The Big Bang Theory is an American sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady,both of whom serve as executive producers on the show.It premiered on CBS on September 24,2007.[2]
Set in Pasadena,California,the show is about two Caltech prodigies in their 20s,one an experimental physicist (Leonard Hofstadter) and the other a theoretical physicist (Sheldon Cooper),who live across the hall from an attractive blonde waitress with show-biz aspirations (Penny).Leonard and Sheldon's 'geekiness' and sheer intellect are contrasted for comic effect with Penny's social skills and common sense.[3][4] Two equally geeky friends of theirs,Howard and Rajesh,are also main characters.
The show is produced by Warner Bros.Television and Chuck Lorre Productions.[5] In March 2009,it was reported that The Big Bang Theory had been renewed for a third and fourth season by CBS.[6] In August 2009,the sitcom won the best comedy series TCA award and Jim Parsons won the award for individual achievement in comedy.[7]
When the third season premiered on September 21,2009,it ranked as CBS's highest-rated show of that evening in the adults 18–49 demographic (4.6/10),along with a then series-high 12.83 million viewers.[8]
The Big Bang Theory airs on Mondays at 9:30 EST following another Chuck Lorre-produced show Two and a Half Men.[9]