The Big Bang Theory

Why is it I'm always a day late and a dollar short when it comes to what's the next or new "big thing?" Maybe it's because I had given up on television (and movies to a certain extent) years ago to be a consistent purveyor of fine, quality entertainment. The smart entertainment died years ago, with a couple of notable exceptions like say, Dexter.

But once in a while there comes along a show that simply cannot be denied for whatever reason, be it it's superb writing, acting or simply being fortunate enough to have it's pilot episode follow the Super Bowl.

For me (and that's all this is about) there have been a few notable shows that have come along that have garnered enough positive attention for me to check out. I'm rarely in on the ground floor anymore, so I usually rely on word of mouth from friends and associates, never the critics.

Names of note would be The X Files, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Sopranos, Friends and my new favourite, which I can't seem to get enough of, The Big Bang Theory.
These shows are the first to get into my personal "Hall of Fame," since Cheers, Night Court, Taxi (yes, I'm that old) or even Bugs Bunny. Anybody that doesn't like Bugs Bunny cartoons; I don't even want to know you exist.

In fact, I kind of liken Big Bang Theory to Friends in that you do enjoy and like all of the major characters on the show. Think of how hard that is to not only keep the story lines interesting (and it's even harder trying to keep a sitcom consistently funny) but to have those watching actually care for their development of not just one or two characters, but five!
If you were a fan of Friends, you'll remember how you cared for all six major characters. It didn't matter what Chandler, Joey, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe or Ross did individually or as a group; you were interested in all of them. That's good writing.

And now the same goes for The Big Bang Theory. A surprise hit for CBS to be sure. How can anyone not see Dr. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) as their favourite is beyond me. However, like I just said, you really can't not care for any of them. By the way, Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) is a very close second favourite. There I go being contradictory again.
The show stars Johnny Gelecki (from Roseanne fame)as Dr. Leonard Hofstadter as the co-genius sharing an apartment with Sheldon that have a new neighbor, Penny, played by 8 Simple Rules alumni Kaley Cuoco, move in across the hall in the pilot episode. Leonard is immediately smitten and comedy ensues. The cast is rounded out by Kunal Nayyar who plays the lovable Raj Koothrappali who's main affliction is his inability to physically talk to women...unless drunk.

Before I decided to check the show out (which I still haven't actually seen on television) I had heard the name of the show for a while, but nothing other than "it's pretty good you should check it out." But these testimonials usually came from people that also enjoy The Office and I may be in the minority here, but that's a show I just can't get into. So to use that as a comparison is not only waaay off as it turns out, but not exactly suitable if your not a fan of the Steve Carell vehicle. But not too long ago while waiting for the train on a return trip from Toronto, my roommate showed me an episode on his laptop and I was hooked. Since then I've caught every episode on DVD and online at Project Free TV. It's a pretty decent site for television shows and the load times are manageable. A couple of links are even really quick.

You have to check this show out. But again, seeing that the show started in 2007, I may just be preaching to the choir.

And remember, you're in my spot.