CBS’s The Big Bang Theory turned its cast into global stars, with Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons becoming household names. But despite its record-breaking success, the sitcom wasn’t immune to criticism. Cuoco found herself on the receiving end of such critique during an appearance on Netflix’s The Cabin with Bert Kreischer in 2020, where her defense of the show turned into an uncomfortable moment.
A Tough Crowd: Cuoco Faces Criticism
During the Netflix episode, Cuoco joined comedian Ms. Pat and actor Joel McHale. While the conversation started lighthearted, things took a sharp turn when Ms. Pat, unfamiliar with Cuoco’s work, learned about her role in The Big Bang Theory. McHale hyped the show as “the most popular comedy of all time,” but Ms. Pat wasn’t impressed.
“I can’t watch; it’s too nerdy. It’s too smart,” she said bluntly, dismissing the humor as “corny” and admitting she didn’t get the jokes. Adding fuel to the fire, Ms. Pat questioned the cast’s hefty salaries, saying, “I remember when y’all started a million dollars an episode, and I was like, ‘Who the f**k is watching this show to pay these people a million dollars an episode?’”
Caught off guard, Cuoco attempted to respond graciously, even joking about sending DVDs of the sitcom to Ms. Pat. But with the show host joining in to call the sitcom “corny,” Cuoco struggled to counter the critique and awkwardly sank into her chair, visibly uncomfortable.
Backlash and Regret
Fans of The Big Bang Theory were quick to defend Cuoco, criticizing Ms. Pat for her blunt comments. The interaction even led to backlash against the comedian for her dismissive attitude. Bert Kreischer later addressed the incident on his podcast, Bertcast, revealing that Cuoco did not enjoy her time on his show and regretted participating.
“It bums me out that she did not have a good time. It bums me out that she regretted it,” Kreischer said, expressing disappointment that the awkward exchange had negatively impacted Cuoco’s experience.
Ms. Pat, however, maintained that she wasn’t trying to be rude. She clarified that she simply wasn’t interested in sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory but emphasized that she found Cuoco to be a kind and beautiful person.
Defending The Big Bang Theory
Cuoco’s reaction underscored the polarizing nature of The Big Bang Theory. While it garnered massive global acclaim and record-breaking viewership, its humor and themes didn’t resonate with everyone. Critics often labeled the show as formulaic or too reliant on stereotypes, contrasting sharply with its devoted fanbase and award-winning success.
Still, for Cuoco, who portrayed Penny for all 12 seasons, the sitcom remains a career-defining achievement. Despite the awkward encounter, her dedication to the show and its fans is unwavering, even in the face of harsh critiques.
