Mayim Bialik Defends Jim Parsons, Says ‘a Lot of Factors’ Influenced the Decision to End ‘The Big Bang Theory’
The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019 after 12 seasons. The decision to end the hit series shocked fans and apparently several cast members. In the years since the show’s finale, cast members have spoken at length about the decision to call it a day. Those statements have led many to assume Jim Parsons was to blame for the show ending. Mayim Bialik, the actor who portrayed Amy Farrah Fowler, wants everyone to know that isn’t exactly the case.
Fans often blame Jim Parsons for the end of ‘The Big Bang Theory’
While the cast of The Big Bang Theory was an ensemble, Parsons, who spent 12 seasons portraying Sheldon Cooper, quickly became the breakout star. Fans adored Sheldon’s quirky personality and eccentricities. Still, after 12 years, the role had grown tiresome for Parsons.
Over the years, there has been a lot of talk about the end of the series and Parsons’s role in its demise. Production designer, John Shaffner, told The Independent that The Big Bang Theory was renewed for two more seasons before Parsons made his feelings known. Johnny Galecki, the actor who played Leonard Hofstadter, was ready to sign on for more, too, according to statements he made. Did Parsons really have the final say? Bialik doesn’t think so.
Mayim Bialik defended Jim Parsons, saying he wasn’t the only reason the show ended
Bialik insists that the ending of the series wasn’t all Parsons’s fault, as previously ascertained by fans and media outlets. According to Us Weekly, Bialik wants everyone to know that one person didn’t make or break the series. In April, Bialik sat down with the publication to discuss her career.
Naturally, the end of The Big Bang Theory came up. Bialik revealed that there were “a lot of factors” that went into ending the series. She noted that the public isn’t always privy to what goes on behind the scenes and on the set. She suggested that while it may seem like Parsons was the one to “pull the trigger,” so to speak, it wasn’t so cut and dry. Bialik, however, didn’t go into detail about what other factors influenced the decision.
Kaley Cuoco said she wasn’t ready for ‘The Big Bang Theory’ to end
Over the years, several cast members have made statements that could be construed as pointing the finger at Parsons. The one that seems to have struck fans the most is Kaley Cuoco’s thoughts on the end of the series. Cuoco spent 12 years playing Penny on The Big Bang Theory, and she had all sorts of feelings about the end of the series. She has repeatedly stated that she was shocked and surprised by the cancelation. Cuoco reiterated those feelings to Variety in February.
Cuoco recalled being pulled into a meeting with the cast. Initially, she assumed they’d be discussing the next season. Instead, she said, Parsons said he didn’t think he wanted to continue. That, according to Cuoco, was the end of it. She noted that the entire cast and show creator, Chuck Lorre, decided early on that they would go out the same way they came in — together. In short, if one actor wanted out, they were all going. The story sure makes it seem like Parsons pulled the plug on the famed sitcom. Still, as Bialik stated, there is always more going on beneath the surface.
