Mastering the art of storytelling means having the discipline to stick to the script, and for “The Big Bang Theory,” that mantra held the key to its long-lasting success.
The Power of Sticking to the Script
For shows that run for over a decade, consistency is crucial. And when you’re producing 279 episodes across 12 seasons like “The Big Bang Theory” did, there’s little room for ad-lib. While popular shows like “Friends” saw a lot of improvisation, “The Big Bang Theory” was different. Every joke, every dialogue, and every scene was scripted. Deviation was not an option.
“My impulse is always to contribute, but I quickly felt that wasn’t necessarily how this show worked. It’s a harmony. They’re fantastic. It takes some guts,” shared Simon Helberg.
Kevin Sussman emphasized the show’s reliance on its talented writing team: “The cast doesn’t improvise. We don’t need to. The writers are so good that if a joke doesn’t land, they’ll convene on the spot and rewrite it within minutes. It’s fun.”
Kunal Nayyar also chimed in about his strict adherence to the script. The packed filming schedule left no room for improvisation. He mentioned, “I never improvised any of my dialogues during scenes mainly because of time constraints with an episode-heavy shoot.”
More Than Just Words: The Show’s Visual Consistency
But the rigorous standards didn’t stop at the script. The physical appearance of the main characters was also non-negotiable. And we’re not just talking about their wardrobe choices. Throughout the series, a curious continuity rule emerged: none of the main actors sported beards. The sole exception was in an episode where the characters returned from an expedition.
Many fans noticed that when not filming episodes, actors like Johnny Galecki and Kunal Nayyar would grow out their beards in real life. However, once it was time to shoot, they were required to be clean-shaven.
For a show to leave an indelible mark, it’s often the little details, combined with consistency, that make all the difference.
I’m a big fan of short stories about people – I’m a pro at tech and smartphones, serial literature, and writing in my spare time.