Kaley Cuoco has nothing but great things to say about her time in The Big Bang Theory, and it’s the reason why Penny’s return in the new spinoff is entirely possible. Despite its continued popularity, The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019 with an emotional send-off to the Pasadena gang that was largely satisfying. Sheldon achieved his biggest goal — to win the Nobel Prize in Physics, with his work in tandem with Amy. Meanwhile, the rest of his friends rally behind them, although they, too, had their respective storylines.
It’s no secret that one of, if not the most divisive aspects of The Big Bang Theory finale is Penny’s pregnancy reveal, after she insisted that she didn’t want to have kids. After stagnating her and Leonard’s collective storyline for years, the CBS sitcom scrambled to come up with a conflict for the pair’s final narrative. Ultimately, the send-off featured a surprise twist that not only was she expecting, she was also happy about it. This wasn’t the first time that The Big Bang Theory shortchanged Penny, however — something that people involved in the series retroactively acknowledged.
Kaley Cuoco Has Nothing But Fond Memories Of Her Time Doing The Big Bang Theory
Cuoco Loves Her Time As Penny, Despite Problems With Handling Of The Character
Despite this, Cuoco has nothing but good things to say about The Big Bang Theory. In an interview in 2024, she reminisced on her time playing Penny for 12 seasons in the hit comedy. At this point, the actor has also expressed her disappointment over pregnancy twist about her character, while some of the creatives behind the series admitted to regretting some of the decisions they made regarding the character, especially in its earlier years. Still, Cuoco remains grateful for being able to play Penny. Read her full quote below:
I spent 12 years playing that role, and it really set off my career. I owe a lot to that character, to that show, to [creator] Chuck Lorre. It was some of the best years of my life, and some of the most fun I’ve ever had. I would absolutely reprise that role. 100%. I love that character, and I always will.
It’s no secret that The Big Bang Theory ended not because there was a lack of interest from the public or because the cast collectively decided to walk away. Instead, it starts with Jim Parsons’ decision to not continue as Sheldon past season 12. This creates a brief conflict between him and Cucoco, who still wants to continue the series. However, realizing that Sheldon was such a big part of the sitcom, everyone chose to wrap The Big Bang Theory with a complete ensemble.
Cuoco’s The Big Bang Theory’s Experience Makes Penny’s Spinoff Return More Possible
Stuart Fails To Save The Universe Takes Place After The Big Bang Theory
Among the cast of The Big Bang Theory, Cuoco was the first one to get her career going after the sitcom. She already had HBO’s The Flight Attendant lined up before the comedy even wrapped up, and subsequently starred in a few more series since then.
Meanwhile, Chuck Lorre’s franchise thrives thanks to its spinoffs, including its first sequel show, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe. While Cuoco has missed the chance to reprise Penny in Young Sheldon, and it’s impossible to incorporate her into Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Kevin Sussman’s new series is her best bet for returning.
Penny coming back for a cameo in Stuart Fails To Save The Universe will be a huge boost for the newest installment of The Big Bang Theory franchise. Considering Cuoco’s comment, it’s safe to say that it wouldn’t be difficult to invite her to make an appearance if Lorre and his team find a way to incorporate her character into the show.
Why Penny Needs To Appear In Stuart Fails To Save The Universe (Even If It’s Just Her)
What’s Going On With Leonard?
The risk of featuring Penny in Stuart Fails To Save The Universe is that it opens up questions about the rest of the Pasadena gang. Assuming that The Big Bang Theory spinoff is still based in Pasadena, it would be odd to not see Sheldon and the boys visiting the comic bookshop, but the show could feature Cuoco’s character.
However, if Lorre and the writers can find a way to explain this, it’s still worth doing. The Young Sheldon finale floated the idea that Leonard may be dead. Since Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage takes place in the past, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe may be the only chance for the franchise to address The Big Bang Theory franchise mystery.
