Popularity Or Political Correctness- A Closer Look At The Big Bang Theory

Abstract

The Big Bang Theory (TBBT) is an American television situation comedy (sit-com) that began its broadcast in 2007 and ended in 2019 after 12 seasons. It enjoyed success with close to 20 million viewers watching it in the US and millions more globally. The sit-com revolves around 5 people-Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, Raj & Penny. While the four men are scientists each representing a specific field, Penny, the sole woman in the initial season, is a waitress working in a nearby eatery. The episodes are woven around the character dynamics of these 5 principal characters and the unlikely friendship that develops between them despite the disparity. In time, more characters, complex situations and changing relationship equations, add to the comedic elements of the sit-com. The series received credit and criticism in equal measure.  An article in TheGuardian aired a critic’s opinion as “the most popular sit-com I love to hate”. Here-in lies the research question and curiosity. Why does The Big Bang Theory invite such opposite emotions? What elements in the sit-com lead to such conflicting stands? Are these opposing stands justified? Through a narrative analysis of the episodes, a better understanding is expected. The sit-com, though shamed by critics, was welcomed by viewers. This dichotomy deserves to be studied & greater reflection required. The present paper ‘Popularity or Political Correctness: A Closer Look at The Big Bang Theory’ is an attempt towards that.