8 TV Shows Saved By Ridiculously Last Minute Changes
3. The Big Bang Theory Was Unrecognisable
The Big Bang Theory is a comedy juggernaut that is soon to enter its tenth season, having grown into America’s biggest sitcom since it first aired back in 2007. It took some time for it to be picked up by a network though – its original pilot was put together back in 2006 and had to be significantly retooled before it would make it to air. Even creator Chuck Lorre admitted that “it sucked”.
Main characters Sheldon and Leonard were kept on for the series proper, but the original pilot’s female lead Katie – described as “a street-hardened, tough-as-nails woman with a vulnerable interior” – who moves in with the two scientists after a break-up, was replaced by Penny; a sweet, naïve, somewhat dim wannabe actress. In addition to her, the characters of Raj and Howard were created as fellow nerds and work colleagues for Sheldon and Leonard.
The much-changed version of The Big Bang Theory struck a chord with audiences much more than the original attempt did, and it hasn’t looked back since.