# The Big Bang Theory: worth continuing? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** tv-shows-scripted\ **Created:** [January 4, 2024, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595 "2024-01-04T15:44:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/21 "2024-01-04T18:33:00Z")
> [@GESancMan](#): > > We think the biggest, but not the only, problem is Howard. I think you are right that the biggest problem is Howard, and the overall misogyny - it’s hilarious when nerds do it because they are physically less threatening than jocks or something? But a close second is the central premise of the Sheldon character. While essential to almost every funny situation, it is just ridiculous. He has no redeeming features that explain why they all _enable_ his outrageously selfish behavior rather than just calling him out on it and refusing to tolerate it. And perhaps it creates the impression that this is the archetypal neuroatypical person, that the principal distinguishing characteristic of neuroatypical people is extreme selfishness, and that being accepting of neuroatypical people means being a punching bag for their bullying. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/22 "2024-01-04T18:38:23Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > He has no redeeming features that explain why they all _enable_ his outrageously selfish behavior rather than just calling him out on it and refusing to tolerate it. I’ve often wondered why Leonard didn’t murder Sheldon in his sleep and dump the body down the elevator shaft. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/23 "2024-01-04T18:41:30Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > I’ve often wondered why Leonard didn’t murder Sheldon in his sleep An extreme outcome like this is plausible in that household because this kind of thing happens only when the victim of abuse is unassertive and does not stand up to a selfish bully; with a willing victim the bully has no incentive to correct their behavior, and the bullying continues until the victim completely snaps. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/24 "2024-01-04T18:47:52Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > Mayim Bialik is a great comedic actor. She is, but it doesn’t help my appreciation of her acting chops knowing that she’s an antivax nutjob in real life. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/25 "2024-01-04T19:10:45Z")
He owes Sheldon for not ratting him out to either the landlord for blowing up the elevator or the FBI for sleeping with a North Korean spy. ---
**Author:** ![Toxylon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f05b48/32.png) [@Toxylon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toxylon)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/26 "2024-01-04T19:19:31Z")
Watching BBT on and off way back when, I realized as the show went on that it’s a Sheldon show with a bunch of foils for Sheldon to shine off of. I also agree IRL Sheldon would’ve been abandoned by everyone, for good reason. FWIW, I have seen maybe a good third of the episodes, but a decent sample through every season. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/27 "2024-01-04T19:22:35Z")
My mom adored the show and tried several times to persuade me to watch it. I’ve only watched an episode or two, and it was nails-on-chalkboard annoying. Not a joke in it landed, and the “nerd blackface” might be hyperbolic but it gets at the problem of having nerd culture celebrated by people who aren’t part of nerd culture. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/28 "2024-01-04T19:26:06Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Not a joke in it landed, and the “nerd blackface” might be hyperbolic but it gets at the problem of having nerd culture celebrated by people who aren’t part of nerd culture. Fun fact: Mayim Bialik has claimed to be the only cast member who actually _is_ a nerd on the level of the guys’ characters. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/29 "2024-01-04T19:31:57Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > Mayim Bialik has claimed to be the only cast member who actually _is_ a nerd on the level of the guys’ characters But not, apparently, sufficiently nerdly to understand immunity to infection. Nor to grasp the immorality of shilling for bullshit supplements saying (literally) “trust me I’m a famous neuroscientist”. > **[Is Mayim Bialik’s dubious science going to be ‘Jeopardy!’s’ next big headache?](https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/08/27/mayim-bialik-jeopardy-vaccines-brain-supplements/)** > > As the search for a host continues and the Mike Richards mess simmers down, controversy lingers for Mayim Bialik, "Jeopardy!'s" other pick. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/30 "2024-01-04T19:41:12Z")
IMHO it’s not appointment television (yes, I know it’s not on tv anymore). It’s not really binge-worthy, especially not 11 seasons. It’s ok for “let’s throw something on for an hour or so while we scroll our phones and maybe fall asleep on the couch” tv. There’s lots of better stuff for giving your full attention. ---
