Ahead of the show’s return on January 14, two new preview images from Night Court season 3 have teased a reunion between Melissa Rauch and a fellow Big Bang Theory alumni. The NBC sitcom revived the 1980s series for a new generation, with Rauch taking on the role of New York City Judge Abby Stone as she becomes the magistrate assigned to Manhattan Criminal Court’s night shift. Rauch previously starred in The Big Bang Theory as Bernadette Rotenkowski-Wolowitz with a PhD in microbiology who joined the show in season 3, becoming a main character in the following season.
With Night Court set to return after a seasonal hiatus, Entertainment Weekly has revealed both images and a new clip from season 3’s fifth episode, including its highly-anticipated Big Bang Theory reunion. Per the episode’s title, “Mayim Worst Enemy” will see Rauch reunite with Mayim Bialik, who portrayed Amy Farrah Fowler in The Big Bang Theory, with the guest star playing a fictionalized version of herself brought to the courtroom. While Abby is delighted after being a confessed fan of Bialik’s breakout sitcom Blossom, she soon begins to question whether the star may have her obsession with the Judge.
The preview featured the two images above from the episode with Rauch as Abby, Bialik as herself, and Wendie Malick as Julianne Walters. Alongside the two images, the clip included sees Rauch introducing the episode and welcoming Bialik to the world of Night Court. Alongside brief clips of the lead talking about Bialik’s involvement, the video also teased Bialik’s first scene in the episode as she meets a starstruck Abby.
What Night Court Season 3’s Big Bang Theory Reunion Means For Bialik’s Role
The Pair’s Original Dynamic Featured A Slow Development
While they would become close friends throughout the series, Rauch and Bialik’s The Big Bang Theory characters did not make the best first impressions on each other. The socially awkward, incredibly introverted, and stoic Amy saw Bernadette as a rival for her mutual friend Penny’s (Kaley Cuoco) best friend position, despite Amy joining the trio later. As the show went on, the two had more opportunities to bond, such as their trip to Las Vegas when Penny was left overwhelmed by work in her hotel room, which helped them grow closer, even without their mutual acquaintance.
The Big Bang Theory ends on a high note, with Sheldon and the rest of the Pasadena gang going on to live great lives after the show wrapped up.
From the teased tensions between Abby and the fictionalized Bialik, it appears that Night Court’s dynamic between the two actors will see the pair act similarly to their earlier experiences on The Big Bang Theory. However, with Bialik’s fictional self fixated on Abby, their dynamic will still offer the pair a new opportunity to show another side to their chemistry.
Our Take On Night Court’s Latest Big Bang Theory Reunion
Bialik Is Not The Only Star To Reunite With Rauch
Bialik is currently the second actor from The Big Bang Theory to reunite with Rauch in Night Court. Kunal Nayyar, who portrayed core character Raj Koothrrapali in the long-running sitcom, appeared in season 2 as Martini Todd Wallace, a short-lived love interest to Abby. While a vastly different dynamic to their Big Bang Theory counterparts, the series still offered nods to their prior show together.
Several Big Bang Theory stars have visited the revival of Night Court since Big Bang Theory alum Melissa Rauch landed the leading role.
As such, Bialik’s arrival in Night Court is sure to bring nostalgic Big Bang Theory fans to the NBC sitcom. Alongside a unique premise that could offer plenty of nods through Bialik playing herself, many fans may be eager to see the duo play a different dynamic.
