Jodi Lyn O?Keefe, who was originally cast as the female lead in the pilot episode of ?The Big Bang Theory,? shares what it was like coming back as a guest star in Season 2. Jodi recalls being replaced after the show?s first table read and receiving the news as she was heading to meet the cast for dinner. Jodi also discusses what it was like guest starring and ?working with the dream team.? You can watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max. 

  

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Talking about his very first time appearing on ?The Big Bang Theory? is Kevin Sussman, who plays the one and only Stuart Bloom. Kevin reveals the one item he wishes he had taken from the set when the show wrapped. He also shares that he originally auditioned for the role of Leonard. Plus, Kevin reveals that the role of Wolowitz was written for him! He explains why he ultimately wasn?t able to take the role and why he never told Simon Helberg. Watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max. 

  

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Director Mark Cendrowski is back, this time to discuss ?The Dead Hooker Juxtaposition,? starting with how they came up with the episode?s title. Valerie Azlynn joined this episode as Alicia, and Mark discusses how he prepped the show?s guest stars and why it was so important they didn?t slow things down. Then, Mark reveals how he found out that Kaley and Johnny were dating in real life and who broke the news to him. Watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max.  

  

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Back to help break down the episode where Penny contemplates starting her own business, Penny Blossoms, is executive producer Lee Aronsohn. Jessica discusses the big miss in this episode that will forever drive showrunner Steve Molaro crazy. This easter egg will make you want to go back and re-watch! Plus, the way Penny Blossoms came back around to make an appearance in the series finale. Be sure to watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max. © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

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Joining host Jessica Radloff to break down the first train episode of ?The Big Bang Theory? is set decorator John Shaffner. John shares the challenges he faced when creating the train set for this episode. He also explains the problem that arose with the stairs on the set of ?The Big Bang Theory? and how it led to a surprising connection to the set of ?The Golden Girls.? Plus, John reveals how set decorating changed as the show became more successful. Watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max. 

 

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Set decorator Ann Shea joins host Jessica Radloff to help break down what came to be known as ?the couch episode? of ?The Big Bang Theory.? Ann reveals where the infamous couch came from and whether she knew what a big role it would play in the show. She also shares just how many couch cushions they had to create for this episode when Penny accidentally shoots a cushion with a paintball gun. Plus, Ann shares how she decided on the leopard sheets for Howard?s bedroom. Catch up on all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max. 

 

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The one and only Christine Baranski discusses her first appearance as Leonard?s mom Beverly on ?The Big Bang Theory.? She explains why she felt an intense obligation to deliver and why joining the show was like jumping onto a fast-moving train. Then, she reveals whether she ever broke while delivering her hilarious lines. Plus, why singing ?Any Way You Want It? with Jim Parsons at the end of this episode will be in her ?lifetime highlight reel.? Be sure to watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max.  

 

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Mark Sweet warmed up audiences for ?The Big Bang Theory? from day one, and the comedian tells host Jessica Radloff why the show was special from the very beginning. He shares the unforgettable marriage proposal that he helped facilitate before one show taping. Plus, he reveals which character most audience members chose to dress up as. Mark also recalls the times when Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki would come into the audience and the frenzy it would cause. Watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max.  

  

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Back to break down another episode is John Ross Bowie, who played Barry Kripke across 11 seasons of ?The Big Bang Theory.? John discusses why he believes the show had such a strong female viewership and how the character of Penny became all of us. John also reveals who he was closest to out of the cast and which cast members he still talks to regularly. Plus, John shares why he asked director Mark Cendrowski for an extra take during one of his scenes in this episode. Catch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max. 

 

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Helping to break down his very first episode on ?The Big Bang Theory? is Barry Kripke?s John Ross Bowie. John reveals that he actually auditioned for the role of Leonard initially. He also shares how he landed the role of Barry and how his character came to have a speech impediment. He talks about how friendly the entire cast was, including Kayley Cuoco, who gave him a ride from the parking lot across the street to the studio. Plus, John discusses the brilliance of seeing Jim Parsons playing the role of Sheldon up close. You can watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max. 

 

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Showrunner Steve Molaro joins host Jessica Radloff to break down the episode that Steve claims has one of the series? best storylines. He recalls the vibration of the stage on the night of the taping when Penny gives Sheldon the napkin signed and used by Leonard Nimoy. Plus, Steve shares how going against co-creator Chuck Lorre?s outline for this episode ended up cementing his place in ?The Big Bang Theory? universe forever. You can watch this episode and all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max. 

