How TBBT Leonard’s Lack Of Character Development Is The Best Possible Storyline

Summary:

• The Big Bang Theory was a CBS sitcom that ran on air for 12 years from 2007 to 2019.
• While all the characters went through major changes in their lives, Leonard stayed the same.
• Fans believe the message behind Leonard’s character was self-acceptance and personal growth.

One of the greatest pleasures for anyone who has just finished a long TV series is to see how all the characters have changed. TV history is littered with examples of children growing up before the eyes of the audience, and of course people always tend to get emotional when looking back on something for decades.

Even if The Big Bang Theory isn't a meaningful and emotional drama, it's still nice to see how the characters have evolved over time. What started out as a bunch of kinda weird and sometimes overused clichés turned out to be a group of friends of well-established, intelligent, and stable men and women living their best lives.

From the slightly pervy loser who lives with his mom and walks a fine line one step away from harassment charges to the successful engineer with a beautiful wife and kids, who has also been to space. From the misunderstood loner who can't read a social cue to the Nobel Prize winner. From the shy guy who can't talk to women to the bona fide womanizer.

It seems like every storyline on The Big Bang Theory has had a perfect arc and worked out for the best in the end. Every and each one except Leonard's, as if he never really had a purpose in life other than being there for Sheldon and falling in love with Penny.

Leonard Hofstadter In TBBT Finale

From the beginning of the show, many thought Leonard was the most "normal" of the guys. First, it was clear that he would be pushed as Penny's romantic interest, and second, he had to be sane enough to deal with Sheldon all the time. After all, the apartment they lived in couldn't handle twice as much craziness.

This contrast immediately made Leonard one of the more appealing characters on the show. Yes, like everyone else, he had his little quirks and flaws, but nothing on the scale of any other character on the show. This made Leonard more relatable and likable, but it also made it harder for viewers to follow his progress.

On the surface, Leonard's entire storyline revolves around Penny and their relationship, ending happily at the moment of their wedding. However, this is not true, and there is a deeper meaning that his character sends.

Leonard's story is one of self-confidence, self-love and self-acceptance. At the very beginning of the show, he doesn't seem very happy with his position or his life in general. He doesn't feel confident enough to make any overt moves on Penny, and he almost crumbles under the weight of his own insecurities.

However, this changes as the seasons progress. Growing up with a mother like his must have been a challenge in itself, and it's definitely taken a toll on his mental health. However, being raised in a much more comforting environment, Leonard was able to not only discover his self-worth but also stand up to his mother and have a proper adult conversation.

Although his life did not change drastically, his mentality definitely did. And that allowed Leonard to take new steps in both his professional and personal life. If that's not a heartwarming message for a good pick-me-up show, we don't know what is.

If you never thought of Leonard’s evolution like this, but want to rewatch The Big Bang Theory and see it for yourself now, you can stream the series on Netflix or MAX.