The Big Bang Theory: 10 Problems It Faces Moving Forward

Although they’re mostly episodic, sitcoms still have long running story arcs and character development. The characters will mature, and find love and fulfilment. Except for the comic relief characters, who usually end up regressing to the point of basically being cartoons. But The Big Bang Theory has largely avoided that.

After ten years, our geek gang have grown up. Howard has gone from creepy pervert to devoted father, Leonard has overcome most of his insecurities, Sheldon has become a more rounded person, Amy has come out of her shell, Bernadette has found the balance between parenting and work, and Penny has found a successful career and personal fulfilment. With the possible exception of Raj, all character development is finished.

If things finished up with Season 10, that would be ideal. But with no end in sight for the show, there’s nowhere else for the characters to go. Which means there’s a risk of stagnation. In particular, Leonard and Penny feel like they’re in a serious rut as characters because they’ve reached their journey’s end. While we have yet to see Raj finish as a character (which has started with him no longer taking his parents’ money), everyone else has pretty much run out of road as far as character development goes.