TV shows today can be very predictable and monotonous. They can be "reality" TV shows in which a group of twenty people must survive on an island without the luxuries of suburban life. There are also dramas in which tragic events happen to the main characters and are overcome within thirty minutes. One show however that some may put within one of these molds, but I refuse to, is The Big Bang Theory. This show tracks the lives of four men who are above average intelligence and live eccentric lives. This show couples witty humor, science fiction/comics elements, and physic related components to create a humor had by no other show on TV.
The main characters, Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecik), Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), and Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), interact with Penny (Kaley Kuoco), a girl who lives across the hall from Sheldon and Leonard, to make a dynamic plot during each episode. There is a natural tension and desired friendship between these characters that creates situations out of seemingly common occurrences yielding hilarious comeback and catchphrases. After you see an episode with Sheldon uttering his buzz word "Bazinga!!", you will not be able to stop laughing. Sheldon knocking on Penny's door three times exactly saying her name each time just to get her to answer the door will also become emblazoned on your brain after just one episode. It is comedic elements like this that make Big Bang Theory hilarious to watch without it getting old after just one episode.
Additionally, the continuous references to science fiction material and comic series keeps every episode entertaining to watch. The numerous times that the characters debate something like Star Trek versus Star Wars, or the value of the Flash versus the value of Batman or Superman as a superhero keeps everyone thoroughly amused and also up to date on their science fiction trivia. The comic book store also gives the show another setting for humorous action that numerous members of the audience can relate to. Tons of people can remember combing through stacks of comics in search of a particular issue even if they don't want to admit it.
The intellectual element of Big Bang Theory is a unique attribute that no other TV show has. The fact that an audience member can watch BBT for thirty minutes and hear a character like Sheldon or Leonard discuss physics theories, or hear Wolowitz talk about the International Space Station, and still be able to laugh at the episode is an accomplishment I don't think any other TV show could achieve. The intellectual element is also important because so many TV shows today are so simplistic its almost mind numbingly dull. The intellectual facet of Big Bang Theory gives something to stimulate the audiences mind while also still possessing the humoristic quality. This is a change that I think a lot of television viewers want. The unusual relationships and interactions between the characters are funny, but without the intellectual component, Big Bang Theory would just be another TV show.
Big Bang Theory is a show that I always try to catch when it is on because I love to see how the episodes play out and how the characters interact and play out in the common world. In the end, I think it just comes down to the fact that secretly many of us are geeks and nerds and we just need an outlet for our geekyness and nerdyness to expressed and as Sheldon once said, "You may have gone to Cambridge, but I am an honorary graduate of the Starfleet Academy."
Oh, and if anyone who is like Sheldon or Leonard wants to be my friend, just comment :)
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