 New Nominations Following Its Kids’ Choice Awards Nod

Dragon Ball Daima has been nominated for Best Anime Series for the 2025 Astra Awards, presented by the Hollywood Creative Alliance. Additionally, Stephanie Nadolny is nominated for her role as Goku (Mini) in Dragon Ball Daima for the...

Relationship troubles are quite common when it comes to American sitcoms. It is often the standard that two characters who have a good relationship will have their ups and downs in a few episodes.

Well, much like every other sitcom, The Big Bang Theory has had numerous clashes and breakups between couples. The tough part is that Sheldon Cooper is dating Amy Farrah Fowler in this one. For this show, that fight came in season 6 of the show when Sheldon was forced to choose between his girlfriend and Wil Wheaton.

When Sheldon was forced to choose

For the fans who have forgotten the show (or haven’t rewatched it in a while), we are talking about season 6 episode 7 of The Big Bang Theory. The episode, titled The Habitation Configuration showed another episode of Sheldon Cooper Presents: Fun With Flags, with Wil Wheaton giving his guest appearance.

Wil Wheaton in a...

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Anyone who has even a passing familiarity with "The Big Bang Theory" knows that, until the end of the show's sixth season Raj Koothrappali, played by Kunal Nayyar, can't talk around women. This is chalked up to Raj's selective mutism, which manifests around women due to his utter anxiety ... though the show's writers did add a pretty questionable aspect to this trait in which he can talk to women if he's had a lot to drink. In any case, Raj's selectively mute streak came to an end in the season 6 finale "The Bon Voyage Reaction" after his breakup with Lucy (Kate Micucci), where he cries in Penny's (Kaley Cuoco) arms and talks to her freely and without alcohol for the first time. So how did this all come to pass? In her 2022 book "The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside...

Last year marked the first time for The Astra Awards to give anime its own category, and Solo Leveling ended up coming out on top. Now the 2025 nominations are in full swing, and a bunch of series are up for the honor. Nominees for the Best Anime Series category include the likes of Dragon Ball Daima , Dan Da Dan , Solo Leveling Season 2 and Fire Force Season 3 , and the voice-over categories also feature a handful of strong anime nods. Here’s a look at those in the running for Best Anime Series: Dan Da Dan Dragon Ball Daima Fire Force Season 3 Lazarus Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Related: Solo Leveling Named Best Anime Series at The Astra Awards 2024 Other categories with anime contenders include: Best Lead Voice-Over Performance Kaley Cuoco - Harley Quinn Alex Borstein - Family Guy: Holiday Special Seth MacFarlane - Family Guy:...

Exclusive: Matthias Schweighöfer (Army of Thieves) has landed a lead role opposite Noah Jupe in Play Dead, the new survival thriller from Carry-On‘s Jaume Collet-Serra described as Don’t Breathe meets 1917.

Further plot details remain under wraps, as do the roles of the duo. Production has just kicked off in Australia.

Peter Stanley-Ward & Natalie Conway penned the script for Play Dead, which Nocturnal will fully finance and produce alongside Ghost House Pictures, BoulderLight Pictures, and Bad Grey. Akiva Nemetsky and Keaton Heinrichs are producing for Nocturnal, along with Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert for Ghost House, Jd Lifshitz and Raphael Margules for BoulderLight, and Dane Eckerle for Bad Grey. Romel Adam and Jose Cañas are overseeing for Ghost House, with Louis Winters overseeing for BoulderLight. Scott Greenberg of Lbi is exec producing, with Jazmyn Tanski overseeing.

German actor Schweighöfer is perhaps best known for directing, producing and starring in Netflix’s Army of Thieves,...

Years after "The Big Bang Theory" wrapped up its 12-season run on CBS, the sitcom is as popular as ever ... and Jessica Radloff, who wrote a definitive book about the series, is running a recap podcast devoted to Chuck Lorre's massive hit. During the May 12 episode of "The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast," Radloff sat down with Kunal Nayyar, who ended up playing main character Raj Koothrappali after a near-miss, and the actor revealed that he constantly ruined takes by laughing at his co-stars.

"I was the worst in the beginning on the show," Nayyar told Radloff. "I broke all the time. It really pissed everyone off, but I couldn't help it. I don't know why." From there, though, Nayyar singled out one particular co-worker with whom he happened to share a whole lot of scenes: "Simon is a genius. You know what I mean?"

"Just the cadence in which [he said] 'Friday works for me,...

The Big Bang Theory has long been known for celebrating geek culture, with numerous nods to iconic franchises like Star Wars, Star Trek, and more. However, one standout moment has been the episode in Season 7 that served as a heartfelt tribute to the Star Wars fandom.

The episode following Sheldon coping with the passing of Professor Proton, as the story unfolds alongside several clever Star Wars references in celebration of May the Fourth, just gets better with each rewatch.

The Big Bang Theory’s most heartfelt tribute to Star Wars and geek culture

The Big Bang Theory is known for frequently celebrating geek culture, through episodes like The Skywalker Incursion and others, showcasing the show’s deep affection for Star Wars, Doctor Who, and other pop culture staples.

Related: Chuck Lorre Admitted His Mistake With Jim Parsons and His Decision to Leave The Big Bang Theory

The series often wove...

The Big Bang Theory, like any other long-running sitcom, was no stranger to full-circle moments. Even though not every one of these moments was revered among fans, especially the bit of Raj ending up alone, there were many things to cherish. These involved moments, such as Howard and Penny’s heart-to-heart and Sheldon’s self-centeredness, followed by his immediate realization.

