I firmly believe The Big Bang Theory made Sheldon Cooper worse with every season

The Big Bang Theory first came to our screens in 2007. We finally had a show that celebrated nerds. Be it comic book nerds or science nerds, or even just those socially awkward geniuses.

It was a show that did not rely on cheap and shallow jokes to crack us up. Every joke was meticulously written for four men who were as flawed as they were brilliant. These men were figuring out life and love.

The Big Bang Theory resonated with many and soon became a cultural phenomenon. It was just the perfect show for those who loved a bit of heartwarming moments with some sharp, witty ones. Viewers were getting introduced to a new kind of sitcom hero never seen on TV before.

Dr. Sheldon Cooper stood out among them. Sheldon was a physicist with an IQ of 187. He was a brilliant nerd who lacked social awareness. His idiosyncrasies are what made him a fan favorite.

I would say Sheldon's character was delightful initially. But his character lacked growth and became rather obnoxious as the show progressed.

Here's a bit more on that.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.

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The Big Bang Theory: Sheldon Cooper

Sheldon's behaviors at the beginning of The Big Bang Theory were tolerable. And it did seem like he was genuinely trying to connect with the world around him. We know this through his interactions with his friends. Especially with Leonard and Penny. Even basic social norms were difficult for him, and that somehow made his character relatable.

But soon his depth took a backseat for the writers. Sheldon became a borderline insufferable character, and I honestly did not find him amusing anymore. The writers seemed to focus more on his lack of empathy and understanding. They seemed to be using it as some sort of a comedic crutch. And it just threw me off.

There's this episode in The Big Bang Theory where all of them are talking about getting a dining table. Leonard agrees that it's not a bad idea. Sheldon Cooper just won't get on board with the rest. He goes on one of his monologues about how even a tiny change can lead to a "cataclysmic" result.

Leonard buys the table anyway. And Sheldon starts becoming emotionally manipulative instead of dealing with it like an adult. He actually goes around convincing the others to ditch the table just so things can go back to the way they were.

Sheldon knows deep down that he’s being unreasonable. But he just won't work on it, and this becomes a pattern throughout the show.

There’s probably a deeper reason behind all this. Sheldon hating change isn’t new. He is all about routine and predictability. And maybe that’s how he feels safe and in control. But what makes it worse is that he’s figured out that people will eventually give in if he just is persistent in his ways.

That's just stubbornness. And it kind of strips away some of the complexity that made the early version of Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory so fascinating.

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The Big Bang Theory: The Amy effect and forced growth

The introduction of Amy brought a possibility of growth to Sheldon's life. Their relationship had the potential to showcase Sheldon's growth. He was figuring out intimacy and emotional connection. It seemed like a promising development in the beginning.

But the growth did not feel organic. It felt forced, which eventually led to an inconsistent character development. Genuine growth was sacrificed for cheap laughs. This inconsistent portrayal made it difficult to invest my time and focus on his journey.

The writers probably wanted to keep the character fresh. But they just made him less relatable by doing so. He lost the charm and authenticity that made him a beloved character in the early seasons.

Sheldon Cooper began as a unique character in The Big Bang Theory. But later transformed into a caricature of his former self.

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