On August 22, 2018, Warner Bros. made an announcement that shook the TV world—The Big Bang Theory was ending after 12 seasons. As the longest-running multi-camera sitcom in history, fans expected it to continue. Even the cast had signed on for two more seasons back in 2017. So, what changed?
The answer came down to one person: Jim Parsons. Despite the show’s massive success, he was ready to move on, even walking away from a potential $50 million payday. His decision left co-stars stunned. Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki admitted they felt “blindsided”, while Mayim Bialik later revealed the show ended for “reasons the public doesn’t know about.” Meanwhile, creator Chuck Lorre described himself as “grief-stricken”, watching the show come to a close after over a decade of laughter.
For Parsons, it was deeply personal. That summer, while performing on Broadway, he lost his beloved dog, Otis, whom he had since childhood. The loss gave him clarity. “Otis was this emblem, basically representative of me and Todd, our time together, and all these major life events. His passing brought a sense of clarity for me… I was ready to get out of the security of the show and find out what was next.”
Simon Helberg supported Parsons’ decision, admitting, “We felt like season twelve was the end of the run. That didn’t mean we expected the show to end, but the feeling to move on was totally genuine.”
Though the decision was bittersweet, one thing is certain—The Big Bang Theory left a lasting impact on television and in the hearts of millions. After all, as Sheldon would say, “It’s the end of an era, but not the end of the universe.”
Credits to Jessica Radloff’s Big Bang Theory book for the quotes!
