Although The Big Bang Theory’s main characters might seem quite consistent, re-watching the hit sitcom led me to realize that the show switched protagonists earlier than expected. The Big Bang Theory’s cast of characters is as memorable as the lineup from Friends, New Girl, or How I Met Your Mother, so it is no surprise that the Pasadena gang were some of television’s highest-paid actors by the time the show wrapped up its original run.
However, The Big Bang Theory’s finale focuses on one main character more than the rest of the gang, and it wasn’t necessarily the one that viewers might expect. When The Big Bang Theory originally began, the show was primarily focused on Johnny Galecki’s shy, geeky Leonard and his infatuation with his glamorous, sweet new neighbor, Kaley Cuoco’s Penny. Leonard’s attempts to woo Penny occupied most of The Big Bang Theory’s early episodes, while Jim Parsons’ Sheldon was a scene-stealing supporting star.
The Big Bang Theory’s Focus Shifted To Sheldon Once Amy Was Introduced
Jim Parsons’ Character Gained His Love Interest In Season 3’s FinaleHowever, as the very existence of The Big Bang Theory’s spinoff Young Sheldon proves, Parsons’ Sheldon eventually became the main character of The Big Bang Theory instead of Penny or Leonard. This shift happened gradually and slowly, but its eventual effects on the show were denied. In The Big Bang Theory’s finale, as Vulture’s Kathryn VonArendonk noted, Penny’s pregnancy is an afterthought, while Sheldon and Amy’s Novel Prize win is the main storyline.
Family Matters gradually became Urkel’s show, while early seasons of The Simpsons focused on Bart as their main protagonist, rather than his father Homer.
This shift won’t be unfamiliar to fans of sitcoms, as many shows have ended up focusing on their breakout stars instead of their original heroes. Family Matters gradually became Urkel’s show, while early seasons of The Simpsons focused on Bart as their main protagonist, rather than his father Homer. However, what I found striking upon a re-watch of the entire series was just how early this change came into being.
Sheldon’s Breakout Character Status Eventually Made Him The Big Bang Theory’s Main Character
The Big Bang Theory’s Early Seasons Focused On Leonard and Penny’s Romance
Although all The Big Bang Theory’s characters were central to the sitcom’s success, Amy’s arrival was what made Sheldon the show’s main character from season 4 onward. As shocking as it may sound, a solid two-thirds of The Big Bang Theory’s 12 seasons were mostly focused on Sheldon. After all, Penny and Leonard’s love story was already heading toward its inevitable conclusion by the time Amy arrived in season 3, episode 23, “The Lunar Excitation.”
Admittedly, this is a slight over-simplification. Leonard and Penny continued to date other people during season 4 before reconciling romantically in season 5. However, by season 6 Penny had said “I love you” to Leonard and, by season 7, the pair were engaged. Throughout the romantic rest of the series, the serious storylines belong to Amy and Sheldon since both Leonard and Penny and The Big Bang Theory’s second major couple Howard and Bernadette are both happily married.
The Majority of The Big Bang Theory’s 12 Seasons Centered On Sheldon
Leonard and Penny’s “Will They Won’t They” Story Was Resolved Early On
Compared to Friends or How I Met Your Mother, where the central couple’s love story was only resolved in the series finale, The Big Bang Theory brought Leonard and Penny together surprisingly early. This was a conscious decision that allowed the show to signify that its remaining seasons would focus on humanizing Sheldon instead of exploring the original main couple further.
The Big Bang Theory’s focus moved from Leonard and Penny to Sheldon, since Sheldon had more growing up to do, so he made for a more engaging protagonist. As such, it is not a shock that most of the show’s seasons center on his relationship with Amy rather than Penny and Leonard’s life together. That said, it is still striking to realize just how early the show’s breakout character became its de facto protagonist, and just how many of The Big Bang Theory’s 12 seasons were dedicated to focusing on Sheldon.
