Cut Stephen Hawking Scene TBBT Fans Still Can't Get Over
The late scientist Stephen Hawking received a touching tribute in the Season 11 finale of The Big Bang Theory, and fans still can't get over the fact that it was cut for time.
Hawking died in March 2018, two months before Big Bang Theory's Season 11 finale. He'd made several appearances on the show as himself, making one appearance each season from Seasons 5 through 11. The world-renowned theoretical physicist was a natural choice to cameo on a show centered around characters in his field.
The episode aired on May 10. By the next morning, the show's Twitter page posted a minute-long clip of the original end tag for the season, meant to be a tribute to the friend of the show.
Sheldon Cooper and his new bride, Amy, sit on their couch as they gaze at their marriage license in wedded bliss. Penny and Leonard interrupt, saying a few wedding presents had been delivered to their apartment across the hall. Amy notices one from Hawking, who'd become something of a friend to Sheldon over the years.
Sheldon opens the gift, revealing a pocket watch. It has an engraving that reads, "Sheldon, I'm so glad you finally married Amy. It's about time. Ha ha ha, love, Stephen."
The characters are touched; Leonard even begins to cry.
The final shot is a photograph of the show's cast with Hawking. A caption below it called Hawking one of the greatest minds in the universe, and said that he would be missed.
Ultimately, the scene was left out, given the natural time constraints that come with network television. Fans are still upset that it wasn't left in, even four years later. Hawking had a notoriously good sense of humor and would have likely loved the touching and humorous tribute.
Steve Holland, one of the producers of the show, told The Hollywood Reporter they'd intended to include a scene to honor Hawking's life as soon as they'd heard of his passing. He said it was difficult to do it in a timely fashion, as they shoot at least three weeks before airdates. In what was already an emotional season finale revolving around the day Sheldon finally married Amy, it seemed a perfect fit.
The producers contacted Hawking's family, who'd given them their blessing. Despite it not making it on air, Holland and the rest of the crew were happy that it was shot and released, even if only on Twitter.