The Big Bang Theory elevated the genre of American sitcom during its unparalleled 12-year run, but for Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki, it was another saga entirely.
SUMMARY
– The Big Bang Theory created a niche genre of television that made the nerd culture phenomenon popular around the world.
– Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki’s secret relationship failed to escape the attention of showrunner Chuck Lorre.
– Chuck Lorre’s clever prank on Cuoco and Galecki made the actress love the comedic genius even more.
The Big Bang Theory has allowed its fans to enjoy a certain amount of hilariously entertaining respite over 12 years of its airing. The network sitcom may have broken all kinds of records, and even established a few within that time, but none shines through more than the wonderful bond between the main cast members.
In a case of life resembling art, one famous on-screen couple from The Big Bang Theory ended up dating in real life as well. However, time and other complexities gradually drove them apart. Meanwhile, the creator of the show, Chuck Lorre knew just the right recipe to lift the mood of his stars to deliver a steady consistency in the quality of his show.
Life Imitates Art in The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory established itself in 2007, a year that marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between the audience and the socially awkward nerds of the series. However, beyond the scope of its mathematical and scientific arc, The Big Bang Theory was renowned for harboring one of the most epic sitcom couples on television.
Portrayed by Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki in the roles of Penny and Leonard respectively, their love story endured numerous hurdles and inspired countless fans throughout the 12 seasons. However, before Penny and Leonard could find their way to each other, their real-life counterparts began dating shortly after the series premiere in 2007, eventually falling in love, and splitting up 2 years later.
Unfortunately for Cuoco and Galecki, their secret rendezvous did not escape the notice of Chuck Lorre, who devised new storylines for their on-screen characters as a prank to make the pair uncomfortable in each other’s presence.
All-Seeing, All-Knowing Chuck Lorre Pulls a Prank
Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki’s break-up was swiftly followed by the on-screen match-up of Penny and Leonard in the third season of The Big Bang Theory. But to brush it off as mere coincidence would be an insult to the clever and scheming mind of Chuck Lorre. Determined to teach those two a lesson, Lorre launched Leonard and Penny as a full-blown couple in 2009.
However, Kaley Cuoco wasn’t entirely oblivious to what was going on behind the scenes as well. During an appearance on the Armchair Expert podcast in 2020, Cuoco revealed:
When we broke up, obviously, it was a little sensitive for a minute. But I remember those weeks that Chuck had written these episodes where all of a sudden, our characters were like sleeping together every other second. And Johnny and I would talk, I’m like, ‘No, but I think he did that on purpose.’
But while such a cruel prank would deter any other person in Cuoco’s shoes, the actress was far from annoyed with Lorre. In fact, she admitted, “It makes me love him even more.” Meanwhile, Galecki and Cuoco continue to remain great friends even beyond their Big Bang Theory days.
