Pivotal Big Bang Theory Scene Wasn't Even in the Script, and Nobody Noticed
The beginning of the most important relationship was almost totally improvised.
Although CBS' The Big Bang Theory came to an end some four years ago, it remains a hit adored by fans all over the world. Debuting in 2007, the scientist-centric sitcom lasted for 12 successful seasons and spawned a spin-off about its most memorable character — Sheldon Cooper. However, things weren't as bright when the show just started out.
The Big Bang's first season wasn't as popular with the audience as the entire show is today. Remarkably, Season 1 is still the sitcom's lowest-rated to this day even though it may be considered the most significant as it laid the foundation for the story, introducing the main characters of Sheldon, Penny, and Leonard to one another and the viewers. Did you know, however, that the scene of their meeting wasn't even scripted?
Jessica Radloff's The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive Insider Story Of The Epic Hit Series, which hit the shelves almost a year ago, gives fans an insight into the creation of the show. In the book, Jim Parsons, who played Sheldon, reveals that the iconic first meeting scene of the trio was largely improvised by the actors.
'I don't think the full exchange of hi's, greats, and byes were in the script originally, which is, under these circumstances, kind of remarkable because that would have been an excessively rare moment in the history of The Big Bang Theory. Regardless, the scene still kind of tickles me when I think about it. It was something so beautifully odd and so simple that said so much,' Parsons's quotation goes.
Given how organic and smooth the conversation turned out, it is no wonder nobody ever doubted the scene was carefully scripted. The relationship between Sheldon, Penny, and Leonard is arguably the most significant (and ultimately, the most satisfying) in the show, and even though other characters are also crucial to the plot, it is this trio and their friendship that amounts to the bulk of the sitcom's hilarity, aww's, and character development.
TBBT is long over, but fortunately, we can rewatch whenever the heart desires. Be sure to go back and check out the introduction scene in Season 1 to see how the actors nailed it!
Source: The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive Insider Story Of The Epic Hit Series by Jessica Radloff.