TMC
02-09-2023, 10:06 PM
https://www.looper.com/1194132/this-is-the-exact-moment-the-big-bang-theory-jumped-the-shark/
Howard and Bernadette's first baby permanently changed the show's dynamic
The tone of "The Big Bang Theory" first shifted when the core cast of geeky men entered flourishing relationships with brilliant and independent women. The welcome addition of Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Amy (Mayim Bialik), gave the series a fresh perspective and empowering stance that was sorely needed. The awkward and gawking boys became responsible and respectful men, who would even become capable fathers. While this growth is natural in life, it also divorced the series from its original unique premise to instead posit it as something far more similar to other relationship-focused shows like "Friends."
The life-changing storyline where Howard (Simon Helberg) and Bernadette have Halley isn't exactly a far-fetched concept in itself, but it is the moment where the tides forever change course. Furthermore, while "The Big Bang Theory" could have used Halley's birth to make Howard grow and mature, he instead remains fairly stunted, as Stuart (Kevin Sussman) and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) pick up his slack. This ushers in a regrettable decline in quality, made worse when less believable events ensue like the top secret Air Force project.
Here's the point, though: "The Big Bang Theory" started losing steam here because while it's great to see characters evolve, the new little one on board was the point where it became two very different shows crammed together, both unfocused and unwilling to fully pivot to the new show it seemed to want to be. Even worse, it divided the cast, with Raj and Stuart as team baby at home, while Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Penny (Kaley Cuoco), Leonard (Johnny Galecki), and Amy stayed at the apartment complex.
Howard and Bernadette's first baby permanently changed the show's dynamic
The tone of "The Big Bang Theory" first shifted when the core cast of geeky men entered flourishing relationships with brilliant and independent women. The welcome addition of Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Amy (Mayim Bialik), gave the series a fresh perspective and empowering stance that was sorely needed. The awkward and gawking boys became responsible and respectful men, who would even become capable fathers. While this growth is natural in life, it also divorced the series from its original unique premise to instead posit it as something far more similar to other relationship-focused shows like "Friends."
The life-changing storyline where Howard (Simon Helberg) and Bernadette have Halley isn't exactly a far-fetched concept in itself, but it is the moment where the tides forever change course. Furthermore, while "The Big Bang Theory" could have used Halley's birth to make Howard grow and mature, he instead remains fairly stunted, as Stuart (Kevin Sussman) and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) pick up his slack. This ushers in a regrettable decline in quality, made worse when less believable events ensue like the top secret Air Force project.
Here's the point, though: "The Big Bang Theory" started losing steam here because while it's great to see characters evolve, the new little one on board was the point where it became two very different shows crammed together, both unfocused and unwilling to fully pivot to the new show it seemed to want to be. Even worse, it divided the cast, with Raj and Stuart as team baby at home, while Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Penny (Kaley Cuoco), Leonard (Johnny Galecki), and Amy stayed at the apartment complex.