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. ( )

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 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. ( )