5 Unusual Reasons People Dislike The Big Bang Theory, Explained

“The Big Bang Theory” may have been a popular show during its impressive 12-season run, but not everyone was a fan. In fact, quite a few viewers expressed a strong dislike for the show. So, what were their reasons?

Firstly, it’s clear that people have strong feelings about “The Big Bang Theory,” and many of them are negative. A simple search on YouTube for “Big Bang Theory bad” yields numerous results. Even Simon Helberg, who played Howard Wolowitz, mentioned during a podcast that people often directly told him they hated the show. One person even cheekily asked him to buy coffee, implying Helberg owed it to him due to his intense dislike for the series.

So why do some people hate “The Big Bang Theory”? Let’s explore a few reasons.

“The Big Bang Theory” aired from 2007 to 2019, but it continues to be a constant presence on TV. If you check your local cable listings, you might find it on channels like TBS. This enduring popularity led HBO to pay a considerable amount for the exclusive streaming rights in 2019, and the show is available on Max today. The franchise even spawned spin-offs like “Young Sheldon” and the upcoming “Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage.”

This continuous presence can be irritating for some. Despite the seemingly endless reruns and spin-offs, nobody is forced to watch “The Big Bang Theory.” Yet, its ubiquitous nature remains a significant part of pop culture, much to the annoyance of some viewers.

But this is just scratching the surface. Let’s look into other reasons why some people express disdain for the show.

One criticism is that the show, while promoting “nerd culture,” often portrays its main nerdy characters—Howard, Sheldon, Leonard, and Raj—as complete losers. This representation can come off as insulting to both the characters and the culture they embody. In one infamous scene, the character Howard strings together pop culture references, followed by a laugh track, which some critics argue is not genuinely funny.

Rather than elevating nerd culture, “The Big Bang Theory” may make it seem ridiculous. As nerd-centric content became mainstream with the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the show’s approach appeared outdated. According to writer Neima Jahromi, it catered more to an older generation’s perception of nerds.

It’s not surprising people feel the show’s handling of nerd culture falls short.

Another reason people dislike “The Big Bang Theory” is simply because they don’t find it funny. The show’s use of a laugh track, now seen as quite dated, contributes to this sentiment. Many fans find modern comedies, which do not rely on laugh tracks, to be more to their taste.

The jokes themselves often fall flat. They either lean heavily on scientific jargon or offensive tropes, such as those regarding Raj’s heritage. The humor is undeniably cheap, and for viewers who prefer more sophisticated comedy, the show is disappointing.

This doesn’t mean all sitcoms are universally witty. But “The Big Bang Theory” seems especially grating for those accustomed to shows with sharper, faster humor.

“The Big Bang Theory” often treats its female characters poorly, and even the show’s fans have a hard time defending this point. Penny, one of the main characters, is often objectified, especially by Howard. Even after introducing more female leads like Amy and Bernadette, the show uses them to further stereotype and demean.

These female characters are frequently subjected to mistreatment from their male counterparts, and the show rarely addresses these issues meaningfully. The constant objectification and misogyny are glaring and turn many viewers away.

One of the more unusual complaints is that the show’s language is too offensive for primetime TV. During its run, some viewers filed official complaints with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), claiming that the language used was inappropriate.

In 2021, Observer published specific complaints, revealing viewer grievances about words like “genitalia” and slang terms used on the show. Some complaints even targeted commercials aired during the show. These complaints illustrate the wide range of sensitivities among viewers.

Despite these criticisms, “The Big Bang Theory” remains available for streaming on Max, for those who still wish to watch.