“That was the one thing we all agreed on”: The Big Bang Theory’s 1 Unwritten Rule Forced Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki to Agree to End the Show When Jim Parsons Called it Quits

While Jim Parsons' exit came as a shocker, Kaley Cuoco revealed in an interview an unwritten code that everyone on set followed.

jim parsons, kaley cuoco, johnny galecki

SUMMARY

  • Jim Parsons' decision to leave the show after 12 seasons marked the end of The Big Bang Theory.
  • Chuck Lorre pointed out the unspoken rule that everyone came on the show together and would leave it together as well.
  • Cuoco also detailed the depressive period she went through while filming The Flight Attendant.
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The Big Bang Theory changed the entire sitcom landscape when it premiered in 2007. Whether it be Sheldon’s knocking or the science jargon, the four quirky scientists, or Penny, the show had plenty to ensure that it tickled the funny bones of the audience. 

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The entire cast of The Big Bang Theory || CBS

The beloved show ran for 12 laughter-filled seasons and concluded in 2019 with Sheldon and Amy finally winning their Nobel Prizes. While this is what the audience saw on the screen, the story behind the ending of the show had one specific unwritten rule, which Kaley Cuoco revealed in an interview.

The unwritten rule that The Big Bang Theory cast adhered to

The science-inspired comedy show concluded a while ago. However, the cast still remembers the wonderful times and days they spent together while filming it. In a 2021 interview with Variety, Kaley Cuoco reflected on her memories of the sitcom and described the day she learned it was going to end after the 12th season. 

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Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Band Theory || CBS


During the initial days of filming the 12th season, the co-creator of the show, Chuck Lorre, called the entire gang to his office. Cuoco and Johnny Galecki thought Lorre was going to discuss the possibility of a 13th season. But to their surprise, Jim Parsons revealed that he wouldn’t be able to continue on the show. She further added: 

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.

The unwritten rule was something that Chuck Lorre added: “We’re all for one, one for all. And we’re not going to do this without the whole team.” Cuoco further said:

That was the one thing we all agreed on — we came in together; we go out together.

Even though it was challenging, Kaley Cuoco eventually came to terms with the fact that the series was, in fact, coming to an end. She described the 2019 finale’s filming, and added that her father was present at every taping of the show’s 12 seasons, so much so that he had a chair named after him on set.

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While the entire declaration stirred deep emotions among the cast, it was definitely one of the most poignant moments they had experienced together. But everything works out eventually, given that the ending of The Big Bang Theory paved the way for Cuoco to star in another show named The Flight Attendant.

Filming The Flight Attendant season 2 was tough on Kaley Cuoco

Relationships and breakups are the norm in Hollywood. In this regard, even Kaley Cuoco had her fair share of very public breakups. Whether it be her relationship with Man of Steel actor Henry Cavill or her divorce from professional tennis player Ryan Sweeting, Cuoco has found herself in the midst of a lot of public scrutiny. She got married for the second time to equestrian Karl Cook. But in 2022, this marriage also came to an end with a divorce.

Kaley Cuoco in The Flight Attendant || HBO Max

The entire period was quite difficult for her, given that she was also shooting season 2 of The Flight Attendant simultaneously. Further, her character going through the same turmoil in the show didn’t make things any easier. In an interview with Cinema Blend, the actress detailed the depressive period and added: 

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I had so much stuff going on in my personal life. It wasn’t that I brought it home with me but … but that character was so messed up, and I personally felt so messed up. So, it felt like it was just 24/7 depression, in a way.

While this was Kaley Cuoco’s life a couple of years ago, the actress is currently in a loving relationship with Ozark and Iron Fist star Tom Pelphrey. The duo met for the first time at the premiere of Ozark in April 2022, and it was “absolute love at first sight” (via People) for the actress.

Now two years down the line, the couple are parents to a baby girl named Matilda and are quite active on social media.

You can stream The Big Band Theory and The Flight Attendant on HBO Max.

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Written by Sakshi Singh

Articles Published: 70

Sakshi Singh is currently working as an entertainment writer at Fandomwire. A lawyer by education, she has written articles across all genres, covering everything from binge-worthy Netflix shows like Stranger Things and The Crown to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's latest blockbusters. In her free time, Sakshi enjoys painting and immersing herself in crime thrillers such as Mindhunter and True Detective.