I informed you thusly, I so informed you thusly.

[BigBang]

Well, he was talking about fictional characters. He obviously wouldn't wish it for his own daughter.

[garyp]

I wanted to mention the point many of us are missing here. In order for the show to stay on the air it has to have ratings, that means it has to appeal to a wide audience. Like many shows it may have started out by appealing to a certain genre of people with certain interests but it can't keep going with a minor fanbase. Look at what happened to Firefly. In order to continue it has to grow in directions the majority of people like or else it won't stay on TV. Complain about it all you like but that's life.

Many of us that have come to this show recently enjoyed it because of that widening of appeal. Personally I bought the five previous seasons because I wanted to see the character development. Without the relationship between Penny and Leonard and bringing in Amy and Bernadette I would have stopped watching after a few shows.

I'm an uber-geek myself. I was a nerd in High School and haven't changed much since. Considering I'm ABD for a PhD in Applied Computer Science I don't think you can get much geekier. I love the good clean jokes and fun. The episode where Penny and Leonard get back together in season 5 is my favorite and the joke with them playing a game and Sheldon's need for wood is hilarious. I started rooting for Leonard when Penny moved in next door and followed the rest of the shows because of their relationship.

[Imapotato]

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).

So axiomatically incorrect I don't know where to start but

"science and nerd stuff?"

Oh how far you've fallen in the demo pool BBT

---

I wanted to mention the point many of us are missing here. In order for the show to stay on the air it has to have ratings, that means it has to appeal to a wide audience. Like many shows it may have started out by appealing to a certain genre of people with certain interests but it can't keep going with a minor fanbase. Look at what happened to Firefly. In order to continue it has to grow in directions the majority of people like or else it won't stay on TV. Complain about it all you like but that's life.

Incorrect, the 'cult classics' had mediocre ratings, never sold out and still live on

Community will be that way, people will talk about that show 10 years after Big Bang Theory goes the way of Cheers

Mystery Science Theater 3000...had good luck and HBO Execs who took a risk, STILL big today

Seinfeld/CURB ---never catered to LCD

etc etc

Big Bang Theory has just become a forgottebn sitcom like Friends

[BigBang]

"science and nerd stuff?"

Oh how far you've fallen in the demo pool BBT

Go and reread the topic from the beginning. I'm referencing the "science and nerd stuff" verbatim as previously mentioned by those who no longer like the show. If you don't like the expression, discuss it with them.

(I for one can only repeat - lighten up, people! )

[Imapotato]

a stereotypical internet forum misdirection to 'lighten up' when you cannot refute facts WITH facts.

This show has hit the crapper and if you expect all of us to deal with it and not express our opinions that shows what your mentality is of differing viewpoints.

The "Shout it down until "I" am comfortable" facism

[Disgusted]

Here's the nerdy storytelling quote:

The Big Bang Theory co-creator Bill Prady has promised that the next season will include "good, nerdy storytelling".

The showrunner told TV Line that there will be less of a focus on romance in the CBS sitcom's fifth run.

"We're going to put Leonard (Johnny Galecki) in a long-distance relationship with Priya (Aarti Mann)," he explained. "It winds up putting romantic things on hold for a while, and gives us a chance to get back to some good, nerdy storytelling."

Prady also admitted that he is looking forward to resolving the cliffhanger ending to the show's fourth season, in which Penny (Kaley Cuoco) slept with Raj (Kunal Nayyar).

"Every year, we've left ourselves a big mess at the end of the season," he said. "It's fun to do, and we also like things complicated for Leonard and Penny."

He added: "We're working right now on untangling the mess we left."

Iamapotato said ... showing exactly what they wanted to do with this cash cow...start off truly geeky, get the internet a buzz, keep on saying geek is the new sexy and pull in the golden goose of TV show demographics....

Both Lorre and Prady are smart, and all they had to sacrifice is the hope of geeky men who had hope for a show of their own to put us in a better light, which it did the 1st 3 seasons...then it started making fun of us for cheap laughs...

Exactly right.

Anyone going to Comicon this year? I will pay good money to see someone confront them on youtube at the Q&A.

Sample questions:

Bill, how does it feel to have your show sabotaged by Chuck's F...'ed up Penny/Raj sleeping together idea?

Kaley, do you like the way your character has been portrayed as a drunken slut for most of the season? Most fans tend to associate the character's persona with the actor portraying it. Your thoughts?

Johnny, do you really think it's realistic to still be friends with someone who took advantage of another friend and former lover when she was drunk and vulnerable?

Jim, are you glad that you don't have to memorize all those stupid science lines anymore? Will the maid scene be in your emmy nomination tape?

Mayim, are you looking forward to your lesbian scene with Kaley? How will you prepare?

Kunal, is there a tunnel in your back yard that leads to Wil Wheaton's front yard?

