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. austinbond
    Sep 23, 2010
    10
    Although it can sometimes feel like jokes are repeated, the show is a shining example of geek culture, full of funny comic, movie and video game references that young people, like me, will lap up.
  2. marc5477
    Jan 23, 2015
    9
    Easily my favorite show of all time. For the record, it has started to get stale and also I dont particularly care for Penny. I think Penny would have been better as a side character fantasy rather than part of the group because she is dull and frankly, Leonards love interest in her is asinine but I suppose it has been tolerable.

    As a point of interest, I am definitely a nerd with 2 BS    Easily my favorite show of all time. For the record, it has started to get stale and also I dont particularly care for Penny. I think Penny would have been better as a side character fantasy rather than part of the group because she is dull and frankly, Leonards love interest in her is asinine but I suppose it has been tolerable.

    As a point of interest, I am definitely a nerd with 2 BS degrees in sciences, and 5 AS degrees (because I got bored), and I have a hobby room filled with comics, & video games. I find that the guys in this show are a good example of what nerds/geeks are really like. Of course, they take the characteristics of a nerd to an extreme but believe it or not, real nerds do a lot of the things you see in this show (at various points in a nerds life). Each character exemplifies an extreme aspect of a nerd. For instance, Howard has no self esteem due to social pressures about his way of living and his looks. Sheldon is the analytic aspect taken to an extreme. Raj is the mopey aspect, and Leonard is the part that wants to conform. For the most part, a real nerd is all of them combined but it is funny to see each aspect act separately. Its almost like the infighting that takes place in the head.

    I do feel like the show started losing itself when the girls started playing a bigger part in the show. I do love Bernadette and Amy but Penny is very tiring and would not have been an interest to any nerd after a few dates. She is just too boring (and infuriating if she were real), to consider for a serious relationship. That said, the show was more fun when it was less focused on relationships and more on nerd lifestyle. I suppose that they needed to change things up a bit to avoid getting stale but I hope they go back to their roots eventually.

    Still, I have never enjoyed a show more than this one and I go back to the 80's.    … Expand
  3. NYcritic
    May 21, 2013
    8
    The big bang theory is one of the funniest sitcoms since NBC's Friends. It does not have much story but it is certainly the funniest t.v shows on CBS, beating "How I Met Your Mother" & "Two and a half men" by a huge margin in its number of viewers. The first season might seem a bit slow but in the second season the writing becomes much better.
  4. AlfredoO.
    Nov 10, 2007
    10
    The thing about this show, is that all of us geeks can identify with it and laugh.
  5. JamesU
    Apr 30, 2009
    10
    This is a wonderfully written comedy, if you understand the science behind it.
  6. markc.
    Oct 6, 2007
    9
    Had some really laugh out loud times.
  7. AlexanderJ.
    Feb 6, 2008
    10
    Funny. I like the fact that you actually have to pay attention to what the characters are saying. Jokes for people with an IQ larger than their shoe size
  8. KellyH.
    Nov 19, 2007
    9
    I have several physicist friends.The show makes me laugh . The portrayal of the physicists life styles is humorously accurate. Keep the episodes coming, I'm hooked.
  9. KimberlyS
    May 17, 2009
    10
    This show rocks. As a self proclaimed nerd, I relate to many of the jokes. The writing and casting for this show is amazing. Although I like each of the characters, Sheldon steals the show.
  10. pisapiag
    Nov 15, 2013
    9
    If you're a Jersey Shore fan, stay away from this sitcom. This one deals with a mature and intelligent audience that knows how to laugh at themselves.
  11. rabbitbert
    Dec 13, 2010
    9
    The Big Bang Theory is the easily the best and funniest sitcom since a long time. It has new ideas, has something for geeks but also normal viewers (I showed it to friends who are in no way a geek shown in TBBT) and almost every scene is absolutely funny. Sometimes jaw-dropping funny. Sitting there and thinking: "Did he really say what I just heard?"
    The first season shows something new,    The Big Bang Theory is the easily the best and funniest sitcom since a long time. It has new ideas, has something for geeks but also normal viewers (I showed it to friends who are in no way a geek shown in TBBT) and almost every scene is absolutely funny. Sometimes jaw-dropping funny. Sitting there and thinking: "Did he really say what I just heard?"
    The first season shows something new, the next seasons are even better.
    I can accept that some people may have a problem with the geeky stuff, the long sentences and to understand what is meant, but I cannot accept that this is not funny at all. Those who write that just want to put the ratings down. Really, nothing more than that. How can one give less than 5 points for this? Sorry, I won't see which sitcoms you rate higher.
    Sheldon is the most intimidating geek ever seen on TV, the others are not far behind. The only issue I have at the moment is that most jokes base on sexual relationships or intersexual behaviour.

