Going Out With A Bang

After I wrote a big post on it a few days ago, The Big Bang Theory is in the news: the upcoming 12th season will be its last. Probably a good idea. The show is a huge hit--one of the biggest sitcoms ever, and still the top show on CBS.  Arguably on TV.  But there's a feeling it's run its course. 

It's not entirely clear who decided to end the show--the cast, specific cast members (rumors are this was Jim Parsons' decision), or executive producer Chuck Lorre.  Almost certainly it's not CBS.  The show is expensive, but it's also a hit, and they'd like to see it continue.

Ratings-wise, though it's still a hit, the numbers have been dropping for several seasons in overall viewership (and even more in the 18-49 demo).  Bowing out at the end of this season allows them to go out on top, before it's clear the ship is taking on water.  And, of course, the main actors and producers involved have all become multimillionaires, so I assume they can afford to leave it all behind.

Anyway, no comedy can last so long and stay fresh.  In fact, most shows start repeating themselves within 100 or maybe 150 episodes.  Other long-running sitcoms such as The Simpsons and Modern Family (both of which I'd rank higher than TBBT) have also gotten a bit tired--wonder if this move will make them look in the mirror.

The Big Bang Theory stayed fresh by adding characters along the way (mostly women--a smart move as far as the ratings are concerned), but its essence--nerdy guys trying to get along in life--has gone about as far as it can go.

The show started with four, young single guys--and a young single gal who lived across the hall--doing the sort of things young, single people do, mixed with their nerdy interests.  But they've come a long way.  Three of the four are married, one with kids, so how much longer can they hang out as in their carefree early days?

Some might want to see further adventures of these married couples, but that sounds like a different show to me, and one far less interesting.  At present, poor Raj is the only one without even a girlfriend, though he's made great strides--at least he can talk to women now.  And I would guess his love life will be an important plot in season 12.

So we'll bid a fond farewell to the show.  And I assume the ratings will stay high, maybe get a boost, since the fans now know the end is near.