The hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory enjoyed a successful run before concluding after its 12th season. The decision to end the show did not come from the network but rather stemmed from Jim Parsons choosing not to renew his contract to play Sheldon Cooper.
However, the rest of the cast did not take this news well, especially since they were unaware of the decision beforehand. Johnny Galecki, for instance, believed they were meeting for salary negotiations only to find out the show was ending.
Johnny Galecki Was Displeased With Jim Parsons’ Decision That Ended the Show
Despite his deep attachment to the role of Sheldon Cooper, which he portrayed for over a decade, Jim Parsons chose to depart from the show after Season 12.
The actor later explained that he wanted to explore other opportunities in his acting career and personal life beyond The Big Bang Theory. While there were plans to extend the show for two more seasons, Parsons’ decision led the showrunners to cancel it.
The reason was the challenge of continuing without such a pivotal character. The cast, including Parsons and Johnny Galecki, was surprised by the sudden announcement of the show’s cancellation.
Reflecting on the news, Galecki expressed dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled. “I just disagreed with how it was handled,” he said, in his interview for The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series.
He also shared that he was shocked to learn about the cancelation as he believed that they were having a meeting for the salary negotiations.
We thought we were going into [co-creator] Chuck [Lorre]’s office to talk about renegotiating, and then Chuck tossed the baton to Jim. And Jim was shocked and obviously caught off-guard.
Not only Galecki and Parsons, others including Kaley Cuoco, were also taken aback by the decision, who assumed that they were going to discuss the next season. The decision also caused some tension on the set.
Kaley Cuoco Reflected on the Emotional End of The Big Bang Theory
In an interview with Variety, Kaley Cuoco also opened up about the moment she learned that The Big Bang Theory would end after Season 12. She shared that when the cast of the show was called into Chuck Lorre’s office, she assumed it was to discuss the next Season.
“Jim said, ‘I don’t think I can continue on,'” the actress said before adding,
And I was so shocked that I was literally like, ‘Continue on with what?’ Like, I didn’t even know what he was talking about. I looked at Chuck: ‘Wow. I thought we were — I’m so blown away right now.
She also shared that the showrunner made it very clear that the show would not continue without the whole team. “That was the one thing we all agreed on — we came in together, we go out together,” The Flight Attendant star claimed.
Parsons’ decision, coinciding with CBS’ announcement, left Cuoco and her co-stars in shock. The meeting was emotional and filled with open feelings, questions, and tears. Despite the initial disbelief, Cuoco gradually accepted the show’s conclusion as the season progressed.
The Big Bang Theory is available to stream on Max.
