In the US of A, scripted sitcom The Big Bang Theory recently out-rated iconic reality program American Idol. The burning question is, why exactly are viewers so enamoured with these nerds?
After a lot of thought and constant TBBT viewing (hey, someone's gotta do it), I came up with the following hypothesis outlining ten intrinsic factors imperative to the show's success (look at me, I can speak science!)...
1. The Sheldon Factor.
The character of Sheldon rules his little roost with an iron hand. Watching this epic control freak attempt to manipulate his cohorts, whilst simultaneously lacking the ability to read nuances of human behaviour, provides endless entertainment.*
*Another reason the audience can laugh freely at Sheldon's antics is because he's a genius, so it's okay to crack up at his quirks. He's not stupid or anything, which means you're not ridiculing a moron. You don't feel mean laughing at his lack of social graces, because you know there's a killer IQ in the mix. Guilt-free humour.
2. Everyday People Find Ubersmart People Being Unsuccessful at Life Weirdly Reassuring.
The idea that the intellectual elite can have relatively crappy existences seems to cheer up the everyday American no end. Right or wrong, seeing a genius unable to drive himself to the dentist, or a rich Indian intellectual completely incapable of holding a conversation with a women, is somehow highly comforting.
3. Nerds Make Bad Jokes.
This is a great little subliminal excuse for atrocious script moments. The audience is a lot more forgiving of any flashes of subpar comedy writing in this show, because they attribute a lack of cleverness to the social ineptness of the nerd characters. It's like a Get Out Of Jail Free card for the scriptwriting team.
4. Wish Fulfillment.
When Leonard started dating the hot blonde across the hall, men of America sat back and sighed happily. Women (mostly) also liked this coupling, for myriad reasons. The romance is helped along by the fact most of the nerds are actually kind of good looking. (Except for Howard. Don't get me started on Howard, he CREEEEPS me out!).
5. Up To Date Cultural References Run Rife.
I always thought part of Seinfeld's success was the way they incorporated crazes and social trends popular in New York at that time. A number of old school style sitcoms are sadly out of date with happenings in the outside world, but not The Big Bang Theory. A recent episode focusing on the character Raj's attachment to Apple's Siri is a prime example:
6. Is Bizarrely Full of Sterotypes.
You'd think viewers would frown on this, but instead, they seem to revel in the non-PC characters. The parents really cop it here. Sheldon's Texan mother is a devout Christian who enjoys clay shooting and regularly makes racist comments. Raj's parents are rich Indians who want him to marry a good Indian girl. Leonard's mother is an emotionally detached intellectual (psychologist and neuroscientist). Howard's mother (offscreen) plays out more Jewish stereotypes than I could list in one blog...
7. They Never Stop Eating.
Seriously, these kids live in Chow Down Town. I only noticed when I suddenly started wanting to eat my meals while this show was on. We often see them eating dinner in the apartment. They also spend a lot of screen time having lunch in the cafeteria, not to mention eating out at at Penny and Bernadette's work, The Cheesecake Factory. The question is, how many viewer's have unconsciously started eating dinner in front of the telly when The Big Bang Theory is on? WHY ARE THEY ALWAYS EATING AND WHY ARE THEY NOT FAT?! (Sorry about the caps locks, could be the diet talking).
8. The Protagonists Are Not a Fat Husband and Skinny Wife in the Suburbs.
That sitcom format is so, so tired. Instead, The Big Bang Theory revisits The Odd Couple (in more ways than one). Nerds and the bimbo (neither societal label turns out to be completely true, mind you). Penny and Amy. Leonard and Sheldon. Penny and Sheldon. Actually, Sheldon and anyone...! The cast is also relatively young. Age-wise, the Big Bang Theory is more conducive to Friends than the FHSWS sub-category.
9. Star Trek Alumni Make Appearances.
Okay, okay, so this might just be a me thing, but there's no denying Star Trek's always been a huge part of both popular culture, and nerd culture. Star Trek references and appearances on The Big Bang Theory have been pretty epic. As an example, I offer the final scene of an episode in which Sheldon was ridiculed for inviting Levar Burton (Geordi La Forge on Star Trek The Next Generation) to his party via Twitter:
10. Blossom is Awesome.
Bringing girl nerds into the fold proved to be a stroke of genius. The character of Bernadette is hilarious, a perfect foil for Howard, while Malim Bayik's comedic timing as neuroscientist Amy is just superb. (And how trippy is it that the actress also happens to have a PhD in Neuroscience?). Kudos to the production team on this one.
In summary, a lot of factors are involved in making The Big Bang Theory hugely successful. But is it possible I've missed the most important one of all? That maybe, just maybe, we're all kind of nerdy on the inside? (Awwww)...
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