The Big Bang Theory

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 24, 2007
Season #: 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1348 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,107 out of 1348
  2. Mixed: 73 out of 1348
  3. Negative: 168 out of 1348
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User Reviews

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  1. BlitzWing00
    Dec 13, 2012
    6
    The show falls flat in terms of jokes & delivery to the characters.

    I've recently started watching this series from the high recommendation of a friend and the high IMDb rating of 8.6 and 8.0 from the users on here. I cannot fathom why this show is deserving of such a high score. I understand most (70 to 80%) of their science references, it's not funny. Even the ones I don't get are not    The show falls flat in terms of jokes & delivery to the characters.

    I've recently started watching this series from the high recommendation of a friend and the high IMDb rating of 8.6 and 8.0 from the users on here. I cannot fathom why this show is deserving of such a high score. I understand most (70 to 80%) of their science references, it's not funny. Even the ones I don't get are not funny, so I don't think it's a matter of getting them or not. I understand why the "jokes" are jokes, but I don't find them that funny. Perhaps it's because the jokes seem predictable as the whole setup of the show seems standard with nothing more added than the flavor of geekery. I'm not against geekery, Scott Pilgrim vs the World & The IT Crowd are fantastically funny shows. I feel this show is not. I don't understand why the studio audience is laughing when they do laugh either, it seems absurd to me as I think "really....you're laughing at that? And that too? Are you all drunk?". Perhaps the humor stems from the characters who are so stereotypical it's tiring and predictable. Niles and Fraiser on the show "Fraiser" were stereotypical pompous characters, but the humor around them were not predictable and they were funny.

