The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series

Until The Big Bang Theory became available to stream (on Netflix), I’d paid it little attention. I made the assumption the show wouldn’t appeal to me as a middle age woman. But I was wrong, and I binged ten seasons in about two weeks. Full of heart and humour, The Big Bang Theory is a delight, and I was saddened by its end in 2019. I’ve since re-watched the show in its entirety at least twice, and it still makes me laugh.

I’m not a rabid fan though, and to be honest I picked up The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series primarily to meet a reading challenge requirement, but I’m not sorry I did.

While Radloff includes a mix of official and personal photographs (apparently Kaley is a bit of a show more shutterbug) The Big Bang Theory is not a table top book. Drawing on comprehensive interviews with the creators, writers, cast and crew conducted by Jessica Radloff, The Big Bang Theory is full of fascinating behind-the scenes information and secrets, presented more or less chronologically. It begins with the story of the show’s creation and development, including the casting process which originally had Kevin Sussman (Stuart) in Leonard’s role, and moves through its twelve seasons, highlighting some of the Big Bang’s most iconic episodes and scenes. The cast reflects candidly on their professional and personal experiences, both good and bad, during the show’s run, and share anecdotes that are funny, moving and sometimes surprisingly intimate. Kaley Cuoco (Penny) and Johnny Galecki (Leonard) discuss their on and off screen relationship, Jim Parsons (Sheldon) reveals his cry of ‘Bazinga’ was unscripted, and Kunal Nayyar (Raj) admits fame went to his head. Even cast members were surprised by some of the disclosures in this book, so I’ve no doubt fans will be to. Radloff also includes commentary from guest stars such as Wil Wheaton, Mark Hamill and Bob Newhart, and reveals how they convinced Stephen Hawking to appear on the show.

I found the Big Bang Theory to be both a fun and interesting read, not only as an insiders view of an iconic sitcom and its star’s, but also for what it reveals about working in the television industry in general. show less

Radloff conducted hours of interviews with the cast, creators, and crew of The Big Bang Theory for this oral history, and fans will learn a lot about the show's history.

Everyone involved shares the opinion (and I agree with them) that apart from Jim Parsons' performance as Sheldon, the show rarely got the respect or critical acknowledgement that it deserved. The jokes were funny; the characters were distinct individuals; and the cast was one of the best sitcom ensembles in TV history, especially after the addition of Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch in season 4. Characters grew and relationships changed in ways that allowed the show itself to mature, becoming less cartoonish and sexist than it had been in its early years.

Guided by show more Radloff's questioning, the Big Bang family traces the history of the show -- the initial casting challenges, the years of massive success, the difficult decision to end the show after twelve seasons.

Obviously not a book for everyone, but if you were a Big Bang fan and you enjoy behind-the-scenes stories, this will make you happy. show less

A good book, but chatty. I like the interview format (and wish such a book had been done for Frasier, before John Mahoney's death), but I also wish there was more science, more discussion of individual, classic episodes, and more interviews from one-off characters and guest stars (Elon, Sheldon's assistant, Raj's girlfriends, etc.). And did Sara Gilbert not want to participate? Also, I guess I'm not a professional actor, so I don't get it, but I thought Parsons, Galecki, and Cuoco really take the art/craft of acting WAY too seriously. It's a tad funny and makes you roll your eyes. But, then I think, well, this is their job, I'm glad they're so dedicated. Too chatty, perhaps, but good fun for fans.

This book is for die-hard fans of The Big Bang Theory and maybe for readers who want to read the intricacies about creating & developing and casting and writing for and acting in a tv show.

I am a huge fan of the show but I wasn’t right away. I hated the pilot when I saw it when it first aired and had to be persuaded to try the show again. When I did try it again, many episodes in, I liked it right away and have since probably seen every episode in reruns. The pilot seemed so stupid. Penny seemed too ditzy. Etc. Then, the writers had the characters and relationships truly develop. I can’t remember when I started watching regularly but I don’t think it was until sometime a few seasons in.

This book seems to focus most on the show more development of the show and the first episodes and on the last episodes more than the middle years but every year and many episodes are covered.

Great photos (and a large number of them!) and wonderful descriptions of episodes and of scenes that rekindled my fond memories and I sometimes even laughed at the same parts when I’d laughed when watching the show.

I found it interesting to read about their lives, particularly in relation to their involvement with the show. Many seemed to be particularly kind and caring people and I now have a few favorite people including Kaley and Melissa.

This book is as comprehensive as any fan could wish for and yet I would love even more. Even though it’s obviously not a traditional story book and consists of a lot of interviews and blurbs I found it hard to put down and for me it was a page-turner.

It was hard to rate but I couldn’t really give it less than a 5 given how good it is and how much I enjoyed reading it. I wasn’t expecting it to be as satisfying as it was.

Recommended for most fans of The Big Bang Theory show and readers who are curious about the making of tv shows.

ETA: I am adding the full list of episode titles. I wish there was also a synopsis of what happens in each episode but the titles are entertaining and I wish they had been included in the book:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_Big_Bang_Theory_episodes show less

What a great book about a great series. I am a big fan of the Big Bang Theory and this book seems to cover everything you can think of. I listened to it on audible, but this the type of book after reading it that would be great to have smiling down at you from your bookshelf. Unfortunately, as I did not read a hardcopy, I have no quotes to share, but maybe the next time I read this book. :-)