Parents' Guide to

The Big Bang Theory

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Geeky sitcom plays with stereotypes and innuendo.

TV CBS Comedy 2007
The Big Bang Theory Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 12+

Based on 94 parent reviews

Glenn H.
Glenn H. Parent of 13 and 17-year-old
January 10, 2022
age 16+

I'd forgotten how obsessed with sex they were....

I sat down with my teenage boys and watched the first 5 episodes. The obsession with sex was a surprise. The first episode starts on masturbation (sperm donation). The next few episodes all spent a great deal of time focused on premarital sex (episode 4 was an exception). Not even a somewhat ambiguous intention to dating/relationships but completely focused on what actions will give them the best chance of having sex, or that Penny always ends up having 36 hours of rebound sex with a stranger after a breakup, etc. I've watched the majority of episodes over the years and loved the show... but I won't be showing any more to my kids without checking them first. All families can handle this situation at their discretion, but I felt this was important to highlight as some of us don't want to normalize premarital sex.
Mikestvreviews
Mikestvreviews Adult
June 23, 2020
age 13+

Amazing show

The show follows 4 science nerds who work at Caltech and how they navigate everyday life from relationships to friendships to any interactions with the outside world with the help from Penny the attractive women who moves in next door. Filled with tons of laughs and interesting characters
See all 94 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE BIG BANG THEORY is a sitcom about a group of Caltech physicists who can unlock the mysteries of the universe but are too socially inept to connect with most people here on Earth. Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons) are roommates who spend their free time with fellow scientists Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) and Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), playing board games in Klingon and watching recorded Stephen Hawking lectures. But the planets start shifting when they meet Penny (Kaley Cuoco), a pretty blonde waitress/aspiring screenwriter who's moved in next door. Even though she doesn't always appear to have a terribly high IQ or an affinity for quantum physics, Penny's looks and willingness to befriend them has the geeky guys trying their best to charm her with their limited social skills. As the series progresses, additional female characters are introduced (played by folks such as Sara Gilbert and Mayim Bialik), who match Leonard and Sheldon's braininess.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (94 ):
Kids say (292 ):

This lighthearted, well-written series features an endearing cast who provide viewers with lots of humorous moments. Leonard, Sheldon, and their friends fully embrace their genius and recognize their social shortcomings. They also understand the value of friendship, loyalty, and staying true to themselves, regardless of what the rest of the world thinks about them.

Still, although the show is definitely funny, its story lines about camaraderie and romance aren't exactly original. It also promotes all the expected clichés about people in the sciences: They have a passion for sci-fi characters and can't sell a pickup line to save their lives, for example. But in the end, this show is about a group of nice guys basically having fun and looking for love.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the characteristics typically associated with intelligent people, particularly in the media. What do terms such as "geek" and "nerd" really mean? Are they intended to be insulting or are they a recognition of someone's intelligence?

  • Are stereotypes ever appropriate? Although sitcom writers often use stereotypes to create humor (and sometimes call attention to intolerance), do they ever go too far?

  • How has Big Bang Theory changed over time? What characters have developed into more positive figures? Less positive?

  • Big Bang Theory is one of the most popular shows on TV; why do you think that is?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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