    I really tried to like the series, I watched 7 episodes in total. I watched the first four episodes which I did not find funny. Then I asked my friend to name me what episodes he found the funniest, and watched them (S01E13 & S03E22). They were a little better, but wasn't doing it for me. So then I asked on the IMDb forum which they considered the best/funniest of the whole series. Many of them said S03E08, watched it and still not that great IMHO. I'm giving up on the series.    … Expand
  2. ggsnfugacious
    Sep 14, 2013
    6
    At first,I think the show is great,I can laugh a lot even sometimes I don't understand the cultural background so much.But the serials is getting more and more boring,pathetic.And I hate SHELTON...
  3. ImUnavailable
    Jul 1, 2011
    5
    Fans of the show can easily dismiss those who dislike it by saying that they don't get the humor and the references. I did but I still didn't enjoy it. The execution of these nerd jokes are particularly poor, with the show constantly telling us to laugh because the nerd said something nerdy. As I said before, I understood the references but the show didn't do anything with them. It justFans of the show can easily dismiss those who dislike it by saying that they don't get the humor and the references. I did but I still didn't enjoy it. The execution of these nerd jokes are particularly poor, with the show constantly telling us to laugh because the nerd said something nerdy. As I said before, I understood the references but the show didn't do anything with them. It just points to them without using them effectively. Just because you get a joke doesn't make it funny.… Expand
  4. WarWalker
    Dec 29, 2012
    4
    This is one of the most overrated shows ever. Yes, it has its moments. But it hardly belongs in the same breath as real sitcoms like Friends, Seinfeld, or even King of Queens. My primary problem with the show, is that the "nerd" factor is just way too overstated. And the characters' quirks are also overcooked -- i.e. Sheldon's knocking, Howard's mother, Raj's selective mutism. A lotThis is one of the most overrated shows ever. Yes, it has its moments. But it hardly belongs in the same breath as real sitcoms like Friends, Seinfeld, or even King of Queens. My primary problem with the show, is that the "nerd" factor is just way too overstated. And the characters' quirks are also overcooked -- i.e. Sheldon's knocking, Howard's mother, Raj's selective mutism. A lot of the supporting characters are also just plain obnoxious -- Amy, Leslie, Leonard's mom, Wheaton and especially Barry (so fweakin' pwayed). It's too late now, but if the show could have toned it down, this had the potential to be a much better series. It is still somewhat watchable, mostly because it is better than some of the other rubbish on TV (i.e. Wedding Band, ugh). But it is mediocre at best as a comedy.… Expand
  5. joyrex
    Mar 24, 2011
    4
    The first two seasons are borderline good/average, but afterwards it's just a downward spiral to boredom, geek/nerd cliches and bad jokes, they should make the show less Sheldon-centric and give more space to something else.
  6. LeelaS
    Aug 3, 2009
    6
    The Big Bang Theory is a breakthrough for science geek-targeted sitcoms. That being said, there are many flaws that keep it from being appreciable by all geeks. Firstly, occasionally its science is wrong in a way that would actually make the episode different; and yet just about every geek in this seems to have vast stores of knowledge on every form of science, which makes it harder to The Big Bang Theory is a breakthrough for science geek-targeted sitcoms. That being said, there are many flaws that keep it from being appreciable by all geeks. Firstly, occasionally its science is wrong in a way that would actually make the episode different; and yet just about every geek in this seems to have vast stores of knowledge on every form of science, which makes it harder to believe the characters and actually kills the possibility of more geek jokes (sociologist and a biologist duking it out over biological essentialism?). The distinction between the geeks lie in social stereotypes (the uber-nerd, the horny-guy, the Indian, etc.) rather than fields of study. Even so, there is a strong emphasis on straight, white, male nerds, with only a token Indian male and White female. Unless we're looking at specifically D&D nerds (which are still not homogeneous), it's incredibly misrepresentative to not include more "minorities" in the regular cast and it can alienate the many viewers who can get the jokes but can't relate. The central plotline (romantic tension with the neighbor) is much harder to believe as the neighbor, Penny, is stupid, ignorant, not in the slightest bit curious about what they're talking about, is stereotypically 'blonde,' and has absolutely no chemistry with the male lead. In fact, the only thing that implies that there is any chemistry between her and the main character, Leonard, is the terribly abused laugh track, which makes some of the more subtle jokes fall on their face or be neglected entirely. It seems that the laugh track is intended to tell the non-science geeks when they should laugh, but reviews by non-geeks reveal that it's not helping. The good aspects of this show lie in the geek in-jokes. Some are simply cheesy, but overall they appeal to higher thought and involve an array of sciences. While the plotlines are underdeveloped, most of the humor is based in researched science makes it worth watching. Even the factual inaccuracies are excuseable as it is militant in defining the scientific method with accuracy. Overall, it's a fun watch, but it's a long way from being a respectable portrayal of geeks.… Expand
  7. starmarx39
    Nov 27, 2014
    5
    This show is WAY more liked than it deserves to be. It's vulgar, spiteful, generic and while sometimes "Ha-ha" funny, never really impressive. It's okay, I watch it when it's on but that doesn't make it the "Smart" comedy many people seem to confuse it for. The characters are mediocre, and with exception of Howard remarkably bland, the show claims itself to be geeky humor but barelyThis show is WAY more liked than it deserves to be. It's vulgar, spiteful, generic and while sometimes "Ha-ha" funny, never really impressive. It's okay, I watch it when it's on but that doesn't make it the "Smart" comedy many people seem to confuse it for. The characters are mediocre, and with exception of Howard remarkably bland, the show claims itself to be geeky humor but barely understands what geeks are or what interests them to begin with (Little secret. We don't wander the streets playing elemental compound memorization games. That's just flat out stupid) and what concerns me is that it's become a household name. I've some relatives who don't allow their kids to watch "The Simpsons", a mildly edgy but overall heartwarming show that teaches everyone has flaws without coming off as cheesy. These same kids watch "The Big Bang Theory" under the illusion it is "smart humor". One friend even showed it with family because it was "educational". Really?

    Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the show. It's funny sometimes. I really love professor proton, and Howard has some fantastically clever quips about his mother and her remarkably girth. But that's all it is. Something stupid and edgy to laugh at. A dick joke, a racist joke, maybe a "nerds use big words" joke if you're lucky, and it's credits time. Admittedly it can be clever from time to time, but don't confuse it for a clever, or revolutionary show. It's kinda funny, it's pretty stupid, and it's most certainly not something you should be showing your kids.    … Expand
  8. ColinC
    Sep 25, 2007
    5
    A huge number of the "jokes" made me groan out loud. The "nerd" lingo that is plied so heavily throughout for laughs just isn't funny. That said, there were three jokes in the show that actually made me laugh out loud. The girl guides getting into the building, the joke the one guy made made about his future kids and his friend's comeback, and one other that's momentarily A huge number of the "jokes" made me groan out loud. The "nerd" lingo that is plied so heavily throughout for laughs just isn't funny. That said, there were three jokes in the show that actually made me laugh out loud. The girl guides getting into the building, the joke the one guy made made about his future kids and his friend's comeback, and one other that's momentarily escaping me as I write this (oh well.) Personally, I think this show could become much better if the writers would stop trying to beat us over the head with their "nerd" lingo and let their two main leads breathe a little more as real people. I may check in on this show again in 2 or 3 episodes to see if it's improved any.… Expand
  9. JM
    Sep 24, 2007
    4
    While it has its moments, the fact is that this show is laughing at these nerds, not with them. A straight-forward, mindless sitcom from a guy that should be able to do better than this. Now we know why this pilot was shot down last year.
  10. JRowan
    Oct 6, 2007
    5
    Entertaining and will keep on tuning in, but I haven't found it funny. It may be that I relate with the guys that I find it entertaining but not funny though. I get the humor, but it isn't funny to me.
  11. RachaelJ
    Feb 27, 2009
    5
    There's nothing wrong with it specifically but even jokes that should be funny just don't make me laugh. I think it's getting very tired very quickly.
  12. khan2705
    Mar 5, 2012
    6
    I will be very honest, as much as the characters in this show are very amusing, funny and comes off as hilarious in many places, the whole show entirely however is not very funny. The whole science/comic book nerds idea and their interactions with the real world and people should have been plain funny but the show relays so much on cheap jokes, bullying, stereotypes and overuse of the sameI will be very honest, as much as the characters in this show are very amusing, funny and comes off as hilarious in many places, the whole show entirely however is not very funny. The whole science/comic book nerds idea and their interactions with the real world and people should have been plain funny but the show relays so much on cheap jokes, bullying, stereotypes and overuse of the same old cliched laughs tactics. I think its 10 times better than Two and a Half Men but worst than the much funnier New Girl. I still find some parts of the show funny and nice to actually to sit everyday and finish this show and that includes the character of Sheldon Cooper.… Expand
  13. drlowdon
    Aug 24, 2018
    5
    Leonard and Sheldon (the very definition of “TV nerds”) live together in a small apartment and Penny (the very definition of the “hot dumb blonde”) moves in across the hall.

    One look at the people behind this show, that includes Two and a Half Men creator Chuck Lorre, gives a pretty good idea of what to expect from The Big Bang Theory. That is to say it’s a formulaic sit-com complete    Leonard and Sheldon (the very definition of “TV nerds”) live together in a small apartment and Penny (the very definition of the “hot dumb blonde”) moves in across the hall.

    One look at the people behind this show, that includes Two and a Half Men creator Chuck Lorre, gives a pretty good idea of what to expect from The Big Bang Theory. That is to say it’s a formulaic sit-com complete with outdated laugh track, albeit this one seeks to include as many references to “geek culture” as possible. To be completely fair there are some laughs to be found early on but the formula starts to wear pretty thin even before the end of this first season.....    … Expand
  14. mosconstein
    May 30, 2013
    6
    The show itself isn't so bad. The characters are funny in their own way, although they are very stereotyped (but maybe that's what make them fun). The real annoying thing in this show is the omnipresent audience laughter.
  15. eagleeyeviking
    Sep 26, 2016
    4
    Shoehorning pop culture references every time doesn't sell a show. The characters are entertaining no doubt and their chemistry is good, but the show itself isn't entertaining or funny. Watched 4 episodes and passed.
  16. DrSiko
    Dec 21, 2018
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I first heard about TBBT in 2010 by a geek coworker who praised it a lot. Since we share the same geeky hobbies I watched the three seasons together and it was original for that time. A group of young smart nerd people who struggle in everyday life chores and awkward social endeavors.

    Sheldon was an original character that time who was funny at first then it becomes so irritating season after another. Amy, his girlfriend, while she doesn't have the looks, is a very kind-hearted and warm person who doesn't deserve someone arrogant and selfish as Sheldon. She worked hard on changing him, which she particularly succeeded to as you can see Sheldon is becoming less awkward and demeaning, but he still has his ego so high he bullies and ridicules her work every other episode. Sheldon is just a selfish brat who wants a caretaker, from his mom who treats her badly and criticizes her beliefs to Leonard who had to deal with him for years before moving out, and now he can't live without Amy who uses her because she loves him. If Sheldon was a real person, I would punch him hard.

