"Writers did an incredible job": When The Big Bang Theory cast sat down for one last dance on The Late Show

The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019), one of the longest studio sitcoms in history was on air for the last time on May 16, 2019. Ranked among the top shows with a cult-like following, it is not surprising that when the cast sat down with Stephen Colbert for one last dance on The Late Show, it was an absolute treat for the fans of the show.

The Big Bang Theory cast sat down for an interview with Stephen Colbert on The Late Night Show in May 2019 which premiered just after the final episode of the series, a two-part episode, "The Chang Constant" and "The Stockholm Syndrome" premiered. In that interview, Colbert and the cast talk about a wide variety of topics, from the cast's feelings about the characters, and their audition experiences to their initial impressions of each other.

---

The Big Bang Theory cast opens up about the endings of their characters after the series finale

As Stephen Colbert congratulated the cast on their series finale airing, he questioned them about their feelings on where their respective characters were left off. Among a resounding yes and absolutely from the cast, Johnny Galecki, who played the role of Leonard Hofstadter, Sheldon's roommate and a reputed physicist at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) answers Colbert that he thought "the writers did an incredible job."

Kaley Cuoco, who played Penny Hofstadter on The Big Bang Theory, Leonard's wife and one of Sheldon's best friends, goes on to add that it was no easy feat for the writers to figure out where and how to leave the characters in a way that resonated with the audience. The cast members open up with their singular opinion that the writers achieved an incredible feat in managing to wrap up the fan-favorite show in the same heartwarming and close-knit manner as it started.

---

Anxieties around The Big Bang Theory ending

The cast talked about the anxieties around the performers (the writers, actors, etc) of the show when it came to writing the ending. Kaley Cuoco recounted the pressure around how the writers and the cast as actors just wanted to do right by the fans who were also extremely curious about the ending at the time.

Jim Parson, who played Sheldon Cooper in the show, remembers how he was in conversation with one of the writers of the show, who was also under extreme pressure about the ending. Parson jokingly tells Colbert that when he failed to make a nervous writer feel better by telling them "cannot get it wrong, because it is yours, you've been writing it all this time.." he told them that they couldn't "get it right, it's a series finale, someone's gonna hate it. It's just you know, they're all divisive one way or the other."

---

The Big Bang Theory Ending

Kunal Nayyar, who played Rajesh Koothrappali in the show, jokes around with Colbert that he's just glad nobody got killed off in the finale. Doubling down, he adds that playing the only Indian guy on the show, he's just glad his character made it out alive out of the show.

The Big Bang Theory, credited for bringing the nerds and the geeks to the forefront, wrapped up the series in a heartwarming finale, giving each of their characters, even the elevator, their moments through Sheldon's Nobel acceptance speech.

I was under a misapprehension that my accomplishments were mine alone. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have been encouraged, sustained, inspired, and tolerated not only by my wife, but by the greatest group of friends anyone ever had. I'd like to ask them to stand. [They do so as he acknowledges them]

Sheldon's acceptance of his friends' contribution to his growth during the one moment that he has looked forward to for all his life, is the definition of a successful character development. Everyone around Sheldon including the fans was tired of accepting his selfishness as a result of his eccentricities and in this moment he proved to them all that their love for him was not unwarranted.

The closing zoom-out, while the cast eats Chinese takeout together in the living room as they have done on so many occasions before with a slower acoustic version of The Big Bang Theory theme song playing in the background, was a tear-jerker for the 18 million fans who watched the series finale live.