Beyond the Bazinga: Jim Parsons’ Masterclass in Comedic Timing and Subtle Emotion, Making Sheldon Cooper a Beloved and Complex Character

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Although The Big Bang Theory’s main characters might seem pretty consistent, re-watching the hit sitcom led me to realize that the show switched protagonists earlier than expected. The Big Bang Theory’s cast of characters is as memorable as the lineup from Friends, New Girl, or How I Met Your Mother, so it is no surprise that the Pasadena gang were some of television’s highest-paid actors by the time the show wrapped up its original run.

However, The Big Bang Theory’s finale focused on one main character more than the rest of the gang, and it wasn’t necessarily the one that viewers might expect. When The Big Bang Theory originally began, the show was primarily focused on Johnny Galecki’s shy, geeky Leonard and his infatuation with his glamorous, sweet new neighbor, Kaley Cuoco’s Penny. Leonard’s attempts to woo Penny occupied most of The Big Bang Theory’s early episodes, while Jim Parsons’ Sheldon was a scene-stealing supporting star.

The Big Bang Theory’s Focus Shifted To Sheldon Once Amy Was Introduced

Penny looking at Sheldon while he inspects some jewellery in The Big Bang Theory

Jim Parsons’ Character Gained His Love Interest In Season 3’s Finale

However, as the very existence of The Big Bang Theory’s spinoff Young Sheldon proves, Parsons’ Sheldon eventually became the main character of The Big Bang Theory instead of Penny or Leonard. This shift happened subtly and slowly, but its eventual effects on the show were undeniable. In The Big Bang Theory’s finale, as Vulture’s Kathryn VonArendonk noted, Penny’s pregnancy is an afterthought, while Sheldon and Amy’s Novel Prize win is the main storyline.

Family Matters gradually became Urkel’s show, while early seasons of The Simpsons focused on Bart as their main protagonist, rather than his father Homer.

This shift won’t be unfamiliar for fans of sitcoms, as many shows have ended up focusing on their breakout stars instead of their original heroes. Family Matters gradually became Urkel’s show, while early seasons of The Simpsons focused on Bart as their main protagonist, rather than his father Homer. However, what I found striking upon a re-watch of the entire series was just how early this change came into being.

Sheldon’s Breakout Character Status Eventually Made Him The Big Bang Theory’s Main Character

The Big Bang Theory’s Early Seasons Focused On Leonard and Penny’s Romance

Although all The Big Bang Theory’s characters were central to the sitcom’s success, Amy’s arrival was what made Sheldon the show’s main character from season 4 onward. As shocking as it may sound, a solid two-thirds of The Big Bang Theory’s 12 seasons were mostly focused on Sheldon. After all, Penny and Leonard’s love story was already heading toward its inevitable conclusion by the time Amy arrived in season 3, episode 23, “The Lunar Excitation.”

Admittedly, this is a slight over-simplification. Leonard and Penny continued to date other people during season 4 before reconciling romantically in season 5. However, by season 6 Penny had said “I love you” to Leonard and, by season 7, the pair were engaged. Throughout the rest of the series, the serious romantic storylines belong to Amy and Sheldon since both Leonard and Penny and The Big Bang Theory’s second major couple Howard and Bernadette are both happily married.

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