 

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Director Nikki Lorre is back to talk about what host Jessica Radloff calls ?one of her favorite ?Big Bang? episodes of all time.? In ?The Vartabedian Conundrum,? Leonard tries to slow down his relationship with Stephanie before realizing that they are actually living together. Nikki recalls Sara Rue?s brilliance in the role of Stephanie and shares why her character wasn?t in any future episodes. Then, Nikki reveals how often her dad, co-creator Chuck Lorre, came to her to discuss the show?s storylines since she was the same age as the characters. Plus, Nikki shares whether she ever had a relationship in real life that made its way into the show?s storyline. You can watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max.  

 

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Director Anthony Rich is back to discuss this hilarious episode, which is rich in ?Shenny? scenes. Host Jessica Radloff and Anthony talk about why scenes with Sheldon and Penny together onscreen are always among their favorites. Then, Anthony drops some serious behind-the-scenes secrets, including the hilarious way he learned that Kaley Cuoco was dating co-star Johnny Galecki. Plus, Anthony shares how ping-pong tournaments played a key role in cast bonding. You can watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max.  

 

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Sara Rue, aka Dr. Stephanie Barnett, joins host Jessica Radloff to break down ?The Lizard-Spock Expansion.? After revealing that she once auditioned for the role of Penny, Sara shares why she was so excited to play a doctor on ?The Big Bang Theory.? Sara also recalls watching Jim Parsons during the table read and realizing that he was even more talented than everyone said he was. Plus, how her three-episode stint on the show turned into a longtime friendship with Parsons. Catch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max.  

 

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Writer and executive producer Dave Goetsch is back, and he?s helping break down ?The Panty Piñata Polarization.? But first, Dave and host Jessica Radloff share why they are both surprisingly grateful that ?Big Bang? ended after Season 12. Then, Dave discusses how ?America?s Next Top Model? became a central character in this episode and how the writers split up storylines each week. Plus, why Dave loves the dynamic between Penny and Sheldon in this episode. You can watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max.  

 

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She played physics grad Ramona Nowitzki, who became Sheldon?s stalker/platonic girlfriend on the show, and now Riki Lindhome is helping break down this hilarious episode of ?The Big Bang Theory.? Riki shares her initial reaction when she found out she had to give Jim Parsons a pedicure in this episode and how the two ?locked in? during the scene. She also discusses what it was like playing Sheldon?s first love interest on the show and recalls her reaction when she received Bill Prady?s call during Season 10, asking her to come back as a guest star. Plus, the surprising way Riki left her mark on the show forever. Don?t forget, all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? are available for streaming on HBO Max.  

 

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Here to break down this hilarious episode where Sheldon?s friends stage an intervention for him because they want him to learn to drive is executive producer and writer Lee Aronsohn. Lee shares his opinion on whether the character of Sheldon was on the spectrum, and he explains why this episode finally feels like the Sheldon we see for the remainder of the series. Plus, Lee reveals why the ?Shenny? scenes were always the easiest to write. Don?t forget, all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? are available for streaming on HBO Max.  

 

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Kunal Nayyar, aka Raj Koothrappali, is back! Kunal shares that to prepare for the show?s live tapings each week, he took a nap ? and he reveals the hilarious way that co-star Jim Parsons woke him up. Kunal also discusses his first experiences with fame in the early days of the show, and how each of his castmates reacted to the newfound stardom. Plus, the one Raj quote that Kunal?s fans most often repeat back to him. You won?t want to miss this hilarious interview. Be sure to watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on HBO Max. 

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Here to discuss one of Kaley Cuoco?s favorite episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? is the woman who got all the dirt: hairstylist Faye Woods. Faye recalls the infamous scene from this episode where Kaley has a Cheeto in her hair and shares how it came to be. Plus, Faye reveals Kaley?s one haircut that gave Chuck Lorre PTSD and almost cost Faye her job. Don?t forget, all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? are available to stream on HBO Max. 

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Executive Producer Eric Kaplan worked on ?The Big Bang Theory? for 11 seasons, and he?s sharing all kinds of secrets while breaking down the second episode of Season 2, also known as the Renaissance Fair episode. Eric reveals why one of the first questions he asked Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady while interviewing was whether Penny and Leonord ultimately would end up together, and he shares why that question landed him the job. He also listens to the first joke he wrote that made it into the show. Plus, Eric reveals the hilarious song he taught the ?Big Bang? cast and crew. 

