10 Insane Rules The Big Bang Theory Cast Had To Follow
7. The Show Ends If One Of The Core Three Walk Away
Many sitcoms like Two and a Half Men, Coupling, and That 70s Show continued on, even after main characters were written out or killed off. However, each of these shows had a dramatic decline in quality and ratings immediately after losing one of the ensemble, which resulted in them all being cancelled the following season.
Although there are some series like The Office and Shameless that thrive after losing a lead character, the showrunners behind The Big Bang Theory, Chuck Lorre and Bill Brady, didn't want to risk it. Even though the series could function without Penny, Leonard, or Sheldon, the creators decided to call it quits if one of The Big Three walked away.
Sadly, that is exactly what happened. After spending a quarter of his life playing Sheldon Cooper, Jim Parsons felt like it was time to move on after Season 12, to dedicate more time to his personal life. Even though the series was intended to run for at least another season or two, Lorre and Prady knew it couldn't work without its biggest star and so, pulled the plug.