TBBT Fans Still Can’t Forgive Writers for Getting Rid of This Character So Soon

One of the best things about well-done sitcoms is the fact that you never get tired of rewatching them, even if the show is 12 seasons long. For example, we can’t imagine saying “enough” when it comes to The Big Bang Theory, because every time you binge the show you laugh like it’s your first time and cringe as well.

The Big Bang Theory is an ensemble cast show with many main characters. And while we care deeply for them, the huge number of side characters also hold a special place in our hearts.

Some of these characters we hate (hi, Priya haters), but some of them we wish had stuck around a little longer. The case for the second point is Leonard's short-term girlfriend Stephanie.

Dr. Stephanie Barnett was introduced as a surgical resident and was masterfully played by Sara Rue. Some of the fans may not like the way she was brought to the show, as the story involved Leonard going behind his best friend Howard’s back, starting a relationship with a girl he met first, but who was clearly not interested.

Still, the fandom grew to love Stephanie for many reasons. Some fans say it was her genuine caring attitude towards Leonard that made them like her, and the fact that she was actually interested in his life and work. Some liked her for the comedy she added to the show, especially hilarious were her interactions with Sheldon and how she used sex to manipulate Leonard.

Moreover, there are even fans who dared to picture her as Leonard’s endgame partner instead of Penny…

“Sometimes I wish they did end up as a couple tbh, she was Leonard’s only girlfriend that actually cared and loved him. I always didn’t like how he kept running back to Penny. Strong unpopular opinion from my end probably disliked but I wish Leonard didn’t even marry Penny to begin with. I wish Leonard stuck with his doctor girlfriend,” Redditor pinkpastelpetal334 said.

Many viewers say that the way she was made to leave the show was just disrespectful, both to the character and to the actress. Stephanie had a lot of potential to be a real threat to Penny, but instead was abandoned off-screen. That’s just not cool…

If you miss the iconic relationship — The Big Bang Theory is available to stream on MAX.