However, many might’ve missed out on one such callback, which was foreshadowed in the very beginning of the show, and added a sense of meta-humor to Leonard’s ending.

Leonard’s imaginary kids were foreshadowed in the sitcom pilot The Big Bang Theory | Credit: CBS

The revelation of Penny’s pregnancy was controversial, to say the least. While some enjoyed the subversion of expectations, on the flip side, many were irked by this decision due to her previous stance on pregnancy, with some claiming it had no purpose other than adding shock value.

Before The Big Bang Theory launched him into stardom, Jim Parsons was a struggling actor, and his most awkward first date ended up being with the man he’d one day marry: Todd Spiewak. Picture this: an unemployed actor, a dinner laced with quiet judgment, and a vibe that screamed “this is going nowhere.”

Parsons has since spilled the beans about just how cringey that night was. But somehow, from that rough start came one of the most solid relationships in Hollywood. Proof that even the worst first impressions can lead to sitcom-worthy love stories.

Jim Parsons turned his cringiest date with Todd Spiewak into a love story Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory | Credits: CBS

Jim Parsons once tried to impress his now-husband, Todd Spiewak, with a gift, and it almost turned into the worst date of his life. Parsons recalled during a 2022 interview with Logo,

Very, very...

Unfortunately, it's the season for television show cancellations, and we're going to start hearing about a lot of them. The broadcast networks will be pruning their lineups to make way for the new fall schedules, a process that has already begun. But over in the streaming world, that process happens year round, not just in May. So far, there have been a number of cancellations in 2025.

It's not all bad news, though. Plenty of streaming shows have already been renewed for new seasons this year, like Severance, Running Point, The Studio, School Spirits, Paradise, and more. Many streaming favorites are still awaiting word on their fates, but for some unlucky shows, their fates have already been decided... and it's not good news.

While there are many more cancellations worth getting heated over, like Prime Video's Clean Slate and Apple TV+'s Mythic Quest, these four cancellations were some of the...

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In the spring of 2019, "The Big Bang Theory" came to a close after twelve seasons and as many years ... so where did all of the characters end up? In brief, Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) and his wife Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) share a Nobel Prize for their work in super-asymmetry, Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) and his wife Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch) are married with two children, and Leonard and Penny Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco) are married and expecting a baby. Then there's Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), who, despite the fact that he's always looking for love, ends up alone.

In a piece in The Hollywood Reporter after the series finale of "The Big Bang Theory" — titled "The Stockholm Syndrome" as a nod to the city that's home to the Nobel ceremony — all of the lead performers were asked about the show's ending,...

We all remember The Big Bang Theory. From the year 2007 to 2019, the show reigned as one of television’s most cherished sitcoms. With an unusual blend of nerd culture, humour and emotions, it turned out to be one of the most talked-about household names. But behind the scenes, not every cast member was comfortable with their performance back in those days.

One of the show’s leading cast, whom we all know as Penny (portrayed by Kaley Cuoco), in an interview admitted to being appalled by her own voice that she initially watched the show on mute! Her confession offers a peek into the vulnerability that the actors face who are, in reality, successful in the industry.

An unexpected reaction to success

In a candid interview with the Associated Press, Kaley Cuoco says that she couldn’t stand her own voice when the show first aired. She confessed that during...

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Everyone who's ever watched "The Big Bang Theory" knows that every time Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) enters a dwelling, he has to knock on the door exactly three times, sort of like a very particular vampire. But why does he do this, and how did the writers come up with it?

In Jessica Radloff's 2022 book "The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series," some of the writers and performers who worked on "The Big Bang Theory" explained the origin of Sheldon's three-knock system, which boils down to this: it started as an innocuous thought by writer and producer Lee Aronsohn, who just thought it was funny, but in season 10 of the show, Sheldon tells Penny (Kaley Cuoco) the real reason behind the triple knock. As Sheldon reveals, he walked in on his father...

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Sheldon Cooper, one of the main characters on "The Big Bang Theory" who's played by Jim Parsons, is ... unique, to say the least. Some, including a few of his onscreen friends like Leonard and Penny Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco), might use a different word, like "difficult," "stubborn," or "impossible" (and those are just a few of the kind ones). Seriously, though — Sheldon has a decently kind heart underneath all of his intellectual superiority and bluster, though he doesn't show it very often, preferring to lambast his loved ones over their career choices, whether or not they have advanced degrees, and a whole host of other things. I say all of this to illustrate how absolutely wild it is that, apparently, Sheldon Cooper was inspired by a real person. (Also, his name was originally "Kenny," but that's another story for another time.

Portrayed by Kunal Nayyar in The Big Bang Theory, Raj Koothrappali had a string of relationships throughout the show’s long run. Despite his efforts, he ended up alone by the series finale, a fitting outcome, considering how many of his exes turned out to be toxic.

One of them stands out as especially problematic: Emily Sweeney. While Raj was far from perfect himself, Emily’s behavior often crossed the line, making her arguably his most toxic partner. If the show ever gets a revival, she’s one character who definitely shouldn’t return.

Why Emily Sweeney should stay out of The Big Bang Theory revival?

The Big Bang Theory universe has continued to grow since the original show’s conclusion, with spin-offs like Young Sheldon, Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage, and the upcoming Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.

The Big Bang Theory | Credit: CBS

With this ever-expanding universe,...