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The Big Bang Theory cover art

The Big Bang Theory

By: Jessica Radloff
Narrated by: Jessica Radloff, Fleet Cooper, Abhay Ahluwalia, Anna Williford, Suehyla Young, Allan Robertson
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Summary

The definitive, behind-the-scenes look at the most popular sitcom of the last decade, The Big Bang Theory, packed with all-new, exclusive interviews with the producers and entire cast.

The Big Bang Theory is a television phenomenon. To the casual viewer, it’s a seemingly effortless comedy, with relatable but deeply unique characters tackling real-life issues—a kind of visual comfort food for its millions of dedicated fans. But the behind-the-scenes journey of the show from a failed pilot to a global phenomenon is a riveting story that even the most die-hard fans don’t know in its entirety.

The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive Oral History is a riveting, entertaining look at the sitcom sensation, with the blessing and participation of co-creator Chuck Lorre and executive producer Steve Molaro, as well as Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch, Mayim Bialik, and more. Glamour senior editor Jessica Radloff, who has written over 200 articles on the series (and even had a cameo in the finale!), gives listeners an all-access pass to its intrepid producing and writing team and beloved cast. It’s a story of on-and-off screen romance told in hilarious and emotional detail, of casting choices that nearly changed everything (which even some of the actors didn’t know until now), of cast members bravely powering through personal tragedies, and when it came time to announce the 12th season would be its last, the complicated reasons why it was more difficult than anyone ever led on. Above all else, The Big Bang Theory tackled issues no other sitcoms would touch, which underwent a brilliant metamorphosis during its 279 episodes that mirrored the changing attitudes of America itself. These are the stories shared here, with the intimacy and the reverence the show has earned.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Jessica Radloff (P)2022 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

"A fun look at the sitcom megahit. . . Entertaining in its own right, this book examines the how and why behind the success of a landmark series."—Kirkus Reviews

"I'm so excited for fans to finally see my behind-the-scenes Polaroids for the first time. These photos are very special and super personal, so knowing Jess was taking such care with them, as she did with this book, was very comforting to me."—Kaley Cuoco

"There is no one more enthusiastic, more knowledgeable, more competent, or more dialed into the pulse of TBBT than Jessica Radloff. Jessica cultivated deep and rich relationships with all of us on TBBT over many years so that she can bring you the most detailed, delightful, and authentic TBBT book there will ever be. Bravo, Jessica, for putting up with us for so many hours of discussion, reminiscence, laughter and tears; thank you for being a part of our show's impact with this thorough and exceedingly well-researched work of art!"—Mayim Bialik

What listeners say about The Big Bang Theory

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Very informative a must read

I’ve loved this show from the beginning so when I Jessica was writing this book I can’t wait to read it and it didn’t let me down it is a must read for big bang theory fans. Beautifully written and narrated 5 🌟

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Sorry but lost interest quickly

I really struggled to finish this as the dialogue got very monotonous and the story-telling was very mundane.
Ended up marking as complete not even half way through.

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A must for BBT fans!

Wonderful, wonderful stories, an amazing book - great tales about a great show. As with others' experience, the voice casting is, in places, dreadful, sometimes bordering on offensive, but it is great that it is read by the author.

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  • Overall
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Enjoyable

A brilliant tv series. So we’ll made with so much hard work. Amazing to hear about the background to it.

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The ultimate geek book for geeks

Really enjoyable and insightful account of TBBT. The book is mostly quotes and is well-performed. It covers the whole process, from the start, key episodes, on and off screen, the evolution of the story, and the end. The cast and crew are surprisingly open (Kaley Cuoco doesn’t always come off too well but she’s very honest). Very little is said about the writers for the first three seasons, which are still my favourite. Overall really excellent.

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If you loved the show you will love this

A must listen if you were a fan of the show. Great insight into how the whole show came together. There are some absolute gems in there. it's well narrated and easy to listen to.

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Who casts these people ?

if I wasn't so interested in the subject matter this would have been deleted quickly. Whoever cast the people to read this needs a new career. The person reading for Jim Parsons has one of those voices that makes you shudder and not in a good way.

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Joyful

A deep dive on the show which works because it’s informed by those involved in it. If you’re a fan, enjoy.

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Amazing book for the best TV series ever!

I am not going to say things that will spoil the fun but I am going to say that this TBBT handbook, all the information you need are there! Thank you Jessica and all the people involved in what is and will be forever the best TV series with the best impact in our society! Thank you, excellent work!

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something that feels nostalgic

now I know this didn't finish too long ago but listening to the book that nostalgic. it was funny informative and even made me go back to find things like the flash mobs an amazing book that any Big bang theory lover. the only even slightly negative comments I could make and this is purely preference was that I found the person reading Sheldon's lines a little annoying and portrayed Jim parsons quite arrogantly when trying to capture his tone, sorry but highly recommended. I thought the book maybe a little long but it really wasn't thank you.

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