Although the plans for The Big Bang Theory’s upcoming spinoff are not yet clear, the series could address one of the biggest flaws of the original show via one major change. The Big Bang Theory‘s cast of characters made the sitcom a success, but critics weren’t always impressed with the series. Some reviewers complained that the antics of Sheldon, Penny, and Leonard were too predictable and repetitive, while others had more substantial issues with the show’s relationships. While The Big Bang Theory’s finale gave everyone a happy ending, their journeys to this point were undeniably imperfect.
According to critics, The Big Bang Theory treated some behavior and relationship dynamics as harmless and funny despite their dark real-life implications. As a sitcom, viewers hardly expected The Big Bang Theory to be a reflection of reality or a guide to good behavior. However, there were some moments and storylines that excused or normalized the actions of the show’s heroes despite their negative impact on other characters. While The Big Bang Theory’s second spinoff, Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage, will center on Young Sheldon characters, the show’s next follow-up can finally address these longstanding issues head-on.
An All-Female Big Bang Theory Spinoff Series Would Be Perfect
Chuck Lorre Already Teased A Second Big Bang Theory Spinoff Series
A gender-flipped follow-up to The Big Bang Theory would solve a lot of the show’s problems by introducing viewers to a new set of female nerds struggling with many of the issues that Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, and Raj faced. Since The Big Bang Theory came under fire for mistreating its female characters, this would be an opportunity for the series to redress the balance. Leonard’s pining for Penny and Howard’s sexist comments are dated and cringeworthy upon a re-watch. Since creator Chuck Lorre already announced an upcoming Big Bang Theory spinoff, an all-female reboot of the show could fix this.
A female take on The Big Bang Theory could reveal that the show’s new quartet of gender-flipped nerds are just as quick to objectify every man they encounter and just as obsessed with sex as Raj, Leonard, and Howard were. Alternatively, the series could underline the way in which these geeky heroines differ from the original show’s heroes. It would be interesting to see whether a female nerd and a male ditz could share a relationship like The Big Bang Theory’s Penny and Sheldon, repeatedly insulting each other over their perceived shortcomings but ultimately growing to develop a mutual respect.
A Female Version Of The Big Bang Theory Addresses A Major Criticism
The Big Bang Theory’s Toxic Relationships Were Accused Of Misogyny
Whether it was Penny apologizing to Howard for calling out his sleaziness, Howard expecting Bernadette to quit work after having kids, or Raj’s entire character arc, The Big Bang Theory was frequently accused of excusing sexist attitudes. Some of the most egregious instances of this, like Raj and Howard using military technology to spy on models in their changing rooms, were almost too outlandish to be offensive. However, many of them were unpleasantly banal on a re-watch. In particular, Penny criticizing Howard for spying on her with a camera in a teddy bear was a valid response to an invasion of privacy.
That Penny was expected to apologize for this later in the episode highlights how lopsided the show’s priorities were in early seasons. Howard did become less sleazy, but The Big Bang Theory’s lowest-rated episode proves that the show never really gave its female characters a break. As late as season 10, episode 22, “The Cognition Regeneration,” the series presented Leonard as a voice of reason when he discouraged Penny from taking a promising new job because it involved her working with her ex. Even though Leonard cheated on Penny and Penny never betrayed him, his distrust was still seen as justified.
A Gender-Flipped Sequel Series Would Diversify The Show’s Universe
The Big Bang Theory’s Spinoff Could Focus On Female Nerds
The Big Bang Theory ’s gender-flipped reboot could prove that the female equivalents of the original show’s lovably nerdy heroes are just as likable and funny as Raj, Leonard, Sheldon, and Howard.
While they are gradually growing more visible in media thanks to New Girl, PEN15, and Booksmart, female nerds remain an exception to the rule in movies and TV shows. On the rare occasions when socially maladroit female characters are depicted, they tend to be played by conventionally attractive actors and undergo a makeover montage by the end of their story. In contrast, The Big Bang Theory’s gender-flipped reboot could prove that the female equivalents of the original show’s lovably nerdy heroes are just as likable and funny as Raj, Leonard, Sheldon, and Howard. This could make up for The Big Bang Theory’s shortcomings.
While The Big Bang Theory’s first spinoff made the mistake of setting its action before the original series, its next follow-up should avoid resting on its laurels. The original hit sitcom normalized geek culture by making heroes out of characters who obsessed over comic books, loved Star Trek, and cared about obscure tech trivia. However, it also offered little in the way of representation for women in these spaces. Even Bernadette and Amy, who were both accomplished scientists, weren’t interested in many of the typically geeky pursuits that Sheldon and Howard loved. Meanwhile, Penny remained the girl next door.
The Big Bang Theory’s Spinoff Needs To Change The Original Formula
The Hit Sitcom’s Relationship Dynamics Haven’t Aged Well
Although Penny occasionally displayed some knowledge of geek culture, this was always portrayed as a surprise or a result of her relationship with Leonard. More broadly, Leonard’s possessiveness and distrust towards Penny was the sort of cringe-worthy dynamic that a follow-up needs to deconstruct. Leonard’s view of himself as a nice guy who finishes last allows him to cheat on not only Penny, but also an earlier love interest, while forgiving himself for these indiscretions. These were some of Leonard’s worst moments in The Big Bang Theory, and a follow-up series could change the original show’s formula by flipping this script.
If The Big Bang Theory’s next spinoff featured a geeky heroine who went to extremes to woo her attractive male neighbor, the show could satirize the original series while poking fun at its faults. A female version of Sheldon who believed that men were biologically less capable of rational thought than women (as Sheldon repeatedly stated about women) could be a hilarious, subversive re-imagining of the insufferable genius archetype. Meanwhile, a female version of Howard could force viewers to contend with just how creepy The Big Bang Theory’s heroes could be while also providing plenty of laughs with her amoral attempts at seduction.
