The Big Bang Theory is a television phenomenon. To the casual viewer, it’s a seemingly effortless comedy, with relatable characters tackling real-life issues, offering a kind of visual comfort food to its millions of dedicated fans. But the behind-the-scenes journey of the show from a failed pilot to a global sensation is a fascinating story that even the most die-hard fans don’t know in its entirety.
The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series is a riveting, entertaining look at the sitcom sensation, with the blessing and participation of co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, executive producers Steve Molaro and Steve Holland, as well as Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch, Mayim Bialik, and more. Glamour senior editor Jessica Radloff, who has written over 150 articles on the series (and even had a cameo in the finale!), gives readers an all-access pass to its intrepid producing and writing team and beloved cast. It’s a story of on-and-off screen romance told in hilarious and emotional detail, of casting choices that nearly changed everything (which even some of the actors didn’t know until now), of cast members bravely powering through personal tragedies, and when it came time to announce the 12th season would be its last, the complicated reasons why it was more difficult than anyone ever led on. Through hundreds of hours of interviews with the sitcom’s major players, Radloff dives into all this and much more. The book is the ultimate celebration of this once-in-a-generation show and a must-have for all fans.
This in-depth look at the sitcom comes out on October 11, 2022. Grand Central Publishing provided an early galley for review.
I am a proud fan of this television show. I watched it weekly from the airing of the first episode through the last and will still often sit down to a number of rerun episodes any time I come across it. As a lifelong geek/nerd/comic and fantasy and sci-fi reader/videogamer/tabletop RPG player/movie and TV obsessive, this show has always resonated with me. There are facets of Leonard, Sheldon, Raj and Howard in me. I don't see this show laughing at me; I see this show laughing with me. To me, it's funny because it is true.
I also love behind-the-scenes looks at things, and this book definitely delivers on that front. I enjoyed the origins of the show - from the idea stage to pilots (both of them). Everyone was very open to sharing their thoughts and motivations at the time. I enjoyed hearing the thought process behind the evolution as it moved from season to season, growing in its popularity. I also appreciated the details relating to the creation of Young Sheldon as well as comments from that cast.
The book did seem to rush through the latter seasons, especially the last two - focusing mostly just on the big episodes in each. I was actually okay with a lot of that since those two seasons were not really my favorites of the run. My sweet spot sits at seasons three through six.
This will be a must-read for fans of the show.
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