Chuck, if you will do anything for money, will you meet me in the men's room later?

[BigBang]

a stereotypical internet forum misdirection to 'lighten up' when you cannot refute facts WITH facts.

This show has hit the crapper and if you expect all of us to deal with it and not express our opinions that shows what your mentality is of differing viewpoints.

The "Shout it down until "I" am comfortable" facism

Oh my, another one.

My dearest, for the last few pages I've been asking for "facts" to support the ridiculous allegations about the show's downfall. Instead all I've seen in response were rants and putdowns aimed at the audience for still liking this show.

You poor, poor thing... So persecuted and misunderstood. *hugs* It must be so difficult to bravely soldier on in face of such fascist stupid lollypop (what else, I forgot? ) demographic that still likes the show. Oh, the humanity!

[BazingaFan]

Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. Like I said in my other thread, it does seem like they have brought back a lot of nerdy stuff in season 5, most being star trek instead of physics, but they are trying. I still say the relationship stuff has always been there, including the sex stuff. Leonard and leslie were hooking up very early on. It's always been there.

[Disgusted]

stupid lollypop (what else, I forgot? ) demographic

Lollypop Guild

I coined the term to describe the posters on the "Fan Forum" Because:

Raj used it in an episode

They all write in an annoying "cutesy" icon filled way

They tend to sing the same song in unison

They are living in a fantasy land

[Guest I'm not dead Cheryl]

stupid lollypop (what else, I forgot? ) demographic

Lollypop Guild

I coined the term to describe the posters on the "Fan Forum" Because:

Raj used it in an episode

They all write in an annoying "cutesy" icon filled way

They tend to sing the same song in unison

They are living in a fantasy land

I like "fantasy land" is much happier than bitter land for sure.. we have unicorns, and rainbows and candy.

[Disgusted]

we have unicorns, and rainbows and candy.

Oh, barf.:icon_mrgreen::icon_mrgreen:

You don't think the shenny shippers are bitter right now, or will be soon?

[Guest I'm not dead Cheryl]

we have unicorns, and rainbows and candy.

Oh, barf.:icon_mrgreen::icon_mrgreen:

You don't think the shenny shippers are bitter right now, or will be soon?

they are, a lot, judging by all the mass suicide threats on Tumblr, but to be honest, I couldn't care less.

[Disgusted]

they are, a lot, judging by all the mass suicide threats on Tumblr, but to be honest, I couldn't care less.

So true, discounting the views of those who don't agree with you is the surest path to enlightenment.

[netmouse]

nice to see 4ofN posting again /wave and wb Ima, been awhile.

on topic, yeah, valid point 4ofN.

[Disgusted]

Netmouse! I thought you wuz dead!

[netmouse]

@Disgusted: nah, been away for a few days. I do most of my forum posting at work >< lol

[4ofN]

nice to see 4ofN posting again /wave and wb Ima, been awhile.

on topic, yeah, valid point 4ofN.

Hi Netmouse. Yeah, thought I'd make a few posts. But I have to make sure I don't get sucked in. It got pretty intense there a while back.

[rickfromillinois]

I find it amusing to read posts from people who are describing how terrible the show is overall and what a "failure" it is because it caters to the lower mentality of the masses in order to get ratings at the expense of the more sophisticated. How terrible to focus more on the relationship then the "science". Just a few observations and truths.

1) This is a business and business is good. The ratings are what is important to the producers/directors/writers/and actors. It is a half hour comedy and has absolutely no chance of ever appearing on PBS as a segment of Masterpiece Theater.

2) The show's main focus has always been on comedy and the character's relationships. Science has never been a major theme. That show is Bill Nye the Science Guy.

3) Coming to the board to point out just how terrible the show has become is both humorous and pitiful. To proclaim that the reason you watched the show in the first place was because of the science is just plain asinine. Go to a network comedy to get your science fix, good thinking.

4) Us plebeians who are just too stupid to understand how terrible the show is will continue to watch and enjoy it. I guess that we are not smart enough to understand how miserable we really are.

[garyp]

I find it amusing to read posts from people who are describing how terrible the show is overall and what a "failure" it is because it caters to the lower mentality of the masses in order to get ratings at the expense of the more sophisticated. How terrible to focus more on the relationship then the "science". Just a few observations and truths.

1) This is a business and business is good. The ratings are what is important to the producers/directors/writers/and actors. It is a half hour comedy and has absolutely no chance of ever appearing on PBS as a segment of Masterpiece Theater.

2) The show's main focus has always been on comedy and the character's relationships. Science has never been a major theme. That show is Bill Nye the Science Guy.

3) Coming to the board to point out just how terrible the show has become is both humorous and pitiful. To proclaim that the reason you watched the show in the first place was because of the science is just plain asinine. Go to a network comedy to get your science fix, good thinking.

