'The Big Bang Theory:' Inside the behind-the-scenes drama of the final season

On May 16, 2019, an era ended as 'The Big Bang Theory' — celebrated as one of the 21st century's top comedies — aired its last episode on CBS, wrapping up a hugely successful 12-season journey.

For months, fans had seen the cast sharing tearful farewells, behind-the-scenes videos, and heartfelt moments, creating an impression of a family as close off-screen as on. However, we now know that was a bit of a charade.

Indeed, time had a different tale to tell. The seemingly tight-knit cast was gradually revealing the cracks behind the facade. Here's the real story...

Jessica Radloff, in her revealing book, ‘The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series,’ uncovers the tumultuous journey of the final recordings following the show’s end announcement.

Behind the scenes, almost all of the cast, producers, and network had verbally agreed to renew the show for two more seasons, each promising a paycheck of a cool $50 million for the leading stars.

But Jim Parsons had other plans. As detailed in the book, he chose to drop the bombshell without warning: he was leaving the show. Season 12 would be his last.

Parsons’ decision didn’t sit well with his colleagues or the producers, as they knew that his departure meant the end of ‘The Big Bang Theory.’

Creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady had always stated that the series would conclude when one of the three original protagonists (Leonard, Sheldon, or Penny) left. ‘The Big Bang Theory’ was doomed.

Confirming what everyone already suspected, series showrunner Steve Molaro said that there was never any question about continuing without him. The show was an ensamble, and doing a strange version without him didn’t seem right.

How could there be a near agreement for a renewal with Parsons playing his cards so close to his chest?

As quoted in the book, Parsons confessed that the cast was not as united as people thought when it came to negotiating renewals, especially in comparison to the ‘Friends’ cast.

The '90s comedy stood out as all six leading actors consistently negotiated as a solid front, amplifying their bargaining power. Parsons asserted that the case of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ was starkly different.

What upset his co-stars was Parsons’ failure to discuss his plans until the day of the crucial meeting, which was called by Chuck Lorre and Steve Molaro to update the cast on the situation.

During the meeting, reported by People, Parsons announced his decision and expressed his feelings. While his co-stars understood his position, they were upset that he had not consulted them earlier.

People noted that Kaley Cuoco was so upset that she cried for hours and even refused to record the following day. Meanwhile, Johnny Galecki empathized with Parsons but was upset about not being consulted by his friend.

The set’s atmosphere was understandably tense after this announcement. The book reports that Cuoco refused to look Parsons in the eyes during rehearsals and Galecki stayed upset for quite a while.

Interestingly, the only actor that kept embodying his character from the sitcom wasJim Parsons. He is the voice-over narrator for ‘Young Sheldon,’ a spinoff chronicling his character’s childhood. It ran for seven seasons until May 2024.

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