I informed you thusly, I so informed you thusly.

[Moonbase]

@Disgusted, the point is the show was NEVER about the science or the cool nerdy stuff. It's not the equations on the boards that attracted the viewers to the pilot and season 1, it was the HUMAN story.

The heart of the show is - and always was - the human story, not science or nerdy stuff.

This is just not true. Most of the people who started watching the show in the early years, were as much interested in the nerd aspect, as the hot girl next door storyline.

Newer fans have a different view because they come in quickly and watch the shows back to back. That's what you do when you are excited about something as good as TBBT, and it's understandable. But it means a different perspective.

[BigBang]

Most of the people who started watching the show in the early years, were as much interested in the nerd aspect, as the hot girl next door storyline.

Well, what do you mean by the "nerd aspect"? If you're talking about the nerds, then I'm with you. I was actually never interested in the "hot girl next door" storyline.

I may not started watching too long ago, but what attracted me to the show was the human side of the story about the nerds.

But if you mean most of the audience in early years were much more interested in equations on the boards and the nerdy toys than the actual human aspect of the story, then no, I do not believe you.

People do not obsess about sitcoms because of whatever external situation those sitcoms portray (science, hospital, nerdy stuff, law office, police station, or whatever). People get interested in sitcoms because of the human story. And the reason TBBT became so popular is because it zeroed in on a very interesting human story.

[Moonbase]

Most of the people who started watching the show in the early years, were as much interested in the nerd aspect, as the hot girl next door storyline.

Well, what do you mean by the "nerd aspect"? If you're talking about the nerds, then I'm with you. I was actually never interested in the "hot girl next door" storyline.

I may not started watching too long ago, but what attracted me to the show was the human side of the story about the nerds.

But if you mean most of the audience in early years were much more interested in equations on the boards and the nerdy toys than the actual human aspect of the story, then no, I do not believe you.

People do not obsess about sitcoms because of whatever external situation those sitcoms portray (science, hospital, nerdy stuff, law office, police station, or whatever). People get interested in sitcoms because of the human story. And the reason TBBT became so popular is because it zeroed in on a very interesting human story.

Your statements are so sweeping. 'People don't do this, or that?'

Just because cult references mean nothing to one person doesn't mean that having this relatable aspect is not a main draw for someone else.

It's obviously it's the developing relationships on the show for you. That fair enough. I am not adverse to change, I like the new characters but I wouldn't watch this show if I didn't have a particular interest in the nerd/cult aspect. The characters would be of little interest to me.

[Br33na]

the answer to why the show has changed is simple:

because it got popular... and because it's 5 years later.

the writers cannot write episodes as if we're still in Season 1.

the characters have developed, the story lines have developed, and you gotta go with the changes.

in Season 1, Penny was more ditzy/innocent towards the guys.

but clearly they can't keep her character exactly the same way for all these years, especially now that she's friends with the guys.

people grow, people change, ratings go up, writers write...

[BigBang]

Most of the people who started watching the show in the early years, were as much interested in the nerd aspect, as the hot girl next door storyline.

if you mean most of the audience in early years were much more interested in equations on the boards and the nerdy toys than the actual human aspect of the story, then no, I do not believe you.

People do not obsess about sitcoms because of whatever external situation those sitcoms portray (science, hospital, nerdy stuff, law office, police station, or whatever). People get interested in sitcoms because of the human story. And the reason TBBT became so popular is because it zeroed in on a very interesting human story.

Your statements are so sweeping. 'People don't do this, or that?'

Just because cult references mean nothing to one person doesn't mean that having this relatable aspect is not a main draw for someone else.

It's obviously it's the developing relationships on the show for you. That fair enough. I am not adverse to change, I like the new characters but I wouldn't watch this show if I didn't have a particular interest in the nerd/cult aspect. The characters would be of little interest to me.

Phooey! I enjoy the cult references on the show just as much as anyone else. You're missing my point, however.

Do you or do you not agree that it's the HUMAN story of the nerds that was the reason the show became so popular?

Human desires, fears, hopes, struggles, feelings of insecurity, failures, passions - THAT'S what the story is about. It's not about science. It's not about relationships. It's about HUMANITY of these extraodinarily intelligent protagonists.

