the Bi G BANG THEORY By Miranda Cobb

the Bi. G BANG THEORY { By Miranda Cobb, Sarah Castleman, Rhian Davis, and Celine Eggum

Premise The show circles around two “main” characters (and roommates) Leonard and Sheldon, who happen to be professional nerds. Other colourful cast members such as Penny, Raj, Leonard, Bernadette, and Amy, create the relationships surrounding their lives and their geeky apartment in Pasadena, California. Creators/ Production Creators: Bill Prady and Chuck Lorre Production: Chuck Lorre Production, Warner Bros Television Episodes 9 Seasons: 24 Episodes per Season Overview

Why is TBBT “cool”? 1 Mass Culture Shift -Intellectual humour is becoming the mainstream -”Nerdy” 2 Appealing/Relatable Characters -Sheldon fulfills the stereotype of a socially awkward genius, -Penny is attempting to reach her dreams of becoming an actress -Leonard wants to live up to expectations 3 Largely Available -One of the most re-run shows -Re-runs in several formats -Online streaming -TBS -Fox affiliated channels 4 Comedy -Humour in every episode “On average: 4. 3 jokes per minute

Views/Critics The Big Bang Theory is one of the most watch and highest rated shows. It belongs to the CBS, TV’s #1 network. It appeals to a wide range of demographics, from teens to the upper middle-aged.

HELLO MY NAME IS… Sheldon Cooper Leonard Hofstader Actor: Jim Parsons Actor: Johnny Galecki Very introverted and focused in his research- writers said that Sheldon is so involved with his work that he shuts the rest of the world out Raj Koothrapalli Galecki originally auditioned for Sheldon, but found that he preferred being the “normal” roomate Penny Actor: Kunal Nayyar Actor: Kayley Cuoco The character of Raj was originally called Dave, but after Nayyar auditioned, they changed the character’s name to Raj as Nayyar’s accent was so thick. Originally, the character of Penny was named Katie who was supposed to be a lot meaner and snider. However, after the pilot Katie was scrapped, and instead replaced by the Penny we now know.

Amy Farrah Fowler Stuart Bloom Actor: Mayim Bialik Actor: Kevin Sussman Bialik is actually a real Neuroscientist, she completed her Ph. D in 2008. Her character was also meant to be a neuroscientist so the writers changed it to Neurobiologist. His characterbased on Lee Aronsohn (one of the writers), who moved to Nebraska to open a comic book store after graduating university. http: //images-cdn. moviepilot. com/image/upload/v 1426576790/the-big-bang-theory-stars-recent-side-acting-gigs-sopopular-so-busy-306866. jpg

RELATIONSHIPS AND RELIGION Relationships A recurring plotline is the relationship between Leonard and Penny; Leonards attraction is obvious from the pilot episode, but their relationship doesn’t really bloom until the third season, though it doesn’t last. In season 5 Leonard proposes but Penny says no. After Leonard returns their relationship grows again and they finally get engaged. Religion Sheldon’s mother = creationist: Constantly reprimands Sheldon on his non-existent beliefs Howard = Jewish Raj = Hindu: strong beliefs in karma Penny =belief in the supernatural (like ghosts and voodoo): Constantly argues with Sheldon and Leonards scientific knowledge and evidence

Genre: Comedy/ Drama Can be labeled as a “sitcom” Genre Comedy because… -Self-deprecating humour -The show can make fun of “geeks” being different from the mainstream, but at the same time Penny’s character also pokes fun at mainstream culture. --Comedy WITH science and “nerdy” popculture -Science: -Physics, Engineering, Neuroscience -Influences from Sci-Fi/ Comic books -Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel Comics, DC Comics Drama because… -The uncomplicated story-line and the struggles of relationships between characters -Day-to-day struggles (trouble at work) -Relationship struggles (ex. Leonard and Penny) -Relatable life situations

Paratexts @Big. Bang_CBS There are even a lot of fan pages! For example youtube channels with the “best of seasonn…” https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Za. Loa q. Xmalg On Facebook…

Script Leonard: [speaking to Penny] We brought home Indian food [laugh] and I know that moving can be stressful and I find that when I’m undergoing stress that good food and company can have a comforting effect. [laugh] Also, curry is a natural laxative and I don’t have to tell you that, you know, a clean colon is just one less thing to worry about. [laugh] Sheldon: Leonard, I’m no expert, but in the context of a luncheon invitation you might want to skip the reference to bowel movements. Penny: Oh, you’re inviting me over to eat? L: Uh, yes. P: Oh, that’s so nice. I’d love to. L: Great.

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