A former CBS executive reveals that Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady’s The Big Bang Theory was only greenlit after Kaley Cuoco was cast as Penny.
A former CBS executive reveals that The Big Bang Theory was only greenlit after Kaley Cuoco was cast as Penny. Bill Prady and Chuck Lorre’s nerdy sitcom may be one of the most successful shows of all time, but it almost didn’t happen.
In a new interview with Emmy Magazine (via The Direct), former CBS executive Nina Tassler recalls the issues they had with the unaired The Big Bang Theory pilot. They also recognized the potential in the idea, so instead of scrapping it, they asked Lorre and Prady to change some of its elements.
Why Big Bang Theory’s Most Important Character Is Penny
While Walsh was great in the role of Katie, she didn’t work in terms of The Big Bang Theory’s storytelling. Katie was too hardened and worldly and it pitted her against Leonard and Sheldon. Penny, on the other hand, was kind from the get-go.
Penny perfectly toed the line between being understanding and assertive. She never let Leonard and the rest of the cast disrespect her. Penny functioned as the audience’s point of view in the sitcom, and she was effective in that role. It’s also clear that she had a positive impact on the more socially-awkward members of the Pasadena gang.
