Summary
- The Big Bang Theory was not canceled by the network, but rather ended because Jim Parsons decided not to renew his contract.
- Not all of the cast members wanted the show to end, with Kaley Cuoco being particularly shocked by the news.
- A spin-off sequel to The Big Bang Theory is currently in development and could potentially continue the story after season 12, focusing on Raj and Howard.
After 12 seasons, The Big Bang Theory finally came to an end, but it still left its viewers and even its cast in shock as to why the sitcom was canceled. It was impressive how many seasons of Big Bang Theory aired, with 279 episodes from September 2007 to May 2019, considering its first few seasons had a lukewarm reception. The show eventually found its footing, became television’s highest-rated comedy (via Paramount Press Express), and won numerous awards. That is why many were dismayed that there never was a The Big Bang Theory season 13.
The Big Bang Theory followed the geeky group of Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Howard (Simon Helberg), and Rajesh (Kunal Nayyar), as they befriended aspiring actress Penny (Kaley Cuoco), and fellow scientists Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Amy (Mayim Bialik). Much of the show’s humor and storyline comes from the characters navigating their careers, relationships, and contrasting personalities. However, just months after Sheldon and Amy’s wedding, The Big Bang Theory viewers learned that the show’s conclusion was looming, prompting many to question why Big Bang Theory was canceled.
The Big Bang Theory: Every Season, Ranked By IMDb Average
The Big Bang Theory is generally a well-received show, thanks to Penny, Leonard, Sheldon, and crew, but some seasons rated better than others on IMDB.The Big Bang Theory Wasn't Canceled
The Show Ended Because Of Jim Parsons
The Big Bang Theory was no stranger to consistent multiple-season renewals, and in March 2017, it was again renewed for two seasons, running until the 2018-19 television season. Viewers were then caught off guard when, in August 2018, it was announced that the show’s upcoming 12th season would be its last. In a joint statement, CBS, Warner Bros., and Chuck Lorre Productions said the sitcom would come to an “epic, creative close”. As it turned out, The Big Bang Theory wasn't canceled by the network; the decision was primarily influenced by Jim Parsons’ decision not to renew his contract even though the main cast stood to make $50 million to stay (via EW).
Even though he loved embodying Sheldon Cooper, eventually he grew exhausted between the show and his other acting commitments. His decision also reportedly came after the death of one of his dogs, pushing him to confront the concept of mortality (via Today). After all, toward The Big Bang Theory’s ending, Parsons was 46 years old, and he wanted to make the most of his acting career and his life while he still could. Of course, without Sheldon, there would be no The Big Bang Theory, forcing the show to end earlier than planned and bringing into question why Big Bang Theory was canceled.
The Big Bang Theory Cast Had Mixed Feelings About TBBT Ending
Not Everyone Wanted It To Wrap Up
Months before the ending announcement, Galecki also shared a sentiment similar to Parsons. At the time, he felt that everyone in The Big Bang Theory was already comfortable with the idea of wrapping the show up after 12 seasons (via People). However, that was not the case with Kaley Cuoco, as she admitted being “in a state of shock” after hearing the news (via Variety). While she wanted to continue the show, she simply could not do it without Parsons. On the other hand, Mayim Bialik told Us Weekly that the decision to end The Big Bang Theory had not been simple and there were “a lot of factors that the public doesn't get to know about.”
While Bialik did not elaborate further, her statement could pertain to anything between unsuccessful negotiations between networks and the cast wanting to move on with their respective careers. Regardless, The Big Bang Theory season 12 delivered on its promise of tying up loose ends while setting up a fulfilling life ahead for its beloved characters. Sheldon and Amy won the Nobel Prize, while Leonard and Penny were expecting their first child. Howard and Bernadette successfully adjusted to parenting, while Raj continued his search for true love. The characters’ future lives are also hinted at in Young Sheldon, the spin-off prequel of The Big Bang Theory - like Sheldon having children of his own.
How Many Seasons Will Young Sheldon Have?
