The longest running multi-camera television comedy in history, The Big Bang Theory, will officially come to an end after its 12th and final season premieres on Sept. 24, Warner Bros. announced. The Emmy-nominated series will end its 279 episode run in May 2019—and the internet is ecstatic about the series’ demise.
Since its beginning seasons, the show has grabbed consistently high viewership, reaching its peak average of 19.96 million viewers throughout its seventh season. Stars of the show earn an estimated $1 million per episode, Variety reports. Kaley Cuoco (Penny) Johnny Galecki (Leonard) and Jim Parsons (Sheldon) are expected to walk away from the series having grossed a whopping $139.8 million each.
But despite being one of the most popular shows in American history by the numbers, The Big Bang Theory—and its spinoff Young Sheldon—is disliked by many. Both shows have been criticized for relying on formulaic jokes and geek stereotypes. Last year, The Big Bang Theory was described as “the worst show on TV” by Metro, and NME called the show’s two-season renewal in 2017 the punishment that “Trump’s America deserves.”
Immediately following the announcement from Warner Bros., users tweeted their excitement.
Now that the Big Bang Theory is ending, America can finally begin to heal after all these years.
— snibbmaster (@snibbmaster) August 22, 2018
Our national nightmare is over pic.twitter.com/9R4M7CDj3c
— Spencer Perry (@TheSpencerPerry) August 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/MildlyAmused/status/1032345856786214912
https://twitter.com/alicialutes/status/1032335352470458368
Me hearing that the big bang theory is ending next season pic.twitter.com/Z5TelbrehF
— Josh (@Xtra_lrg_pizza) August 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/davidehrlich/status/1032334703913623552
For those who have had enough of the cringe-worthy bits and repulsive laugh track, it’s great news that The Big Bang Theory has officially run its course. Young Sheldon, however, could live on.
