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The hit CBS sitcomThe Big Bang Theoryhas often drawn comparisons to the popular seriesFRIENDS, due to similarities such as Penny’s resemblance to Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel, the central couple of Leonard and Penny, and even parallels between characters like Joey and Raj and their respective conclusions in the shows.
While in both sitcoms, the couples end up together,The Big Bang Theoryhad an opportunity to break away from the repeated formula and explore a healthier and more fulfilling romance for both Leonard and Penny.
How didThe Big Bang TheoryrepeatFRIENDS‘ biggest mistake?
The Big Bang TheoryandFRIENDSboth have become quite memorable and continue to be celebrated for their memorable characters and engaging storylines.
One of the many highlights of the same has been the dynamic of the central couple, which includes the nerdy, charming guy—Leonard inThe Big Bang Theoryand Ross (David Schwimmer) inFRIENDS, paired with the attractive, outgoing woman—Penny and Rachel, respectively.
Both relationshipsfollow a similar trajectory, characterized by on-again, and off-again phases before culminating in a ‘happily ever after’ by the show’s end. Ross and Rachel’s romance inFRIENDSworked for its time.
While it offered audiences an emotionally dramatic journey that felt fresh and satisfying in the 1990s, its underlying toxicity—marked by insecurity, jealousy, and poor communication—has aged poorly.
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And the mirrored dynamic between Penny and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) inThe Big Bang Theorynot only reflected but also amplified the toxic tendencies of such relationships, resulting in a missed opportunity for the sitcom to break away from this repetitive trope.
Instead of reinforcing outdated tropes, it could have been more compelling for Leonard to end up with someone who genuinely appreciated his intellect and kindness. And Penny’s storyline could havecentered on self-discovery and independence, rather than framing her character arc predominantly around her relationship with Leonard.
By adhering to a conventional ‘happily ever after’The Big Bang Theory,missed an opportunity to break away from these familiar, unbalanced dynamics and offer a more progressive narrative.
Fans suggest Leonard would have been better off with someone else than Penny
Fans have often pointed out that both Leonard and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) displayed toxic tendencies in their relationship, sparking suggestions that the showrunners should have paired Leonard with someone else from the various love interests introduced for his character.
One of the topchoices frequently mentioned is Alex Jensen, Sheldon’s assistant who was introduced in Season 6. Alex showed a clear interest in Leonard and constantly flirted with him as well, only for Leonard to remain oblivious to it and rather find her behavior towards him “friendly.” Fans argue that Alex would have been a far better match for Leonard.
They also pointed out that she not only shared his academic background but also demonstrated genuine interest in him. Many believe that Leonard and Alex would have had greater compatibility than Leonard and Penny, offering the potential for a healthier and more balanced relationship.“I would have preferred Alex over Penny,”one fan noted in aRedditdiscussion.
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By sidelining Alex’s character and wrapping up her story in just four episodes,The Big Bang Theorymissed an opportunity to explore a fresh relationship dynamic. A pairing like Leonard and Alex could have provided a more modern take on relationships, emphasizing compatibility and mutual respect, rather than forcing a traditional ‘happily ever after’ between the central characters.
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3448
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
