Despite the rise of prestige TV in the 2010s, The Big Bang Theory continued its dominance on TV, and Jim Parsons has the answer why.
While the growing industry trends have led to a gradual decline in sitcoms’ popularity, which once dominated the small screen, this has done little to impact Chuck Lorre’s illustrious run as the king of sitcoms. Although Lorre has helmed several acclaimed shows, including Two and a Half Men and the recent Young Sheldon spin-off, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, nothing has come close to The Big Bang Theory‘s success.
As for what made the sitcom stand out from the rest of its peers, per Jim Parsons, it boiled down to the show’s structure, which didn’t prioritize viewers’ commitment to the entire show.
The Big Bang Theory didn’t require viewers’ full commitment
Following the success of The Sopranos and other shows that leaned towards telling an extended narrative, stretching over several seasons, prestige TV has become the focal point for most networks. From The Walking Dead to Breaking Bad, the 2010s were filled with stiff competition as a result of them. But despite the rise of prestige dramas, The Big Bang Theory continued its dominance, thanks to its contrasting nature.
Unlike the aforementioned shows, which needed viewers’ commitment from episode one, The Big Bang Theory didn’t require such dedication, as Jim Parsons explained (via Vulture), “You can enjoy our show without a weekly appointment”.
There’s not anything to keep up with. You don’t go, I didn’t see the first three seasons, and now they’re off with prostitutes, and they no longer work in the Mafia, and I don’t understand what happened. People have so many choices on TV now, so no one’s asking for you to marry us. You can enjoy our show without a weekly appointment
Unsurprisingly, the show’s simple approach that offered viewers easily digestible entertainment with its slice-of-life stories, which has been the motto for Lorre, contributed to its juggernaut status in the realm of TV. And as seen with its spin-offs, Young Sheldon and Mandy and George’s First Marriage, the TBBT showrunner’s formula remains as strong as ever.
The Jim Parsons-led show came close to cancellation with its pilot
Prior to cementing its status as one of the biggest sitcoms of the 21st century, The Big Bang Theory almost dropped the ball with its first pilot, which failed to wow the CBS heads, especially because of its original female lead. But instead of putting the kibosh on it, CBS’s then-entertainment chairwoman Nina Tassler put her complete faith in Lorre.
Chuck Lorre recalled (via Entertainment Weekly):
The miracle of this show is that we got an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and make it better. CBS called after the first pilot and asked if we could do it again and recast the female lead.
The second time would prove to be the charm, as Kaley Cuoco‘s casting kickstarted the sitcom’s dominance, and given the success of its recent spin-offs, other potential shows with TBBT characters don’t seem too far-fetched.