The Prequel Series Is Another Ratings Hit
Young Sheldon, the Big Bang Theory prequel spin-off, follows the life of Sheldon Cooper during his childhood. Just as with The Big Bang Theory, it was very successful but still plans to end its way. The upcoming seventh season will be the last for the show. The show debuted in 2017 following an idea Parsons ran past Big Bang producers, becoming green-lit after a special preview episode received overwhelmingly positive audience feedback. Despite The Big Bang Theory's final season airing in 2019, Young Sheldon kept the story going.
The Big Bang Theory spin-off's sixth season ended in May 2023, and it was renewed for the seventh, which marks the end of that specific story. It managed to garner a strong fanbase of both Big Bang Theory veterans and newcomers, defying the expectations of some critics who believed it would be a short-lived cash-grab project from Chuck Lorre Productions and Warner Bros. Studios when it was first announced. Audiences warmed to the characters introduced in Young Sheldon, and series mainstays like Georgie, Mandy, and Connie "Meemaw" Tucker have proved engaging enough to support six seasons of non-Big-Bang-related stories.
When Young Sheldon returned for its sixth season, there was a whole host of themes to tackle, from George and Mary's marital issues to Georgie and Mandy's unexpected pregnancy. With Sheldon going through puberty being the major narrative of season 6, there were a lot of years Young Sheldon could have covered before Dr. Cooper takes up his post at Caltech in time to meet the permed Leonard as seen in The Big Bang Theory's many flashbacks to his early roommate days.
The Next Big Bang Spin-Off Could Continue The Story After Season 12
The Focus Of The Show Remains Unclear
Young Sheldon isn't the only The Big Bang Theory spin-off, as another one is currently in development. Though details on the upcoming spin-off are scarce, there are still some positive updates. Chuck Lorre, who created the original series, is returning for the spin-off, and given how connected to the characters he is, the project will likely be a faithful follow-up. Instead of looking backward like Young Sheldon, this spin-off could be set after The Big Bang Theory and continue the story after season 12, which would be the perfect replacement for The Big Bang Theory season 13, though another prequel can't be ruled out just yet.
A sequel could solve many of the problems with Young Sheldon and even the plotholes in the main Big Bang Theory series. If the next spin-off is another prequel it could also run into continuity problems and contradict certain elements of Young Sheldon, creating more plotholes. Above all else, there's simply more of a demand to see the beloved adult characters return. The most likely (and most exciting) option is a spin-off focusing on Raj and Howard. The dynamic duo has great chemistry, and Helberg and Nayyar are the likeliest to return.
What The Big Bang Theory Cast Have Done Since Season 12
Many Actors Have Found Major Success
Even though The Big Bang Theory is over, it hasn't slowed down the former cast's careers in the slightest. Parsons has continued to narrate Young Sheldon and has also appeared in other shows, like The Simpsons and Hollywood. He also starred in the romantic drama Spoiler Alert. After The Big Bang Theory ended, Galecki went back to his roots and returned for the Roseanne spinoff The Conners as David Healy. He's also been in Rings and A Dog's Journey. Bialik was the host of Jeopardy! until leaving that show after the last season, and she also starred in Call Me Kat.
Cuoco (Penny) led The Flight Attendant cast, which earned the actress Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. She also voiced Harley Quinn in the animated series of the same name, and of all TBBT cast members seems to have had the most success outside the show. The actor also stars in the TV series Based on a True Story, which is about a pregnant real estate agent who is obsessed with true crime. Cuoco also appears in the Amazon thriller movie Role Play, which has a similar premise to Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Helberg (Howard) took a break for a while after Big Bang Theory and reentered the acting world with the musical drama Annette. He also appeared in the film As They Made Us, which was written and directed by his co-star Bialik. Nayyar continued working in television on shows like Criminal: UK and Suspicion. His latest project, Spaceman, is in post-production and drops in 2024 on Netflix. Melissa Rauch (Bernadette) has since made cameos in Robot Chicken and Animaniacs, but her venture with Meryl Streep in The Laundromat stands out. Ultimately, the cast of The Big Bang Theory has effectively moved on since the show's conclusion.