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

The Big Bang Theory is a show that was must-see-TV for me each week with its amazing writing and laugh out loud performances. It has made its mark on society in a few ways and made being a nerd kinda cool. 

This BIG book was more than I could have hoped for. It's a beast at over 500 pages, but I loved getting all the details - from the show's preproduction and its early days to its final scenes. Relayed in chronological order, it is filled with behind-the-scenes anecdotes, photos, secrets and candid (and sometimes poignant) thoughts from the show's creators, directors and cast which also include guest star regulars like Christine Baranski and Laurie Metcalf to big name guest stars like Bob Newhart, Wil Wheaton, Mark Hamill and Stephen Hawking. 

It was interesting to learn how much thought went into the minutest details about what the characters wore, said and how they were portrayed. From Wolowitz's Nintendo belt buckle to Raj's inability to speak to women, to Sheldon's quirky tendencies, so much thought and energy went into creating great characters with fun yet meaningful story arcs. I particularly loved the tidbits about how certain scenes developed and how well-known and recognizable phrases (Bazinga!) and character quirks (Sheldon's three knocks) came to be.

The book has a conversational tone, like you're sitting on Leonard and Sheldon's couch (not in Sheldon's spot, obviously). The cast candidly share their feelings about iconic episodes and snippets from their personal lives. It felt like nothing was off topic - including who was originally pegged for some roles, salaries negotiations, disagreements and what instigated the end of the show. It is heartwarming that this group of actors loved, supported, and respected each other on and off Stage 25 on the Warner Bros. lot for 12 years.

My only wee beef is that because we get input from different cast members, it sometimes felt like we were rehashing the same incident. And there's a fair bit of input from the creators (Chuck Lorre) and directors which was fiiiine, but I was in it for the casts' POVs.

This was a fun, well-researched read detailing all 279 episodes in its 12-year run, making it the longest running multi-camera sitcom in history. Not too shabby for a sitcom about bunch of science nerds, eh? This book is a better pick for fans of the TV show who want a trip down memory lane. Just be prepared for the urge to binge watch all 139.5 hours of this entertaining sitcom once you're done the book.

My Rating: 5 stars

Author: Jessica Radloff

Genre: Nonfiction, Entertainment

Type and Source: Hardcover from public library

Page Count: 528

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

First Published: October 11, 2022

Book Description from GoodReads: The definitive, behind-the-scenes look at the most popular sitcom of the last decade, The Big Bang Theory, packed with all-new, exclusive interviews with the producers and entire cast.

The Big Bang Theory is a television phenomenon. To the casual viewer, it’s a seemingly effortless comedy, with relatable characters tackling real-life issues, offering a kind of visual comfort food to its millions of dedicated fans. But the behind-the-scenes journey of the show from a failed pilot to a global sensation is a fascinating story that even the most die-hard fans don’t know in its entirety. 

THE BIG BANG THEORY: THE DEFINITIVE, INSIDE STORY OF THE EPIC HIT SERIES is a riveting, entertaining look at the sitcom sensation, with the blessing and participation of co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, executive producers Steve Molaro and Steve Holland, as well as Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch, Mayim Bialik, and more. Glamour senior editor Jessica Radloff, who has written over 150 articles on the series (and even had a cameo in the finale!), gives readers an all-access pass to its intrepid producing and writing team and beloved cast. It’s a story of on-and-off screen romance told in hilarious and emotional detail, of casting choices that nearly changed everything (which even some of the actors didn’t know until now), of cast members bravely powering through personal tragedies, and when it came time to announce the 12th season would be its last, the complicated reasons why it was more difficult than anyone ever led on. Through hundreds of hours of interviews with the sitcom’s major players, Radloff dives into all this and much more. The book is the ultimate celebration of this once-in-a-generation show and a must-have for all fans.