Mayim Bialik, beloved for her role as Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory, has shared a surprising personal insight: she doesn’t watch the iconic sitcom. Despite being one of the show’s standout stars, Bialik has explained why she’s never been keen on tuning into her own performances.
From Blossom to The Big Bang Theory Success
Before The Big Bang Theory, Mayim Bialik was already familiar to TV audiences as the title character in Blossom, a beloved 90s sitcom. Over the years, she enjoyed a varied career, including a notable turn as a Jeopardy! host from 2021 to 2023. Yet, it was her portrayal of Amy Farrah Fowler, a brilliant neuroscientist who captured Sheldon Cooper’s heart, that brought her career into the spotlight once again.
Bialik, who holds a PhD in neuroscience like her character, first joined The Big Bang Theory in 2010. Amy quickly became a fan favorite, with her unique relationship with Sheldon drawing viewers’ admiration. Despite her pivotal role in the series, Bialik has been open about her decision to never watch herself on television.
Why Bialik Chooses Not to Watch The Big Bang Theory
In a 2020 interview, Bialik revealed, “I’ve never seen most of the episodes.” She went on to explain that it’s simply uncomfortable for her to watch her own performances. “I don’t watch myself on television,” she admitted, noting that she’s only seen snippets of the show when they were shown to live audiences. Even when the series finale aired, she mentioned that she had only watched parts of it.
Bialik’s decision to avoid watching herself isn’t unique. Many actors share the sentiment, feeling awkward or self-critical when viewing their performances. For Bialik, the experience of watching herself onscreen doesn’t hold the same appeal as it does for many fans.
Behind the Scenes: Favorite Moments and Cast Bonds
Although Bialik hasn’t watched the show, her favorite memories from The Big Bang Theory are rooted in the relationships she built offscreen. In particular, she fondly recalls the time spent with her co-stars, particularly Simon Helberg, who played Howard Wolowitz. Bialik described Helberg as “one of the funniest people” she has ever worked with, often having the cast in stitches during breaks.
Despite not tuning in to her own performances, Bialik clearly holds the behind-the-scenes camaraderie in high regard. She shared that those moments of laughter and bonding were some of her most cherished from the show.
The End of an Era
Bialik also opened up about the end of The Big Bang Theory, which concluded in 2019 after 12 seasons. Reflecting on the show’s finale, she admitted that the reality of its conclusion took some time to sink in. While filming wrapped in the spring, Bialik mentioned that it wasn’t until the fall—when the cast would typically return to work—that the absence of the show truly felt surreal.
She described being part of The Big Bang Theory for a decade as both an accomplishment and a unique experience. “It’s kind of like a double identity,” she said, acknowledging how intertwined the cast’s presence on television was with their personal identities.
Amy Farrah Fowler Lives On in Young Sheldon
Even though The Big Bang Theory has ended, Bialik has returned to her iconic role as Amy Farrah Fowler in Young Sheldon. She reprised the character in three episodes, two of which featured her voice in animation, and one with a live-action appearance. While her character’s arc on The Big Bang Theory may have ended, Amy’s legacy continues on television in a new way.