4) Us plebeians who are just too stupid to understand how terrible the show is will continue to watch and enjoy it. I guess that we are not smart enough to understand how miserable we really are.

Thank you rickfromillinois. Well said. Exactly what I was trying to say but expressed much more eloquently.

[Disgusted]

I find it amusing ...

Well,

1)This is a business and business is good...

No one is arguing about that. My point (theory, if you prefer) is that the show was dumbed down to appeal to a wider demographic. To some it is self evident. To others, not so much.

2) The show's main focus has always been on comedy and the character's relationships. Science has never been a major theme....

Wow. What's your definition of "Major Theme"? Are we watching the same show? This is not the one set at clown college where the "big bang" refers to balloons popping. Your statement brings to mind this quote:

"When I use a word,†Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.â€

3)...To proclaim that the reason you watched the show in the first place was because of the science is just plain asinine.

You are welcome to your opinion. And you put it so "eloquently"

4) Us plebeians who are just too stupid to understand how terrible the show is will continue to watch and enjoy it. I guess that we are not smart enough to understand how miserable we really are.

I don't claim to know what makes other people happy, I only know what makes me happy. The show in it's current form is falling well short of the bar that was set in the early seasons IMNSHO. You may not "believe" that, or think it's "asinine", but it's a fact.

You might want to check this link, it's too long to post the text here.

http://www.theonion.com/articles/lowest-common-denominator-continues-to-plummet,1487/

P.S. Please continue to post on this subject, you are doing an excellent job of supporting my point.

[garyp]

disgusted, you reference the Onion to support your contention???? You then use rhetoric and your own opinions to support your contentions. Very scientific.

Quote some actual facts from a reputable source and you might make some headway with the rest of us. Also, I see that you're trying to pull off a Sheldon with your Sheldonesque comments but they fall far short of humor.

[Disgusted]

...Is disgusted one of those trolls I hear about ... I'll ignore any posts disgusted might make in response to this .....

The workings of the open mind are a beautiful thing.

Quote some actual facts from a reputable source and you might make some headway with the rest of us

Please cite a study that states sitcom viewers are smarter than average.

I would view a study from the entertainment industry about how they target their viewers with the same suspicion with which I would view a study about the health risks of cigarette smoking paid for by the smoking industry.

Facts have been stated. Sources given. They have been ignored.

http://www.ugo.com/tv/11-reasons-geeks-hate-the-big-bang-theory

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ViewersAreMorons

As far as the Onion article, I will use a Sheldon quote " It's funny... because it's true."

And finally, one more:

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FanDumb

The thing that perplexes me is that how an opinion that the show is not as smart and funny as it once was can somehow be twisted into "You are calling me stupid!" That's not true. There's every chance y'all won't fall into the general demographic. I'm pulling for y'all.

[4ofN]

...Is disgusted one of those trolls I hear about ... I'll ignore any posts disgusted might make in response to this .....

The workings of the open mind are a beautiful thing.

Quote some actual facts from a reputable source and you might make some headway with the rest of us

Please cite a study that states sitcom viewers are smarter than average.

I would view a study from the entertainment industry about how they target their viewers with the same suspicion with which I would view a study about the health risks of cigarette smoking paid for by the smoking industry.

Facts have been stated. Sources given. They have been ignored.

http://www.ugo.com/tv/11-reasons-geeks-hate-the-big-bang-theory

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ViewersAreMorons

As far as the Onion article, I will use a Sheldon quote " It's funny... because it's true."

And finally, one more:

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FanDumb

The thing that perplexes me is that how an opinion that the show is not as smart and funny as it once was can somehow be twisted into "You are calling me stupid!" That's not true. There's every chance y'all won't fall into the general demographic. I'm pulling for y'all.

As alway, disgusted, you are spot on.

[Moon_Pie]

@Disgusted - I do agree that the show was dumbed down to some extent. But it's still funny and that's why we watch it.

[garyp]

@disgusted - The reason for this comment: "I'll ignore any posts disgusted might make in response to this..." was an attempt to avoid a flame war.

The posts you made prior to this, such as this one: "The show turning to crap is one thing, but the utter vapidity/vacuousness of some of the posts on this forum is mind-boggling." seemed to indicate a troll looking to start trouble.

I am willing to discuss anything with anyone but comments like that last one really do not indicate a willingness to have a discussion.

I never indicated that sitcom viewers are smarter than average, I have no idea where that came from.

Let's see, ugo.com and tvtropes doesn't seem to be any higher on the scale towards facts than the onion. Those particular articles looked like opinions to me.

Tell me how your comment that I quoted above was misinterpreted from a comment that "the show is not as smart and funny as it once was" to "you are calling me stupid". Is it possible my English is so bad that I misread "utter vapidity/vacuousness"?