Since its debut in 2007, The Big Bang Theory has captured the hearts of millions around the globe with its quirky humor, lovable characters, and nerdy charm. Even after its conclusion in 2019, the show continues to spark interest among fans who eagerly revisit its episodes. Here are five fascinating facts about the making of this iconic series that you might not know.
1. The Famous Staircase Is Just One Flight
The apartment staircase, featured in nearly every episode, isn’t what it seems. In reality, there’s only one flight of stairs. The set designers cleverly change the floor number and minor props between scenes, while the actors walk in circles to simulate going up or down multiple floors.
2. The Shocking End: Jim Parsons’ Departure
Despite its immense popularity and high ratings, the show came to an end after 12 seasons. This decision was largely due to Jim Parsons, who played Sheldon Cooper, choosing to leave. Reportedly, Parsons turned down a lucrative offer to continue, leading producers to conclude that the series wouldn’t work without its central star. For the rest of the cast, this announcement came as a complete surprise.
3. Howard’s Ever-Changing Belt Buckles
Howard Wolowitz’s signature style includes a new belt buckle in every episode. However, there was one notable exception: in the series finale, Howard wears the same buckle he sported in the very first episode of Season 1 — a nostalgic nod to his character's journey.
4. A Surprise Second Pregnancy for Bernadette
Melissa Rauch, who played Bernadette, was pregnant during filming. To accommodate her, the writers added a second pregnancy for her character, even though Bernadette had just given birth in the storyline. Many of her scenes were adjusted to be filmed in bed, leading to the humorous addition of Howard and Bernadette becoming parents of two kids close in age.
5. Pay Disparities Addressed by Cast Solidarity
Starting in Season 8, the five main cast members earned $1 million per episode. Meanwhile, Melissa Rauch (Bernadette) and Mayim Bialik (Amy) were making $200,000 per episode. In a gesture of solidarity, the main cast agreed to take a pay cut, which allowed Melissa and Mayim to see their salaries increase to $450,000 per episode — an act that highlighted the camaraderie of the team both on and off-screen.
This blend of humor, teamwork, and heart both in front of and behind the camera is what solidified The Big Bang Theory as one of television’s most beloved sitcoms. Even years after its finale, these behind-the-scenes stories keep fans falling in love with the show all over again.
