Kaley Cuoco recently said The Big Bang Theory ending may be a great thing. In 2018, CBS surprisingly confirmed that the sitcom's season 12 would be its last outing. The news was a surprise because it arrived not long after the network floated the idea of renewing The Big Bang Theory for season 13.
Cuoco was one of the original characters in The Big Bang Theory; for a time, she was the only female star in the show and she functioned as the viewer's perspective into the lives of her nerdy neighbors and friends. Eventually, season 4 brought Bernadette and Amy into the sitcom not only as the romantic partners to Howard and Sheldon respectively but also as members of Penny's own group. As an individual, Cuoco's character also went on a journey of self-realization from a wannabe actress in Hollywood to a successful medical sales representative. At the end of The Big Bang Theory, it's revealed that she's pregnant with her first child with Leonard, although she made it clear throughout the final season that she didn't want any kids.
During her recent guest appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, a fan expressed their disappointment about The Big Bang Theory ending especially since it remained popular until its very last season. Cuoco said that she understood Jim Parsons' decision to leave the show that ultimately spelled its end and added that the sitcom wrapping up when it did could be a blessing in disguise for her.
"No. I think that is what he felt he needed for himself at the time. And I think actually, I don't know if my life would have taken this path if we hadn't have ended, you know, when we did. So maybe it was a blessing in disguise. You never know."
Cuoco is referring to starring in a new hit series, The Flight Attendant, which she also produces, on HBO Max. She plays the titular character who wakes up with a dead man in her bed after a night of drinking. The show is garnering mostly positive reviews, which effectively takes care of the immense pressure to transition to a new endeavor following the massive success of The Big Bang Theory. As she said in the same interview on Watch What Happens Live, The Flight Attendant was originally intended to be a limited series, but they are hoping to score a second season, which may not be outside the realm of possibility considering how well-received it is.
It's no secret that the pay for the core cast members of The Big Bang Theory was very lucrative. Cuoco candidly talked about it recently while she was promoting The Flight Attendant, but earning millions of dollars from the sitcom doesn't necessarily mean creative fulfillment. In some instances, it might not even be enough to continue doing something, especially if it's been years since this particular privilege has been given. That's what drove Parsons decision to leave The Big Bang Theory and why Cuoco is now looking at the end of her old acting gig as not so much of a bad thing.