You may not have identified with any of them without the trappings of the "nerd stuff", fair enough. But that doesn't mean the nerd stuff is what you're watching for. Look deep inside yourself and ask, what is more important to you - whatever new toy Leonard or Sheldon will be playing with on the show next week, or their reaction to whatever happens in their lives?

If you care only for the toys and it doesn't matter to you what the characters feel or do, then you're one in a million (or possibly a robot).

[4ofN]

Count me in as one who watched the show specifically because of the science / nerdyness of the early seasons. The "hot girl next door" was great, but not why I watched. I also did NOT watch to see the human side of the nerds. What made this show special and unique was the science and nerdyness of the show. There are tons of shows out there that are all about the human side of the characters and there is conflict and change and all of the things I don't like.

And that is why I am upset at the changes in the show. This was a unique show that initially catered to people who like science. I like science and I like science related jokes and storylines. I am the sort of person who makes references to scientific studies in regular conversation and do you know what? There are no other sit-coms like that. That is what I liked and that is what I wish they would bring back.

The thing that really irks me is that the show has changed so much specifically becasue it got popular with people who were just not as into science related stuff. So now the science related stuff is mostly gone and there are now zero shows on TV like the early big bang theory. Do you know how many shows there are on TV that are all about the human side of people and are all about growth and change and conflict and relationships? Almost all of them. Even bloody shows about motorcycles or home renovation or cooking or almost anything now end up actually being about conflict. I can't stand it.

[Br33na]

I don't know how you can think the show is lacking with the science aspect. that's just ridiculous.

[BigBang]

SITCOM = a situation comedy

The focus of a comedy is people. If you want pure science, then sitcom is not the proper venue.

[Guest I'm not dead Cheryl]

two words:

Stephen Hawking

[4ofN]

two words:

Stephen Hawking

And this right here is the problem.

To respond with "Stephen Hawking" as a reply to a lament about the reduced science content of the show is to misunderstand what science is. You see, Stephen Hawking is not science. Stephen Hawking is a person who does science.

This relates directly to my point above. I like science and enjoyed the scientific aspect of some of the earlier plotlines. This is quite different from the desire expressed earlier to see a show about some people who just happen to be scientists with "Human desires, fears, hopes, struggles, feelings of insecurity, failures, passions".

[BigBang]

I like science and enjoyed the scientific aspect of some of the earlier plotlines.

Such as...?

Could you point to the episodes that were primarily about the scientific aspect rather than the human aspect?

Maybe I missed something. Was there an episode when the audience was supposed to solve equations or come up with answers to the mysteries of universe?

Or do you mean scientific aspect such as explanation to Penny of Schrodinger's cat?

[4ofN]

Do you or do you not agree that it's the HUMAN story of the nerds that was the reason the show became so popular?

Human desires, fears, hopes, struggles, feelings of insecurity, failures, passions - THAT'S what the story is about. It's not about science. It's not about relationships. It's about HUMANITY of these extraodinarily intelligent protagonists.

You may not have identified with any of them without the trappings of the "nerd stuff", fair enough. But that doesn't mean the nerd stuff is what you're watching for. Look deep inside yourself and ask, what is more important to you - whatever new toy Leonard or Sheldon will be playing with on the show next week, or their reaction to whatever happens in their lives?

If you care only for the toys and it doesn't matter to you what the characters feel or do, then you're one in a million (or possibly a robot).

To answer your question. No, I do not agree that it's the HUMAN story of the nerds that was the reason the show became so popular.

As for your statement "you're one in a million (or possibly a robot)". Well guess what? Not everyone is like you. Sure there are lots of people like you who care more about all the human relationship stuff. I get that shoved in my face every time I turn on the TV with the million or so shows on TV that cater to you and people like you.

There are actually people out in the world (myself and many of my friends to start) who like science and find it interesting in and of itself. The early big bang theory seemed to be the only show that catered to people like that and took the science / nerdy stuff and built a sit-com around it - now, that was one in a million. Sure there were relationships, but they were not the focus of the show.

That was why a certain sub-set of the fans were so outraged when they had Penny and Raj sleep together. That was disgusting. If it is that kind of relationship drama that you want, why not watch so-called "reality" shows instead of sit-coms.

[BigBang]

There are actually people out in the world (myself and many of my friends to start) who like science and find it interesting in and of itself...

