Big Bang Theory Had to Made 3 Major Changes After Questionable Pilot

It's been almost sixteen years since the release of CBS's iconic sitcom, The Big Bang Theory. Its premise requires no introduction, as we've all had at least a glimpse of the show's twelve seasons. Surprisingly, it could have been a completely different story.

Jim Parsons, who portrayed Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, recently chatted with Modern Family's Jesse Tyler Ferguson on his podcast about the cult CBS sitcom and revealed the stark differences between the show as we know it and the original pilot.

1. Penny was a different character played by a different actress

As it turns out, the most normal and relatable character on The Big Bang Theory was initially portrayed by Amanda Walsh. According to Parsons, his and Johnny Galecki's characters found her homeless after she had broken up with her boyfriend. The two researchers decided to put her up. She soon proved manipulative and not at all 'endearing', seducing one of the guys so she could stay with them indefinitely. Thus, in the original premise, the three all lived together!

2. There was a female nerd scientist in the gang

However shocking this revelation may be, here's another one. Instead of Howard and Raj, the original pilot had a single female character representing women in science long before Amy appeared on the horizon.

But The Big Bang Theory's producers opted for a more dynamic male cast and split Ms. Genius into the beloved duo.

3. The show took place on the East Coast

This one is a significant change indeed. While it's hard to imagine the gang of geniuses working somewhere other than CalTech, they were originally supposed to have been based somewhere on the East Coast, perhaps even at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which Sheldon and his crew often mock on the Big Bang Theory.

'They changed the location from the East Coast to the West Coast. And they completely overhauled the colour palette. The original pilot looks a lot like our show but it looks as if you threw a sepia filter on it and covered it with cobwebs or something like that,' Jim Parsons told Jesse Tyler Ferguson. 'It was a smart move on their part.'

It would probably have been just as interesting to watch, but we love The Big Bang Theory's final version. And Kaley Cuoco's Penny, Howard and Raj, and CalTech will always have a special place in our hearts. All in all, it seems the changes from the original pilot were for the better.

Source: YouTube.