One TBBT Moment So Cringe, Even the Writers Wish They Could Undo It
After The Big Bang Theory's successful 12-year run, we can say with confidence that this show has brought some of the cleverest moments in sitcom history to our screens.
The whole theme of the hit series revolves around nerdy characters, after all. But just as much as there were streaks of intelligence, there were also many awkward moments that were simply too embarrassing to watch. And there was one moment in particular that was so cringe that even the writers wished they could undo it.
In a recently published book The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series by Jessica Radloff, TBBT creators and cast members revealed some exclusive behind-the-scenes details.
Among other things, they shared which storylines they struggled with the most and decisions they would take back if they could go back in time. And let's just say there were quite a few! From the high IQ sperm bank to Raj and Penny's hookup, the showrunners sure know how to make their viewers feel second-hand embarrassment. But even though there's no lack of cringe-worthy scenes, the one that takes the cake has to do with the typical 'ditzy blonde girl' trope that surrounded Penny.
Penny, who's played by Kaley Cuoco, is one of the fan-favorites and an integral part of the show, and it's easy to see why. She's a happy-go-lucky person with a bubbly personality, who loves her friends. However, she was also strongly pigeonholed into a stereotype of the typical attractive blonde 'girl next door' who makes questionable life choices and aspires to become an actress.
While Penny does give the series the much-needed balance, Lorre admits she was one of the most poorly written characters during the show's early days.
"It was really obvious immediately that we hadn't developed that character beyond the pretty girl next door, and Kaley was certainly capable of doing a great deal more than what was asked of her. She was the ditzy blonde girl in the pilot, which is one of the things that is not great about [it]," he revealed.
Among many other cringy moments on the show, one that Lorre refers to as an 'unfortunate joke' was in the pilot. Penny was hanging out with Sheldon and Leonard, and they were all getting to know each other.
During the conversation, she tells them she's a vegetarian, except for fish and the occasional steak, adding that she loves steak. While it may have been funny for some, it was also very cringe. Although Lorre didn't write the pilot, he wishes he could undo this moment nevertheless, and honestly, we can't blame him!