    Some episodes are almost classics. Great unique episodes you will never forget and you do not experience watching other sitcoms.    … Expand
  12. MM.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    This show is aimed for the above-average crowd, if your in to cars, babes, action and hard abs, skip this because you wont understand it. Besides being misunderstood, this is a fantastic new sitcom.
  13. IsabelP.
    May 5, 2008
    10
    This is the funniest and smartest thing that television has shown in decades. The irony used in the show is so brilliant and so well written between smart jokes and scientifically facts that the average American is curse never to get it (and probably hates the show) but this is an original, intelligent and fascinating series that I can't not wait to see every week. Let's just This is the funniest and smartest thing that television has shown in decades. The irony used in the show is so brilliant and so well written between smart jokes and scientifically facts that the average American is curse never to get it (and probably hates the show) but this is an original, intelligent and fascinating series that I can't not wait to see every week. Let's just hope CBS does not compromise to keep the era of "The OC" and "Reality TV CRAP" let's them get this wonderful show of the air… Expand
  14. RobertW
    Mar 15, 2009
    10
    The first American show ever to have really advanced jokes, sure they often mix the jokes with pure stupidity but if you actually know a bit of quantum theory (not many does) the jokes get about 5 times as good. Unfortunately the show more or less falls flatt in many cases since the average person won't be able to get jokes about theoretical physics. But for us nerds out there, this The first American show ever to have really advanced jokes, sure they often mix the jokes with pure stupidity but if you actually know a bit of quantum theory (not many does) the jokes get about 5 times as good. Unfortunately the show more or less falls flatt in many cases since the average person won't be able to get jokes about theoretical physics. But for us nerds out there, this is pure gold.… Expand
  15. JenniferR.
    Oct 2, 2007
    10
    Funniest show on TV since "Third Rock from the Sun." Good intellectual humor!
  16. OscarPicks2010
    Dec 19, 2010
    10
    The first and second season demonstrates how even a geeky, nerdy, and sex-desperate bunch of guys can be hella fun. The Big Bang Theory shows more promise than any other sitcoms out there right now. The show gave Jim Parsons a chance to show off his unlikable but likable at the same time, face. What a great show!
  17. JohnG.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Great humor which points out the differences between the people in our society who take on higher pursuits and the rest of us. Very intelligent comedy.
  18. JustinM
    Apr 10, 2010
    9
    Intelligent, science jokes are a welcome break from the typical mindless plebeian jokes seen on virtually every other sitcom now and in the past, beside perhaps Frasier - in fact, thinking on it, The Big Bang Theory is a less pretentious Frasier for the science inclined.
  19. Oxcart
    May 5, 2013
    10
    This is one of the most original comedy series ever put on TV, and definitely the most original in the current "reality" show laden lineups. TBBT is an exploration of a lot of modern life: geek culture, relationship defectiveness on both sides of the gender fence, career oddities, egos, and general weirdness. Following the (often mis-)adventures of four geeks and one slightly-below-normalThis is one of the most original comedy series ever put on TV, and definitely the most original in the current "reality" show laden lineups. TBBT is an exploration of a lot of modern life: geek culture, relationship defectiveness on both sides of the gender fence, career oddities, egos, and general weirdness. Following the (often mis-)adventures of four geeks and one slightly-below-normal neighbor, later joined by two highly intelligent women, TBBT is all about the interactions of people who are book smart with the world. The characters are believable and you can relate to them (even though six out of the seven are geniuses). The comedic writing and timing are bang on, and even rewatching episodes will still pull laughs out of you in part because although it may cover similar subjects, it always does it in a new way. How many ways can someone with a 160 IQ screw up a relationship? A lot, and they're all funny. If the idea of smart-funny is your cup of tea (like Castle or, less funny, Bones), Big Bang Theory is for you. It's one of those "I've just had a lousy day and want to be happy now" shows; the kind you can turn to for a lighthearted pick-me-up when you need it most. The Big Bang Theory solidly earns a 10 from me, with high hopes that it will continue.… Expand
  20. Guido
    Jan 22, 2012
    10
    This show shows the appetite of the masses is for junk food.Just a lame show with canned laughter which makes it even worse. Bring back Archie Bunker or the Honeymooners.. They were funny..
  21. Elliiot123
    May 8, 2012
    7
    The first series gets off to a shaky start, but as the series gets deeper into the lives of the characters, you get to know them a lot more which helps with the humour in the sitcom.
  22. tilde
    May 30, 2014
    9
    Bazinga!
    This show is hilarious and the cast really make a HUGE difference. Everyone loves Sheldon and his classic pranks, plus Penny(Kaley Cuoco) is hot.

