Popular CBS show Big Bang Theory has announced that it will reach an end following the conclusion of the next season. This news comes after a steady decline in ratings and overall reception in recent years for the once wonderfully quirky sitcom, which has seen an unfortunate transition from unique themes and stories to a bland shell of its former self.
In an official statement, CBS and Chuck Lorre Productions stated: “We are forever grateful to our fans for their support of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ during the past twelve seasons. We, along with the cast, writers and crew, are extremely appreciative of the show’s success and aim to deliver a final season, and series finale, that will bring ‘The Big Bang Theory’ to an epic creative close.”
The show’s run has reportedly been cut short due to Jim Parsons (Sheldon Cooper) wanting to step away from the role and move on to a new challenge. Despite the sitcom featuring an ensemble cast, Sheldon is the focal point of many of the main storylines and painfully, the drive of the shows humour.
Since dropping its debut season all the way back in the year of 2007, an originally lukewarm reception soon blossomed into a unique twist on the won-out tropes of situational comedy. This was mainly due to producer Chuck Lorre’s (Two and a Half Men, Mike and Molly) focus on the geeky sub-culture which has been somewhat overlooked by mainstream television. That gave the show a fresh and relatable premise – with socially inept groups of friends struggling to interact with attractive girls, for example. Sounds familiar. Oh wait… That explains the lives of many…
The ‘Big Bang Theory’ will end after next season as the show has probably run its course by now. Credit: TheHollywoodReporter
The amusing concept was ultimately the series’ downfall, as trying to maintain the same levels of originality throughout was a huge task to follow, especially over the course of a mammoth fourteen-year run. The show seemed to abandon its roots along the way, perhaps contributing to the decline in ratings. However, the awkward geeks did soon get married and they overcame the struggles which made their stories so endearing, making the pop culture references feel increasingly like a parody of what it used to be.
Despite a sometimes scathing critical reception, it did become a fan-favourite and one of the highest rated shows on TV, with seven of its seasons ranking in the top-ten of the final season ratings. “Sheldon and co” also faired very well in the awards shows, scooping an impressive seven Emmy Awards from 46 nominations in total. ‘Big Bang Theory’ also spawned a spin-off following the life a child version of Sheldon, which criminally isn’t called ‘Little Bang Theory.’
The stars of the show have expressed their gratitude to the show and all th fans in a number of posts on social media since the announcement of next seasons ultimate ending .
Kaley Cuoco (Penny) posted on Instagram: “a dream come true and as life-changing as it gets” she continued, “No matter when it was going to end, my heart would have always been broken in two. Drowning in tears, we promise to bring you the best season yet. … We are goin’ out with a bang.”
Jim Parsons took to Instagram to lament the shows future ending. Credit: GeekTyrant
Parsons himself released a lengthy message to fans, accompanying a picture of the full cast: “Something else I feel grateful for — and this gratitude needs no time to ‘sink in’ or become more ‘realized’… this grateful-feeling is always with me but is multiplied in this moment of us announcing our final season — but I feel such intense gratitude for our devoted viewers who are the ACTUAL reason we have been graced with the opportunity to explore these characters for 12 years of our lives,” he continued, “I feel grateful to our crew — many, many of whom have been with us since day one — and who are the people who bring a sense of steadiness and dependability, who are so warm and kind and always quick to say hello and smile at us every time we come to the set and who, even though you don’t see them on TV, are in many ways the real and steady heartbeat that keeps this body of work alive and breathing while we, like flailing arms and legs, act like jackasses and fools in attempt to make someone laugh.”
So, somewhat mercifully, the ‘Big Bang Theory’ is coming to a much overdue end. But I’m sure die-hard fans will be treated to a fitting finale to the long-running series. Hopefully, it goes out with a bang! Nope… Sorry, not everybody hopes that it does…
Story by Nathan Warby
Featured Photo Credit: The Mary Sue