    Leonard is that (mostly normal) guy who was hitting on his above average and out of his league neighbor Penny and he could somehow make her his girlfriend. You can see later how pale and dry their relationship is which the writer rushed them into commitment and you see their story arc is done without any development. However, I see their story very true to life because there's nothing common between Leonard and Penny and they ended up a boring couple. Heck, you can see Kaley Cuocco's face (the actress as Penny) is bored and tired moving from one scene to another. You clearly see there is no intimacy at all between the couple later after season 5, not even a passionate kiss or cuddling, which clearly shows how the relationship was pushed on. If Leonard and Penny were real, Penny would definitely be cheating on Leonard with her exes and Chads, or with her boss at her job as a sales manager who she knows she's not good at her job but getting promotions.

    Howard may be the wittiest character between this herd but he later became the laughing stock of the group with everyone making him a joke, even his wife, Bernadette. She's always angry and shouting and yelling without or for very banal reasons. There's nothing likeable about her either with her immature behavior and doesn't cope well with the group. She even looks indifferent about the group and doesn't even like them and feels she's forced to be with them because of her husband, Howard.

    Raj is the worst character I have ever seen. He doesn't even act like a man. He's a wuss who is always reacting like a child and cannot take a decision by himself. He dated several gorgeous women who are definitely out of his league and he yet complained "he doesn't feel the love." It suits him right to be left many seasons without a girlfriend because he simply doesn't deserve but an arranged marriage from his homeland.

    I won't talk about the cringe laugh tracks we hear every 7 seconds. It's disrespectful to audience who spend time watching it and forcing them to laugh on unfunny sentences.

    What people keep asking is how this show is still airing. I would say money laundry hands down. Reading how much the actors earn for bad acting and what kind of lifestyle they live in raises too many questions. Don't compare this show to FRIENDS. FRIENDS had its ups and downs but it was a masterpiece in every episode and it ended gracefully.    … Expand
  17. royben14
    Apr 10, 2017
    5
    while i can appreciate the fun (cheesy but fun) concept and Simon Helberg's exquisite performance all the other actors are bad and the laugh track is distracting, but the writing isn't **** and i cant say that about the seasons that followed.
  18. WhiskeyStories
    Dec 1, 2017
    6
    Turn off your brain and take in this charming and very surface-level series with its highly unrealistic stock characters (Hollywoodised "nerds"), their unfunny and sometimes annoying dialogue and the underused potential of its accomplished actors who are just there to earn a fat fat paycheck. It's insanely overrated, but I'd be lying if I said it isn't a fun background noise with someTurn off your brain and take in this charming and very surface-level series with its highly unrealistic stock characters (Hollywoodised "nerds"), their unfunny and sometimes annoying dialogue and the underused potential of its accomplished actors who are just there to earn a fat fat paycheck. It's insanely overrated, but I'd be lying if I said it isn't a fun background noise with some genuinely enjoyable episodes.… Expand
  19. metta206
    Feb 20, 2018
    4
    A show for normies who want to laugh at nerd culture. Pretty bad. Watch Freaks and Geeks instead.
  20. Vectis99
    Oct 24, 2018
    4
    Mediocre, generic sitcom humor. Has some funny jokes sporadically but for the most part is an overwhelming mixture of uninteresting or annoying characters accompanied by canned laughter. The show attempts to appeal to a "nerd culture" which doesn't actually exist, forever streaming directly into an uncanny void.
  21. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 8, 2022
    4
    Off beat nerd comedy that provided a spotlight on an often ridiculed and ignored sub culture. Sheldon is endearing (to a limit) whilst Penny is an object for them to practice their misogynistic thoughts.

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best TV Season of 2007
2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2007
3
#3 Most Shared TV Season of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 23
  3. Negative: 4 out of 23
  1. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    80
    It may not be a creative breakthrough, but it's lots funnier than the universal equation would predict.
    Read full review
  2. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    50
    Standard setup? Sure. Standard execution? For the most part.
    Read full review
  3. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    40
    The show might even have been engaging, if the one-liners came less frequently and the characters had a little more dimension. As it is, Sheldon and Leonard are merely laughable, if sweet, and they are even less fleshed out than the characters on "Two and a Half Men."
    Read full review
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