How does everyone think "Big Bang Theory" will rate on the all time scale as sitcom or general fictional tv program at the end of its original network run?I personally think yes it definitely would belong up there with the better ones,but maybe not quite on the level of "I Love Lucy","All In the Family" or "MASH".But no matter how one slices this,we are absolutely witnessing an at least mildy historic tv run here.It has indeed been consistently clever and funny and we have all come to know the characters as if they have existed in our own real lives,just as many did with the Bunkers and Huxtibles.Meanwhile,Jim Parsons is smack in the middle of proving he is one of the finest comic actors in the rather glorious history of the small screen,what with his best actor Emmy wins in three of four years.This one will certainly provide major re-run fodder for many generations to come....

As a man in his mid to late 40s, and with great affection for MASH, All in the Family & I Love Lucy, indeed "Big Bang" appeals greatly even to me! It is the only current television show I will watch. I no longer bother with NFL football, so Big Bang is my 30 minutes per week of "must see TV". I'm glad to have the first 5 seasons on DVD already too. And yes, Jim Parsons is the show!!!

I've frequently wrestled with this exact question in my own mind. And I've come to the conclusion that it's extremely hard to judge right now. As much joy this show has given me over the last 6 years, there is just no way I will say it's in the same league as I Love Lucy or All in the Family. To reach that upper echelon a show pretty much has to be ground-breaking and a bit of a game changer which The Big Bang Theory is decidedly not. Ultimately, I feel 30 years from now it will be in the same class as say Friends - a monstrous hit when it originally aired, still a consistent winner in syndication, several memorable/phenomenal episodes, but probably lingered too long and simply couldn't live up to the crazy hype it received.

Mr. Drucker's description as being "at least mildly historic" is spot on. It's clear this show's creative peak has come and gone, but it's kind of amazing that in it's 7th season there is still plenty of gas left in the tank. Unless they manage to find a way to absolutely wreck it before it's all said and done, I'd be willing to bet it's legacy is pretty secure.

Question: Is The Big Bang Theory even considered "groundbreaking" in any way? I Love Lucy, All in the Family, and M*A*S*H were considered/described as "groundbreaking".

Question: Is The Big Bang Theory even considered "groundbreaking" in any way? I Love Lucy, All in the Family, and M*A*S*H were considered/described as "groundbreaking".

I definitely consider The Big Bang Theory groundbreaking. How many shows are must see TV to folks from sixteen to seventy. The show transcends generations, for those who remember George and Jerry, Norm and Cliff, Felix and Oscar, Barney and Andy, Ralph and Ed this show welcomes you in. The show welcomes you in and not in a pandering way, but in a way that respects the great comedies of the past, the writing the character development in a way that is in fact groundbreaking.

I think Big Bang at this point is at the very least one of the top 20 shows of all time, and before it is all over, could easily be one of the 10 greatest shows of all
time.

The Big Bang Theory is wildly popular but I don't think it can be put on the same level as I Love Lucy, All in the Family, ect, because it doesn't really tread any new ground like those shows did. It's a pretty standard sitcom, which is fine, obviously, but if it's remembered it'll be because it was the most popular sitcom of its era, not because it "made TV history" or anything. It's probably more on line with something like Home Improvement or Friends, massively popular shows that are well-liked by many but not necessarily held up as a gold standard of the craft.

I gotta say this.I just heard that "Bang" will be around for at least two more seasons after this one.I think the show is running of ideas and getting a bit stale already.Expect some(possibly much) mediocrity in the area of program quality form here to the end of the show's run.And hey,I love the previous poster's "Alan Brady's Hair" screen name.The episode of "Dick Van Dyke" when Laura reveals that Brady wears a toupee is not only one of my favorites from THAT series,but also of any episode of any program ever.Unquestionably classic and timeless humor...........