That was why a certain sub-set of the fans were so outraged when they had Penny and Raj sleep together. That was disgusting. If it is that kind of relationship drama that you want, why not watch so-called "reality" shows instead of sit-coms.

OMG, could you be any more conceited?

Really, you like science? And you believe that's so unusual and special? And anyone who doesn't agree with you about the show must be a shallow nincompoop only fit to watch reality shows?

Whatever.

You say the focus of the show used to be science, not human aspect. You haven't shown one shread of proof so far. (And you can't, because the show from the get-go was about human aspect. It's a SITCOM, not science channel. )

P.S. As for "people in the world" who actually like science. I come from a family of scientists (parents, uncles/aunts, grandparents). Nuclear physics, lasers into space, geophysics, biology, you name it. None of them would ever pretend to watch a sitcom to learn about science. Because that's absurd.

[Vortex]

I think some people are missing the point.

What sitcom isn't about relationships in some way unless it entirely focuses on animals... and if it does you aren't watching a sitcom you are watching the Discovery channel.

The Big Bang Theory is about MORE than just relationships. It is about science, technology, and nerdy obsessions. Some people are drawn to the show because they see the characters having Halo night and they can identify with that or they see Leonard use a light sabre as a night light/flash light and maybe they don't have on themselves but it is a nerdy thing and they find that funny. Yes, a lot of the humour in the show comes from poking fun at relationships but relationships are part of life so they naturally will include it as part of the show. But if you take The Office for example... it is about relationships but it is based on what it is like working in a dull office job in an industry that is going out of style. A lot of the humour in the show, esp. in the first few seasons was about goofing off because people are bored and/or the boss trying to get everybody pysched up about something that isn't that exciting.

So The Big Bang Theory isn't really about one thing but the attraction of the show definitely can come from its connection to science and technology for some people.

[BigBang]

I thought about it some more. If some viewers are unhappy that there's not enough science or nerdy stuff in the show in the later seasons, why not tell the show makers?

While science was never the main focus of the show, it was a very enjoyable element. Why not write to Chuck Lorre and point out what exactly you would like to see - for example, more mentions of science and/or nerd struff, and give examples, ("I really enjoyed earlier seasons with such examples of scientific/nerdy discussions as *blah-blah-blah*, please include similar elements in future episodes".)

I think that course of action will be much more effective than bitching on internet or implying everyone who still loves the show is a stoopid reality show consuming idjit.

[SydNC]

SITCOM = a situation comedy

The focus of a comedy is people. If you want pure science, then sitcom is not the proper venue.

But the focus of a Situational Comedy is the situation. Before, we had 4 outcast nerds who couldn't fit in with the world. Sure, they all wanted to grow up and have "real lives", and they're getting closer to that. But I don't want to watch that. I have 100's of other channels with that kind of formulaic crap. I agree with the OP, the science/geek/nerd factor has been dialed down. Not turned off, but dialed down.

[Br33na]

again I'll ask: how is this show any less science themed as before?

the past few episodes alone have had: Stephen Hawking, Sheldon's paper, Leonard Nimoy, Star Trek, Sheldon working in Amy's neurobiology lab, Howard preparing for space, Sheldon met Brett Spiner at Wil Wheaton's party...

[SydNC]

again I'll ask: how is this show any less science themed as before?

the past few episodes alone have had: Stephen Hawking, Sheldon's paper, Leonard Nimoy, Star Trek, Sheldon working in Amy's neurobiology lab, Howard preparing for space, Sheldon met Brett Spiner at Wil Wheaton's party...

They aren't as specific as they used to be, they are more generalized and elementary now. Sure, they had Stephen Hawking on there, and Leonard Nimoy. Name one thing in science they talked about? None. The first scene of the pilot in which Sheldon discusses the double slit experiment has more science in it than all of the last season. That's the level of detail we're talking about. However, if you're not already an uber science nerd, there's a good chance you wouldn't even notice the changes.

[4ofN]

There are actually people out in the world (myself and many of my friends to start) who like science and find it interesting in and of itself...

That was why a certain sub-set of the fans were so outraged when they had Penny and Raj sleep together. That was disgusting. If it is that kind of relationship drama that you want, why not watch so-called "reality" shows instead of sit-coms.

OMG, could you be any more conceited?

Really, you like science? And you believe that's so unusual and special? And anyone who doesn't agree with you about the show must be a shallow nincompoop only fit to watch reality shows?

