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When comparing two beloved sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory and The Office, it’s easy to focus on their respective strengths and weaknesses. After all, both series’ had long runs and massive fan followings that ensured to constantly tune-in for every episode. However, when both of the shows came to an end, fans had a rather mixed reaction to how everything played out. In fact, one crucial decision in Jim Parsons’ show helped it avoid a pitfall that still plagues fans of Steve Carrell’s beloved sitcoms.
The cast of The Big Bang Theory | Credits: CBSThis decision centered on character dynamics and the emotional stakes involved, particularly as exemplified by the performance of Parsons as Sheldon Cooper. While the 51-year-old’s awkward character had been a fan favorite, when the show came to an end, the actor behind it got stuck dealing with the blame.
How The Big Bang Theory made sure not to follow in the footsteps of The Office
In 2019, fans of The Big Bang Theory were heartbroken to find out that it would be the end of the road for the 12-season sitcom. After all, the world had fallen in love with the friendship between Johnny Galecki’s Leonard Hofstadter and Jim Parsons’ Sheldon Cooper. Although no one knew the exact reason for the sudden decision, a book, The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series by Jessica Radloff (via TVline), gave everyone a few never seen before insights.
Jim Parsons from The Big Bang Theory | Credits: CBSIt revealed that before heading into the 12th season, Parson decided that it would be his final season in the show. After a quick meeting with the show’s executive producers Chuck Lorre and Steve Molaro, the fate of the sitcom was sealed. The producers were clear that they did not want to continue without the star because it did not feel right. The decision might have been a tricky one, but it saved the show from following the fate of The Office when Steve Carell left.
The NBC show chose to continue without Carell for only 2 more seasons. However, it did not play out the way they had initially hoped and expected.
How Steve Carell’s exit affected The Office
For 7 seasons, Steve Carell was a fan favorite as Micheal Scott on the hilarious NBC sitcom, The Office. However, just two years before the series came to an end, the actor decided that it was time for him to take a step back from it. Although the 62-year-old believed that the show’s focus should have switched to other characters (via CBR), his exit caused a lot of fans to be dissatisfied with the show.
Steve Carell in The Office | Credits: NBCIn the 8th season, characters like John Krasinski’s Jim Halpert, Rainn Wilson’s Dwight Schrute, and Ed Helms’ Andy Bernard carried the show. However, according to reports from THR, the show’s ratings took a massive hit of 17%. In fact, the first episode without Carell only got a 3.5, with 6.8 million viewers tuning in.
However, Carell’s final episode earned a 4.1 rating and even had 8.3 million viewers tuned in to say their goodbyes. The sudden switch in rating and viewership only proved that fans of the show wanted the actor’s exuberant character to still be a part of it.
Stream all the seasons of The Big Bang Theory and The Office on Netflix
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