    The Big Bang Theory is intellectual, as well as funny.
  23. SusS
    Sep 2, 2009
    10
    Funniest new show in many years! Well written! Well cast!
  24. JerryR
    May 14, 2008
    10
    Hilarious show - nerd-comedy is over the top but hilarious!
  25. Rebecca
    Oct 17, 2007
    10
    Love it. My husband and I love this new show. Please keep it on the air.
  26. ETV
    Apr 21, 2012
    10
    Love This Show. The first season is a lot better than other shows. You have to watch.... You'll be addicted. I adore Sheldon... And of course his relationship with Penny. It just gets better
  27. CheriP.
    Oct 17, 2007
    10
    This is the first show in a long time that I actually care enough to pay attention to when it is on. Love it.
  28. TomB
    Oct 20, 2009
    9
    Critics can pound sand. This is a great show.
  29. GavGav96
    Dec 3, 2010
    8
    When compared to such sitcoms as 'Friends', this refreshing piece of work may not seem so emotionally gripping, however 'The Big Bang Theory' has enough originality, side-splitting jokes, and bravery in surprising the viewer in a humorous fashion.
  30. BrittanyLee
    Aug 10, 2011
    10
    This is one of my favorite shows as a student. Many people don't really understand the humor incorporated into this TV show, but that doesn't give you a right to say it's a bad show. Think about it this way, you're still in grade school and still innocently pure and one day someone tells a dirty joke and everybody laughs. Now, you don't get it, and you automatically perceive it as a "badThis is one of my favorite shows as a student. Many people don't really understand the humor incorporated into this TV show, but that doesn't give you a right to say it's a bad show. Think about it this way, you're still in grade school and still innocently pure and one day someone tells a dirty joke and everybody laughs. Now, you don't get it, and you automatically perceive it as a "bad joke" because you couldn't get the punch line. That's all I have to say about the humor. I, myself, honestly love it. It's very unique and has its own taste unlike the generic running gags of the many other sitcoms that exist.

    Now, I have some things to say about the poorly written reviews given by the critics.

    Maureen Ryan; Hi. I'm sorry, but does every TV Show have to be about characters who love each other all the time? In every little clique out there, and this is the truth, there has to be that ONE person we all hate. Dane Cook even said it himself. It's what makes everything funnier. We all pick at the guy, we laugh and make jokes behind his back, because as human beings we take joy in stepping on others. I'm not saying it's the right thing to do, but it's the truth right? And it's funny, admit it. It's just a show with a character with a very unusual personality that contrasts the popular opinion on the sleek, funny guy who says the best punchlines and dirty jokes. I personally believe Sheldon was one of the reasons why this show is a success!

    To Alan Sepinwall and Mike Duffy, I'm pretty sure the both of you choose the books with the best covers to read unless they're timeless classics or are critically acclaimed. TV Shows are like books. You can't judge them by their pilot episode. Remember that before you write a one line review that doesn't help define the interior of what you hated in the show. Sure, first impressions last, but do all the greatest people on Earth start out with an amazing background, family life, and education? Are you saying that because the pilot was uninteresting to you, you just automatically decide the show couldn't improve? Or that the writers have a surprise for you? Mr. Duffy, if you actually continued to watch the show before writing your first review, you would know that Jim Parson's characters doesn't even lust after Kaley Cuoco's character. But you didn't! Because you, like Mr. Sepinwall, judged The Big Bang Theory by its pilot and hated it. I sure hope you don't do that for all the TV Shows you review. What could be the greatest shows on earth don't deserve the low ratings they have based on one little pilot.

    Don't get the humor? That's cool, this show is probably a little to intellectual for your taste. Offensive and stereotypical? Um, mostly all shows are offensive and stereotypical. There's going to be offensive stuff out there in the world. You can't stop satirical comedy. Just deal with it. The Big Bang Theory really can't be compared to any other show. It's its own genre, its own kind of humor, and its own lovable characters.    … Expand
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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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