 

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Helping break down the first episode of Season 2 is ?Big Bang? co-creator Chuck Lorre. Onscreen during this episode, Leonard and Penny face the aftermath of their first date. Chuck reveals that behind the scenes, he had recently learned that co-stars Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki were dating. He shares how Kaley told him and his hilarious reaction. Chuck also recalls Jim Parsons? audition for Sheldon, and how he transformed the character of Sheldon into something they had never even considered. Plus, how Chuck?s first trip to Comic-Con helped him realize the true power of ?The Big Bang Theory.? 

 

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Helping to break down the Season 1 finale is executive producer and writer Steve Molaro. Steve, who was with the show for all 12 seasons and went on to co-create ?Young Sheldon,? reveals that he almost left ?Big Bang? after this episode. He also shares how his personal dating history was incredibly similar to Leonard?s relationship with Penny. Then, Steve and host Jessica Radloff discuss why they think the audience didn?t react when Leonard kissed Penny for the first time. Don?t miss this incredible recap filled with behind-the-scenes secrets from the entire series. 

 

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The nurse everyone loves, Emmy winner Vernée Watson, joins host Jessica Radloff to talk about the hilarious episode ?The Peanut Reaction.? Vernée plays the nurse who treats Howard when he comes to the hospital for an alleged allergic reaction to peanuts. Vernée recalls her infamous line ?This hospital is not equipped to treat stupid? and shares how nervous she got when Chuck Lorre was on set. Vernée also discusses her great relationship with Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki and reveals that they once came to her house and spent time with her kids and grandkids. 

 

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Missy Cooper is here! Courtney Henggeler, who played Sheldon?s twin sister Missy, joins Jessica to talk about her first appearance on the show. Courtney recalls her ?Big Bang? audition and who encouraged her to use a southern accent. Despite not being in many episodes, Courtney reveals she still gets ?tables at restaurants? thanks to this role. Courtney also shares what it was like coming back in season 11 and meeting Reagan Revord, who plays Missy Cooper on ?Young Sheldon,? for the first time. 

 

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Host Jessica Radloff is joined by ?Big Bang? production designer John Shaffner to discuss the infamous ?Time Machine? episode. John recalls his first reaction when he was told he would need to build a time machine. Then, Jessica shares Kaley Cuoco?s admission that this was the episode that made her ?fall a little bit in love? with co-star Johnny Galecki. Find out when it happened! Plus, John reveals the secret ?gum? wall located on set.

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Helping to break down the classic ?Physics Bowl? episode of ?The Big Bang Theory? is director Anthony Rich. Anthony shares what he recalls about watching Sara Gilbert and Johnny Galecki work together again after their ?Roseanne? days. He and host Jessica Radloff also discuss the Batman Cookie Jar, which made its first appearance in this episode. Anthony then reveals the complexities that go into shooting an episode like this with a lot of extras.

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Host Jessica Radloff is joined by ?Big Bang? set decorator Ann Shea, who shares how that iconic set came to be. Ann reveals the huge design change that occurred between the first and second pilots. She also discusses the iconic props that became staples of Sheldon and Leonard?s apartment and why multiples of several key items had to be purchased. Plus, Ann shares the one item in Penny?s apartment that she was able to splurge on once the show was picked up and became a bona fide hit.

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Director Nikki Lorre joins host Jessica Radloff to talk about a ?Big Bang? classic ? the ?Soft Kitty? episode. Nikki discusses what it was like working her way up the ranks with her dad, Chuck Lorre, running the show. She shares whether she was open with the cast and crew about who her father was. Then, Nikki and Jessica discuss how Jim Parsons was taught the ?Soft Kitty? song ? and it involved a recorder. Plus, Nikki reveals whether a cast member ever got so sick that they couldn?t make a Tuesday night taping. 

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Executive producer and writer of ?The Big Bang Theory? Lee Aronsohn joins host Jessica Radloff to talk about this iconic episode ? the first time Sheldon knocks three times. Lee shares how Sheldon?s three knocks came to be and why it felt so authentically ?Sheldon.? He also reveals what shocked him the most about the cast members of ?The Big Bang Theory.? Plus, Lee shares how he can tell they were still ?finding Sheldon?s character? at this point in the series.

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Jessica Radloff is joined by the person Chuck Lorre called ?the most valuable player for the entire series? ? the science consultant, Professor David Saltzberg. David shares the integral part he played in each episode of ?The Big Bang Theory? and how he ensured the accuracy of all the scientific dialogue. Plus, the one guest star who appeared on the show who David ?freaked out? meeting. 

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The one and only Kunal Nayyar, aka Raj Koothrappali, is here! Kunal shares some of his favorite moments from his time on the show and discusses how hard it was not to break during the live tapings thanks to his ?genius? co-stars. He also reveals why his character continues to mean so much to people in Delhi, India. Plus, why Kunal believes ?The Big Bang Theory? contained 279 of the greatest scripts in television history.

