The Big Bang Theory delivered countless memorable laughs, but even its creator, Chuck Lorre, has acknowledged the show had some rough moments. One storyline in particular—featuring Kaley Cuoco’s character, Penny, in the infamous “Serial Apeist” movie—missed the mark so widely that both fans and Cuoco herself felt the awkwardness.
While the show often leaned into quirky plotlines for comedic effect, “Serial Apeist” took things to an uncomfortable level. The episode portrays Penny struggling to break into acting by taking on a bizarre role in a low-budget horror movie, where she appears covered in fur and acts opposite a guy in a gorilla suit. Although the moment was meant to illustrate the hurdles Penny faced in her acting career, it ended up becoming one of the series’ most cringeworthy moments. Even Lorre later confessed, “It was not our finest moment,” showing that the discomfort wasn’t limited to Cuoco or her fans.
Cuoco’s Worst Filming Experience
Kaley Cuoco, who charmed fans as Penny, has been candid about how much she disliked filming “Serial Apeist.” Reflecting on the episode, she recalled, “The worst experience was filming Serial Apeist and getting covered in f—ing hair from head to toe. I was like, ‘Really, you guys? This is what’s happening?’” According to Cuoco, Lorre found humor in the scene at the time, but she never quite understood it. The experience left a lasting impression on her as one of the most challenging scenes she’s tackled.
Even Lorre, who typically took pride in the show’s offbeat humor, later admitted that the Serial Apeist scene fell short. The initial goal, Lorre explained, was to highlight Penny’s struggles as an aspiring actress forced to take on awkward and low-paying roles, which many actors face in real life. But even he recognized it didn’t come together quite as planned.
A Turning Point for Penny’s Character
Following the Serial Apeist fiasco, Penny’s storyline shifted significantly. She eventually left her acting ambitions behind and found success as a pharmaceutical sales representative, a role that gave her more confidence and financial stability. This change marked an evolution in her character, moving her away from the cliched “struggling actress” trope and allowing her to become a more well-rounded character on the show.
Though the “Serial Apeist” episode left many cringing, it’s a reminder that even fan-favorite shows like The Big Bang Theory sometimes miss the mark. Lorre’s honesty about the episode proves that every series has growing pains, and not every attempt at humor hits the right note.
Kaley Cuoco’s Return to Comedy in Based on a True Story
Fast forward to 2023, and Kaley Cuoco is back in a new comedic role as Ava in Peacock’s Based on a True Story. The second season of the series finds Ava humorously navigating motherhood and murder mysteries, balancing family life with local crime intrigue. In the latest trailer, Ava amusingly quips about “investigating” her toddler’s latest diaper mishap, injecting her signature humor into the quirky series.
The show’s second season promises even more laughter as Ava and her husband Nathan (Chris Messina) dive back into the world of true crime podcasting. Showrunner Annie Weisman praised Cuoco and Messina’s natural chemistry, promising an addictive mix of humor and suspense. With season two set to premiere on November 21, fans can look forward to seeing Cuoco in her element—no gorilla costumes in sight.
