The mega-popular sitcom The Big Bang Theory
is coming to an end …. and it's all because
of Jim Parsons.
According to Entertainment Weekly, CBS and
Warner Brothers TV decided to end Big Bang
in 2019, after learning that actor Jim Parsons,
who plays theoretical physicist Dr. Sheldon
Cooper, wanted to leave the show.
"If anyone asks, tell them I was brave!"
And, since the series couldn't possibly be
the same without Parsons' character, it was
reportedly determined that the series should
finally see its close after 12 seasons on
the air.
EW notes that CBS tried negotiating a deal
with Parsons to secure him for two more years,
which could have earned him more than 50 million
dollars.
On August 22nd, 2018, CBS, Warner Bros., and
Chuck Lorre Productions broke the news that
the series would end soon by releasing a joint
statement, which read, in part,
"We, along with the cast, writers and crew,
are extremely appreciative of the show's success
and aim to deliver a final season, and series
finale, that will bring The Big Bang Theory
to an epic creative close."
In a lengthy post on Instagram, Parsons shared
just how grateful he was to the show's writers,
crew, and cast, as well as its viewers, for
being able to play Cooper for so long, writing,
"I feel such intense gratitude for our devoted
viewers who are the ACTUAL reason we have
been graced with the opportunity to explore
these characters for 12 years of our lives."
It's possible that Parsons simply wanted to
move on from playing the same role that he'd
taken on for over a decade.
During his time on the show, he'd explored
new opportunities, performing on Broadway
in The Boys in the Band and starring in a
number of movies, including The Muppets and
Hidden Figures.
"I can't help it.
I feel like a teen heartthrob."
It could also be that Parsons wants to slow
down his schedule, so that he can enjoy a
more fulfilling personal life.
Parsons married his longtime boyfriend, Todd
Spiewak, in May 2017.
"New business!"
Whatever the reason behind Parsons' decision
to leave The Big Bang Theory, it's clear that
his co-stars have his back and harbor no ill
will toward him and his show-ending decision.
Kunal Nayyar, who plays Raj on the show, took
to Instagram to share just how happy he was
to have acted on The Big Bang Theory, writing,
"After season 12 we will be the longest running
multi camera sitcom in the history of television.
There are no words in any language that can
describe what my heart wants to say…
The love that I feel for all of you is boundless."
"Hey Leonard, if you're happy and you know
it, no need to clap your hands, because I
have an emotion detector."
Actress Kaley Cuoco, who plays Penny, also
shared a statement about the series' end with
her followers on Instagram.
And while she seemed sad to say goodbye to
the show, she sounded determined to do her
best work yet on the final season, writing,
"This ride has been a dream come true and
as life changing as it gets.
No matter when it was going to end, my heart
would have always been broken in two.
Drowning in tears, we promise to bring you
the best season yet."
The first episode of The Big Bang Theory's
final season will premiere on CBS on Monday,
September 24th.
Given how much love the cast and crew has
for the show, fans are likely in for the most
memorable season yet.