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Get ready for an incredible bonus episode! Host Jessica Radloff is joined by Melissa Rauch, aka Bernadette, from ?The Big Bang Theory? and ?Young Sheldon? star Raegan Revord. The trio discuss the huge reunion between Melissa and her ?Big Bang? husband Howard Wolowitz, aka Simon Helberg, happening on Melissa?s show ?Night Court.? Plus, Raegan discusses her time playing Missy on ?Young Sheldon? and recalls meeting the ?Big Bang? cast for the first time. 

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Director Anthony Rich is back for ?The Dumpling Paradox,? which marks Mrs. Wolowitz?s first time on ?The Big Bang Theory.? Anthony shares memories of the incredible Carol Ann Susi, who voiced the character of Mrs. Wolowitz, and her larger-than-life personality. Plus, they discuss the moment during this episode when Johnny Galecki broke character ? and chances are you never noticed it before!

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For the classic Halloween episode from the first season of ?The Big Bang Theory,? host Jessica Radloff is joined by director Anthony Rich, who worked on the show from the very beginning. Anthony shares why episodes like these are such a challenge to shoot and recalls a mishap with an extra that somehow made it into the final cut. Jessica and Anthony also discuss Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco?s real-life feelings behind the scenes during this episode. Plus, why this episode was a game-changer for Johnny and his character Leonard.

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Emmy winner Sara Gilbert joins host Jessica Radloff to discuss her role as Leslie Winkle on "The Big Bang Theory." She recalls her surprise at being asked to be on the show and her initial nervousness being a guest star. She also shares how excited she was to reunite with ?Roseanne? co-star Johnny Galecki. Plus, the one critique Sara had of herself while watching the episode back.

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Executive producer and writer Dave Goetsch is back this week to discuss ?The Luminous Fish Effect,? the episode that marks Laurie Metcalf?s first appearance as Mary Cooper, Sheldon?s mother. Dave recalls the early days of the show, including casting Laurie. He also discusses how he and the writers created Sheldon?s backstory, including the mixed feelings on whether Sheldon should ever date and find love.

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Host Jessica Radloff welcomes executive producer and writer Dave Goetsch, who played a key role in ?The Big Bang Theory? throughout all 12 seasons of the show. Dave recalls the challenges and successes of the early episodes, including the introduction of characters like Sara Gilbert?s Leslie Winkle and the dynamic between Leonard, Penny, and Sheldon. Dave also discusses how doing a second pilot helped further define Sheldon?s character. Plus, how that infamous dance scene in this episode came about.

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Helping to break down the second episode of ?The Big Bang Theory? is Mark Cendrowski, who directed 244 episodes of the hit show. Mark recalls his initial meeting with Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, as well as how nervous he was to follow the legendary James Burrows in directing the show. Mark also shares with host Jessica Radloff the advice he gave each cast member after Season 1 wrapped. Plus, find out why he always keeps a ping pong table on set! Don?t forget, all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? are available to stream on Max. © 2025 WBEI.

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Host Jessica Radloff is joined by the legendary director of ?The Big Bang Theory? pilot, James Burrows. James, who has directed iconic sitcoms like ?Cheers,? ?Frasier,? and ?Friends,? reflects on the casting changes between the first and second pilots, the significance of the sperm bank scene, and the memorable stairway and car scenes. Burrows also shares insights into the cast?s chemistry and the show?s success and legacy. Plus, James reveals that moment during filming when he looked at Chuck Lorre and knew they had ?gotten it right.? Go back and watch the pilot of ?The Big Bang Theory? on Max! © 2025 WBEI

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In the inaugural episode of ?The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast,? host Jessica Radloff is joined by the show?s co-creator and executive producer Chuck Lorre and former chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group Peter Roth. Chuck and Peter take us back to the very beginning as they discuss the original, unaired pilot. They reveal how they got a highly unusual second chance to create another pilot after the first one wasn?t picked up. Plus, they explain why they steered away from the risqué tone that was prominent in the first pilot and why they recast the role of Penny. Be sure to watch all episodes of ?The Big Bang Theory? on Max. © 2025 WBEI.

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?The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast? is on its way! Hosted by Glamour Senior Editor and New York Times Best Selling Author Jessica Radloff, the podcast will explore every episode of the beloved show, starting with Seasons 1 and 2. Each week, we?ll take a deep dive into one episode, sharing untold stories, backstage secrets, and the decisions that shaped the series. We?ll also talk to guests like co-creator Chuck Lorre, Kunal Nayyer, and guest star Christine Baranski.  

 

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