When the final episode of the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory aired in May 2019, a piece of TV history ended. Not just because the likeable, strange characters and their quotes have become immortalized in pop culture. With a total of 279 episodes, the series also holds the record for the highest number of episodes of a (non-animated) sitcom.
An impressive number, but one that could have increased even further. The makers around sitcom mastermind Chuck Lorre (Two and a Half Men) were very interested in extending The Big Bang Theory beyond season 12. But any thoughts about this were nipped in the bud by the series’ biggest fan favorite: Sheldon actor Jim Parsons.
Jim Parsons decided to take a new approach and thus sealed the end of The Big Bang Theory
As The Hollywood Reporter reported in 2018, those responsible were actually in preliminary discussions for a 13th season of the hit CBS comedy. However, creator Chuck Lorre only saw the possibility of a sequel on the condition that at least the three main actors Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco were back in the cast.
Ultimately, this requirement could not be met because… Jim Parsons decided not to return for another season. This meant that the plans for a continuation of The Big Bang Theory were over and the end of the series after season 12 was announced.
A bittersweet decision that is entirely understandable. After all, Parsons’ character is Dr. Sheldon Cooper is probably the most popular of the entire series, whose cult character is undisputed. In hindsight, it is of course not possible to say with certainty that the sitcom would have worked in the same way without this driving force, but it is at least doubtful.
At least the authors of The Big Bang Theory were able to prepare for the end of the series and serve their viewers a spectacular guest appearance and the fulfillment of an absolute fan wish in the finale.
And there is now another consolation: A new spin-off series from the TBBT universe was announced in 2023about which we have compiled all the information we know so far.
Where is The Big Bang Theory streaming?
All 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory can be seen in the respective streaming flat rates from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and WOW. The comedy series is also available to purchase on Apple TV, Google Play and MagentaTV.