When The Big Bang Theory wrapped up its 12-season run in 2019, fans were met with a mixture of emotions. While some were content with the series finale, others felt it didn’t quite deliver on all fronts. Among the points of contention was Penny’s storyline, leaving some viewers unsatisfied. Jim Parsons, who portrayed the iconic Sheldon Cooper, was well aware that no matter how the show ended, the finale would have critics.
Anticipating a Mixed Reception
In an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Parsons revealed he wasn’t surprised by the mixed response to the series finale. He had expected some level of criticism, understanding that it was an inevitable part of closing such a long-running and beloved show.
Parsons shared an insightful conversation he had with one of the show’s writers, in which he offered a reality check: “I said, ‘Look at it this way: You can’t get it right. It’s a series finale. Someone’s going to hate it.’” This frank assessment reflected the challenge of satisfying every fan after more than a decade of fan investment.
The Cast’s Relieved Reflections
Despite the inevitable critiques, the cast of The Big Bang Theory seemed pleased with how the finale turned out. Kaley Cuoco, who played Penny, admitted feeling anxious about the pressure of delivering a satisfying conclusion. “It was hard, we had a lot of anxieties about how this was going to go,” Cuoco confessed, emphasizing the emotional weight of the final episode.
Even so, she acknowledged the satisfaction they all felt once the finale aired. “I think they did it brilliantly,” Cuoco said, echoing Parsons’ sentiment. Both actors praised the writers for their thoughtful handling of the conclusion, expressing relief that it was done with care and skill.
Reflecting on the Emotional Farewells
The Big Bang Theory cast also opened up about the bittersweet final days on set. Cuoco described the experience as “bizarre” and “weird,” likening it to the last day of school, where the focus wasn’t on work but on cherishing the moments with coworkers. “You don’t really get a lot of work done… you’re kind of like taking pictures with people and crying,” she said.
Parsons recalled a touching tradition: the creation of a yearbook to commemorate the end of the series. “In the middle of the scene, they’d be like, ‘Cut… and the crew would come, ‘Could you sign my yearbook?’” he laughed. It was a small but meaningful gesture that helped make their final days on set even more memorable.
The experience of signing yearbooks and reflecting on the years spent together created a nostalgic and emotional atmosphere, marking the end of an era for the beloved sitcom. Despite the inevitable criticisms of the finale, the cast clearly valued the deep connections they had formed over the years, ensuring that the conclusion would remain a cherished moment for all involved.
