“The End of a Nerdy Era: Why The Big Bang Theory Wrapped After Season 12”

After 12 seasons, The Big Bang Theory finally came to an end, but it still left its viewers and even its cast in shock as to why the sitcom was canceled. It was impressive how many seasons of Big Bang Theory aired, with 279 episodes from September 2007 to May 2019, considering its first few seasons had a lukewarm reception. The show eventually found its footing, became television’s highest-rated comedy (via Paramount Press Express), and won numerous awards. That is why many were dismayed that there never was a The Big Bang Theory season 13.

The Big Bang Theory followed the geeky group of Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Howard (Simon Helberg), and Rajesh (Kunal Nayyar), as they befriended aspiring actress Penny (Kaley Cuoco), and fellow scientists Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) and Amy (Mayim Bialik). Much of the show’s humor and storyline comes from the characters navigating their careers, relationships, and contrasting personalities. However, just months after Sheldon and Amy’s wedding, The Big Bang Theory viewers learned that the show’s conclusion was looming, prompting many to question why Big Bang Theory was canceled.

The Big Bang Theory Wasn’t Canceled

The Show Ended Because Of Jim Parsons

The Big Bang Theory was no stranger to consistent multiple-season renewals, and in March 2017, it was again renewed for two seasons, running until the 2018-19 television season. Viewers were then caught off guard when, in August 2018, it was announced that the show’s upcoming 12th season would be its last. In a joint statement, CBS, Warner Bros., and Chuck Lorre Productions said the sitcom would come to an “epic, creative close”. As it turned out, The Big Bang Theory wasn’t canceled by the network; the decision was primarily influenced by Jim Parsons’ decision not to renew his contract even though the main cast stood to make $50 million to stay (via EW).

Even though he loved embodying Sheldon Cooper, eventually he grew exhausted between the show and his other acting commitments. His decision also reportedly came after the death of one of his dogs, pushing him to confront the concept of mortality (via Today). After all, toward The Big Bang Theory’s ending, Parsons was 46 years old, and he wanted to make the most of his acting career and his life while he still could. Of course, without Sheldon, there would be no The Big Bang Theory, forcing the show to end earlier than planned and bringing into question why Big Bang Theory was canceled.

The Big Bang Theory Cast Had Mixed Feelings About TBBT Ending

Not Everyone Wanted It To Wrap Up

Months before the ending announcement, Galecki also shared a sentiment similar to Parsons. At the time, he felt that everyone in The Big Bang Theory was already comfortable with the idea of wrapping the show up after 12 seasons (via People). However, that was not the case with Kaley Cuoco, as she admitted being “in a state of shock” after hearing the news (via Variety). While she wanted to continue the show, she simply could not do it without Parsons. On the other hand, Mayim Bialik told Us Weekly that the decision to end The Big Bang Theory had not been simple and there were “a lot of factors that the public doesn’t get to know about.”

While Bialik did not elaborate further, her statement could pertain to anything between unsuccessful negotiations between networks and the cast wanting to move on with their respective careers. Regardless, The Big Bang Theory season 12 delivered on its promise of tying up loose ends while setting up a fulfilling life ahead for its beloved characters. Sheldon and Amy won the Nobel Prize, while Leonard and Penny were expecting their first child. Howard and Bernadette successfully adjusted to parenting, while Raj continued his search for true love. The characters’ future lives are also hinted at in Young Sheldon, the spin-off prequel of The Big Bang Theory – like Sheldon having children of his own.

Young Sheldon, the Big Bang Theory prequel spin-off, follows the life of Sheldon Cooper during his childhood. Just as with The Big Bang Theory, it was very successful but still plans to end its way. The upcoming seventh season will be the last for the show. The show debuted in 2017 following an idea Parsons ran past Big Bang producers, becoming green-lit after a special preview episode received overwhelmingly positive audience feedback. Despite The Big Bang Theory‘s final season airing in 2019, Young Sheldon kept the story going.

The Big Bang Theory spin-off’s sixth season ended in May 2023, and it was renewed for the seventh, which marks the end of that specific story. It managed to garner a strong fanbase of both Big Bang Theory veterans and newcomers, defying the expectations of some critics who believed it would be a short-lived cash-grab project from Chuck Lorre Productions and Warner Bros. Studios when it was first announced. Audiences warmed to the characters introduced in Young Sheldon, and series mainstays like Georgie, Mandy, and Connie “Meemaw” Tucker have proved engaging enough to support six seasons of non-Big-Bang-related stories.

When Young Sheldon returned for its sixth season, there was a whole host of themes to tackle, from George and Mary’s marital issues to Georgie and Mandy’s unexpected pregnancy. With Sheldon going through puberty being the major narrative of season 6, there were a lot of years Young Sheldon could have covered before Dr. Cooper takes up his post at Caltech in time to meet the permed Leonard as seen in The Big Bang Theory’s many flashbacks to his early roommate days.