For 12 seasons, fans watched Penny, Leonard, Sheldon and the gang of The Big Bang Theory laugh, cry, and even want to kill each other at times. Viewers grew to love each of the main characters for different reasons and enjoyed watching them grow into young adults.
Even though it's only been a little over two years since the series ended, everything about life in 2021 seems different. But how would the characters in The Big Bang Theory react to today's society? Would any of their arcs have looked any different if it was still on the air today?
Going To Caltech (Or Any College) Won't Guarantee You A Job
The premise of The Big Bang Theory is that Leonard, Sheldon, and Raj are scientists who work at Caltech while Howard is an engineer. They all hang out in their favorite places, talking about any new science experiments and sci-fi shows they might have seen. However, the glaring hole in today's world is that just because someone went to college doesn't mean they will be able to find a job in the end.
The workforce in 2021 is tougher than ever, with some employers more interested in real-world experience than college degrees. The idea that 4 men with similar interests all got jobs at Caltech seems a bit unlikely today.
Leonard Would Not Pick A Fight Over A TV
In the very first episode "Pilot," the gang meets their new neighbor Penny, who everyone instantly gushes over. Wanting to impress her, Leonard takes Sheldon with him to retrieve Penny's long-lost television from her ex-boyfriend Kurt. Since Kurt is a 'buff meathead,' hilarity ensues and Leonard and Sheldon come home with no pants and no TV.
The problem with this premise is that nobody would care about a TV stolen by an ex-boyfriend in 2021. With every company under the sun selling them, TVs are pretty inexpensive to begin with. Plus, they are easy to find on online platforms, like Amazon. It simply wouldn't be worth the hassle to retrieve a TV from an ex nowadays.
Sheldon's Roommate Agreement Is Actually A Decent Idea
One of the reoccurring jokes in The Big Bang Theory is that Sheldon is constantly harping on Leonard for breaking the roommate agreement. By bringing over girls, doing things on a wrong day, and not letting Sheldon sit in his spot, he's not honoring the tedious mile-long document he signed when he moved into the apartment.
The thing is, a roommate agreement (or some form of) wouldn't be a half-bad idea in 2021. With many people cohabitating together due to the pandemic and/or the inflated housing market, some people might find difficulty getting on with their new roommates. Sheldon's roommate agreement at least outlined the basic guidelines of what he is and isn't comfortable with.
The Guys Wouldn't Get Laughed At For Going To Comic-Con
Most years, San Diego hosts the biggest comic and entertainment expo in all of North America: Comic-Con. In the show, the guys go down the coast to check out their favorite movie, tv show, and comic heroes in real life. It's something that's become common among comic fans and in general, society doesn't see comic conventions as nerdy events anymore.
Comic conventions are a celebration of fandom and they have gradually become more and more inclusive over time. What used to be a forum for sci-fi dorks is now an event that features cool reveals, new movie trailers, and even in-person meet and greets with actors a person can track down anywhere else. They're a lot of fun and the gang wouldn't be made fun of for going to them these days.
Neither Leonard Nor Raj Would Be Going To Switzerland
In the season three episode "The Large Hadron Collision," Leonard is offered a chance to go to Switzerland to observe the Large Hadron Collider. Since he's allowed to bring a plus-one, he obviously chooses his girlfriend Penny, which upsets Sheldon. Unfortunately, both Penny and Sheldon end up with the flu, forcing Leonard to take Raj instead.
Obviously, there are some big holes here in 2021. With the pandemic still lingering and travel restrictions in place, neither Leonard nor Raj would be able to leave the USA. Many employers are hesitant about allowing employees to travel for work, so the idea that Leonard would even be offered the opportunity is unrealistic now.
Leonard Wouldn't Worry About A Lost DVD Rental
As fans remember, in the episode "The Itchy Brain Simulation," Leonard finds an old DVD he rented on Sheldon's card seven years ago and forgot to return. Sheldon freaks out and demands Leonard make it up to him.
This is something most people wouldn't worry about anymore considering how technology is advancing. Nowadays, streaming is the dominant medium for watching movies and TV, so an old DVD rental not returned probably wouldn't bother anyone. It's not plausible that the DVD store Leonard rented it from is even still open.
Bitcoin Mining Would Be Nearly Impossible for Howard, Raj, And Leonard Now
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have grown exponentially in popularity over the last few years. In season 11, Howard, Raj, and Leonard recall mining for Bitcoins using Howard's old laptop. While home mining was possible a long time ago, it now takes a large amount of computing power and electricity to get the job done in 2021.
Not only is Bitcoin difficult to get into (without buying it as an investment, that is), there are also a million other cryptocurrencies (real and fake) around the web vying for people's attention. If Howard's old laptop even still works, it wouldn't be a great setup for trying one's hand at the blockchain game.
Penny Jumping Jobs Is Not Uncommon
Late in the series, Penny is offered a sales job at a competing pharmaceutical company by her rival Danny Jacobs. Bernadette is offended and refuses to even present Jacobs' offer to Penny, afraid that her friend will jump ship and take a position that pays better. However, job jumping for more money is not uncommon in 2021.
With the cost of living steadily rising and the housing market starting to heat up again, many young people feel like they can use all of the money they can get. Bernadette wouldn't chastise Penny for considering a move these days.
Penny Would Pay For Her Own Food
After finally giving up on her goal of becoming a rich and famous actress, Penny settled down and focused on a career she was actually really good at - pharmaceutical sales. She even argued with Leonard when he found out she made more money than him at times. It's conceivable, then, that Penny would no longer have to mooch food off the guys.
By the time the series ended, Penny matured both personally and professionally. She married Leonard and fans even find out in the series finale that the couple is pregnant. As a successful career woman, the likelihood that she would still need the guys to buy her food is slim.