Why Penny’s ex Zack Johnson deserves a comeback in Chuck Lorre’s new spin-off of the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory.
The new spin-off of Chuck Lorre’s The Big Bang Theory has left fans anticipating what characters will potentially return in the new season after the showrunner extended Sheldon’s story in a prequel spin-off. With the news of a new spin-off fans of the show have shared their hopes for revisiting familiar faces.
Among the many beloved characters, one who truly deserves a comeback in the spin-off is Penny’s ex, Zack Johnson. The gullible yet endearing character, often portrayed as intellectually inferior to the main group, and even Penny at times, would be a fantastic addition to the new series.
Zack Johnson deserves a comeback in the new The Big Bang Theory spin-off
Season 3 of the hit CBS sitcom introduces Brian Thomas Smith as Zack Johnson. And despite his limited appearances in The Big Bang Theory, (Kaley Cuoco) Penny’s goofy and gullible ex-boyfriend has long been a fan favorite.
The character with a loveable and lighthearted personality with an earnest nature brought a refreshing dynamic to the show, contrasting sharply with the highly intellectual yet often socially awkward main cast.
Fans have consistently praised Zack in online discussions, with a notable Reddit post signaling him out as one of the most good-natured and beloved supporting characters of the series. His interaction with the rest of the group, where he is often portrayed as less intellectually sharp, is highlighted for their quirks.
And though he occasionally came across as dim-witted, his genuine and authentic personality made him impossible to dislike. Unlike Jim Parsons’s genius, Zack’s character managed to strike a balance between comedic relief and heartfelt sincerity, which allowed him to stand out even with only 11 episodes to his name.
Details about the new spin-off remain vague, with reports hinting at the potential return to Kevin Sussman’s Stuart Bloom alongside Denise and Bert Kibbler. However, no specific characters have been officially confirmed for the project.
And while fans continue to hope to see their favorite characters like Penny, Leonard, and Raj, it would be very interesting to see Zack returning to the spin-off. If the series focuses on Stuart, Zack’s connection to the comic book store owner, established in Season 4’s episode The Justice League Recombination, could be a natural entry point for his reappearance.
Bringing the unique character would not only tap into fan nostalgia but also reintroduce a character whose warmth and humor could enrich the story, no matter its focus. Whether as a recurring guest or a more central figure, Zack’s return would surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Brian Thomas Smith reflected on becoming fan-favorite Zack Johnson in The Big Bang Theory
Brian Thomas Smith made a total of 11 appearances throughout its long run and has since become one of the most memorable performances of the character. Reflecting on his time on the sitcom, Smith revealed that he was initially cast as a guest star for the Season 3 finale. Speaking to VoyageLA, he said,
I booked a guest star for the season three finale. I had never seen an episode of the show, not many people had. Little did I know that this show about nerd culture would become the number one comedy on television and run for twelve seasons.
Although originally intended for a one-time role, Smith’s portrayal of Zack as a lovable and dim-witted character impressed the producers, earning him recurring appearances in several humorous episodes over nine seasons. “It’s cool getting recognized for my role on that show by fans,” he said.
In addition to The Big Bang Theory, Smith has made guest appearances on other popular shows, including Fear Factor, Two and a Half Men, Happy Endings, The Neighborhood, 9-1-1: Lone Star, and United States of Al.