**Author:** ![Turek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/turek/32/18782_2.png) [@Turek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turek)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/31 "2024-01-04T19:46:36Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > yes, I know it’s not on tv anymore TBS (basic cable channel) shows it like 12 times a day. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/32 "2024-01-04T19:59:00Z")
I mean new episodes in a set time slot, which is typically what “appointment tv” refers to. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/33 "2024-01-04T20:01:14Z")
Back in the days before video on demand on long airplane flights they’d show a couple of episodes of sitcoms as part of the entertainment. I traveled a lot on business in those times and there for have seen a few episodes of multiple seasons of Frasier, Friends and Big Bang Theory. With the qualification that I may have missed context by not seeing most of the episodes I found Frasier to be a little hit or miss, Friends to be barely tolerable and BBT to be horrendous. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/34 "2024-01-04T20:17:05Z")
I always look at sitcoms as silly pieces of fluff. Don’t take it so seriously. They’re actors. It’s a scripted show that was very successful. For whatever reason. I don’t try to psychoanalyze each character. I find Sheldon funny in an irritating way. We know to expect it. Leonard comes off as mostly bumbling through life. Howard tickles the crap outta me. Mother dominated and looking for love in a slightly creepy way. I loved the robot arm episode. It shows how pitiful he really was. Penny is window dressing. I suspect she knew that. Amy is, well, at least she has some handle on Sheldon. Bernadette fell flat. Raj, I never really got. I liked his little dog tho’. Can’t think of his character name, but the Comic book shop owner always made me laugh. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/35 "2024-01-04T20:27:45Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I loved the robot arm episode. It shows how pitiful he really was. And gave [Vernee Watson](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0914937/) the chance to utter possibly the funniest line of the show, “Because that’s all you needed.” She’s so understanding. 😄 ---
**Author:** ![YellowDog51](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a5b964/32.png) [@YellowDog51](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YellowDog51)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/36 "2024-01-04T20:42:44Z")
Gosh, seems like a lot of socially-conscious analysis for a sitcom. I thought this was a fairly funny (at times) show with an interesting concept (socially clumsy science nerds). Did it sometimes fall flat? Of, course. Did it get a little stale towards the end? Sure, most long-running shows do. But what was important was this: Bob Newhart. I find him incredibly funny and his appearances were one of the highlights of the series. I wish there had been more of him. But then, maybe less is more in this case. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/37 "2024-01-04T20:55:45Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > > [@Beckdawrek](#): > > > > I loved the robot arm episode. It shows how pitiful he really was. > > And gave [Vernee Watson](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0914937/) the chance to utter possibly the funniest line of the show, “Because that’s all you needed.” She’s so understanding. 😄 There was a callback to this in a later episode… I think it was when Howard found out he had a long lost half brother, and at some point in the conversation Howard mentions the robot hand. And his half brother says “Because that’s all you needed, right?” And actually, the best line in the robot hand episode is Vernee Watson calling over the PA for an orderly with a wheelchair. “We’ve got a robot hand grasping a man’s penis.” Howard says “Couldn’t you be a little more discreet?” Vernee snaps back “I’m sorry, we don’t have a code for ‘robot hand grasping a man’s penis’.” ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/38 "2024-01-04T21:09:21Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > Vernee snaps back “I’m sorry, we don’t have a code for ‘robot hand grasping a man’s penis’.” There’s a similar joke in the movie “Broken Arrow” where this turns out to be military jargon for a lost nuclear weapon. Somebody (Travolta maybe?) quips “It happens often enough that you have a code phrase for it?” ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/39 "2024-01-04T21:10:54Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > The big gripe I have seen other make is that it uses so many nerdy stereotypes, depicting nerds the way outsiders would, despite the show’s theme seeming to be that it is a pro-nerd show. I never thought that, because I saw myself and my friends in their portrayal; to me it felt authentic, allowing for exaggeration for sitcom purposes. Actions: ridiculous, but character portrayal: reasonably accurate. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2024, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595/40 "2024-01-04T22:16:43Z")
Stuart. I always thought a spin off featuring him and Denise would be funnier than “Young Sheldon.” (Gag) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-bang-theory-worth-continuing/995595.md?page=3)