Whatever.

You say the focus of the show used to be science, not human aspect. You haven't shown one shread of proof so far. (And you can't, because the show from the get-go was about human aspect. It's a SITCOM, not science channel. )

P.S. As for "people in the world" who actually like science. I come from a family of scientists (parents, uncles/aunts, grandparents). Nuclear physics, lasers into space, geophysics, biology, you name it. None of them would ever pretend to watch a sitcom to learn about science. Because that's absurd.

First off, thanks Vortex for having my back.

Now then BigBang. I doubt I could convince you that there is less science on the show than there used to be. In fact I don't actually want to. I've been down that road and people rarely change their opinions. If you can't see the change, then good for you. You may notice though that I am not the only one who has made the observation that the show has changed. I am just defending my position since you were the one who suggested that I was a one in a million or a robot or something and that if I only looked deep within myself I'd realize that I am actually just like you and that you have been right all along.

You are right it is a sitcom and not the science channel. I am not watching to learn science but rather to see a show that was comfortable with science concepts and have science / nerd stuff as part of the show. That's what I liked. As Vortex pointed out, it is nice to have a sitcom based on one own interests.

[BigBang]

I am not watching to learn science but rather to see a show that was comfortable with science concepts and have science / nerd stuff as part of the show. That's what I liked.

So why don't you write to the creators of the show and ask them to mention science or nerd stuff more often.

Science was never the focus of the show, but it was always an important element of the story. Here's a suggestion - if having that element made more prominent is important to you, then do something about it, instead of insulting the rest of the viewers (this is aimed equally at you and @Disgusted).

[4ofN]

Science was never the focus of the show.

Your opinion - not mine.

So why don't you write to the creators of the show

Excellent suggestion. And it was done. I along with some number of other people did just that after the end of last season.

In fact, last summer at comic con Bill Prady himself even acknowledged this by stating that they would move away from the relationship stuff and get back to good old nerdy story-telling. The fact that he lied when he said that does not change the fact that there were enough people who complained about it that he felt that a statement about the matter was appropriate.

Alas there weren't enough of us to keep the show on course. Obviously there were enough people who wanted the changes to out-weigh those who would be upset about them.

[Moonbase]

In fact, last summer at comic con Bill Prady himself even acknowledged this by stating that they would move away from the relationship stuff and get back to good old nerdy story-telling.

I saw that on youtube.

Convict13 posted a couple of behind the scene videos recently and Chuck was asked "how do you keep coming up with ideas?"

I think his answer was "desperation and fear"

[BigBang]

Science was never the focus of the show.

Your opinion - not mine.

It would help to understand your viewpoint if you presented some facts to support your opinion.

[BazingaFan]

I watched the comic cons and I don't remember Bill Prady saying that. I will have to go back and look. Anyone have a link?

[Disgusted]

In fact, last summer at comic con Bill Prady himself even acknowledged this by stating that they would move away from the relationship stuff and get back to good old nerdy story-telling. The fact that he lied when he said that does not change the fact that there were enough people who complained about it that he felt that a statement about the matter was appropriate.

So true.

For the Google impaired among you:

Executive producer Bill Prady dishes on what Penny’s arc will be in the fifth season and reveals that Howard and Bernadette will be planning their big day.

In the season finale, Penny found herself in quite the situation as she and Raj awoke in bed together and then commenced a walk of shame through Leonard and Sheldon’s apartment. Executive producer Bill Prady confirmed to TV Line Penny’s actions in the finale would be contributing to her story arc next season, “Her career’s going nowhere, and the one thing she had going for her — her group of friends — she [sabotaged] by sleeping with Raj,†says Prady. “For the first time, she had [male] friends who treated her like a [real] person, and not the way she’s been treated in the past by men. And she just [undermined] that. That’s a fun journey for her. Sometimes it’s really fun to have your characters screw things up big-time and see how they get out of it.â€For fans concerned on if Bernadette and Howard’s financial spat was enough to keep Melissa Rauch away this next season, but Prady confirms that the couple will remain strong and fans may get to see a wedding possibly in the Spring, “All the wedding planning will be throughout the season, including selection of the best man and maid of honor. The bachelor party will be miserable, but the hardest part for Howard will be trying to leave his mother’s house.

Anyone who thinks that's "fun" is one sick bastard.