Jim Parsons would have wanted to see The Big Bang Theory continue without Sheldon. In 2019, the nerd-centric sitcom wrapped up after a 12-year run despite its continued popularity. The decision stemmed from Parsons' choice to exit the show, and despite the rest of the cast still being interested to continue, they figured it would be best to wrap up the sitcom with a complete ensemble.
Three years since The Big Bang Theory ended, he now admits that he was interested in seeing how the sitcom would look without his character. Speaking with Yahoo!, the actor looks back at his time on the sitcom, including commenting on the backlash from his The Big Bang Theory exit. As part of the conversation, Parsons confesses that he truly didn't know how big of an impact his decision to retire Sheldon was going to have on the show. In fact, he was even hoping to see what The Big Bang Theory would've looked like without the socially-inept genius. Read Parsons' full quote below:
"I can't say I was surprised, but I equally would not have been surprised if it had gone on. There was part of me that had a sense of delight that it might go on without me! But that isn't what happened."
Why The Big Bang Theory Couldn’t Have Continued Without Parsons’ Sheldon
When The Big Bang Theory debuted in 2007, it was an ensemble series. However, as it progressed and Sheldon became the standout, CBS shifted its focus to the character, which relegated the rest of the Pasadena gang to mere supporting status. This resulted in stagnated arcs for all of them, which became a big problem towards the end of The Big Bang Theory. The show tried rectifying it, but by that time, it was far too late. Given this, it would be difficult to see how The Big Bang Theory would have transitioned to moving forward without Sheldon.
Even if CBS thought the show could have survived without Sheldon, he would have left a big hole. His departure means that Mayim Bialik's Amy Farrah Fowler would also have to exit the series, considering their relationship. That would have left only five core characters on the sitcom. Aside from this, the network would have to also find a justified reason for Sheldon's decision to leave Pasadena altogether, considering how much he hates change.
Despite Parsons' decision to leave the nerd-centric sitcom, Sheldon's story continues via Young Sheldon. The prequel remains the only The Big Bang Theory spinoff, with no plans for another one in the near future. This is further proof that the socially inept genius was the Pasadena gang's true lead, and the show would have struggled without him.
Source: Yahoo!