“One of the things that’s not great about it”: The Big Bang Theory Producer Regrets How the Series Treated Kaley Cuoco That He Wished to be Undone

Looks like The Big Bang Theory has some lingering regrets that even Sheldon’s whiteboard equations couldn’t fix. One of the show’s producers opened up about a major oops they wish they could take back—how the series treated fan-favorite Kaley Cuoco. Despite all the laughs and iconic one-liners, there’s a bit of behind-the-scenes tension that this producer said they’d love to undo. 

Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki in The Big Bang Theory. | Credit: CBS.

Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki in The Big Bang Theory. | Credit: Warner Bros.

Could this change have made Penny’s story even bigger? Now that the show’s wrapped, it’s got fans wondering what could’ve been if Cuoco had been given more star power on screen. Stay tuned, because this twist is making us rethink how The Big Bang Theory really stacked its nerdy deck!

The Big Bang Theory Producer Reflects on Missed Opportunities and Unfortunate Pilot Moments 

Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory. | Credit: Warner Bros.

Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory. | Credit: Warner Bros.

The Big Bang Theory producer Steve Molaro’s reflecting on one regret that still lingers from the show’s pilot—how they initially portrayed Kaley Cuoco’s character, Penny. He mentioned a particular joke about Penny being a vegetarian who loves steak, calling it one of those moments he wishes they could “undo a little bit.”

In Jessica Radloff’s The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, producer Molaro admitted (via Screenrant), 

She was the ditzy blonde girl in the pilot, which is one of the things that is not great about [it]. There’s an unfortunate joke about how she’s a vegetarian but she loves steak. I didn’t write the pilot, but those are moments [that] you wish you could undo a little bit of.

As The Big Bang Theory’s only original female character, Penny had a significant 12-year run. Yet, the show’s handling of her often faced criticism. Co-creator Chuck Lorre also acknowledged missteps in shaping Cuoco’s role. Despite these regrets, little was done to change course.

The controversy deepened in the finale when Penny was revealed to be pregnant, despite her earlier stance against having kids. Kaley Cuoco herself disagreed with this narrative twist, pushing for Penny to remain child-free. But the writers held firm, leaving fans divided over this major change.

The Hofstadters’ storyline remains in limbo, with no updates on Penny and Leonard’s post-Big Bang life—even Young Sheldon hasn’t featured them. With the prequel potentially ending after season 7, there’s hope CBS will finally give fans the closure they crave on Penny’s true journey, correcting past mistakes.

Penny Outsmarts Sheldon: Street Smarts vs. Book Smarts

Kaley Cuoco , Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory. | Credit: Warner Bros.

Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, and Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory. | Credit: Warner Bros.

Even though Sheldon’s a genius in theoretical physics, he’s not exactly winning in the street-smart department. Enter Penny, with her modest education but sharp problem-solving skills. In The Prestidigitation Approximation (season 4), Penny easily cracks Howard’s card trick while Sheldon—frustrated—keeps asking, “How’d you do it?” This moment perfectly captures their contrasting problem-solving approaches.

Another classic example? In The Solo Oscillation (season 11), before Sheldon can figure it out, Penny casually realizes that strings must be able to make knots—outsmarting him yet again. While Sheldon relies heavily on his book smarts, Penny’s creative, real-world thinking often gives her an unexpected edge.

These moments highlight how Penny repeatedly shines in practical situations, leaving Sheldon and his Nobel Prize-worthy brain playing catch-up.

The Big Bang Theory is available to watch on Max and Apple TV. 

Related Posts

How Kaley Cuoco Saved The Big Bang Theory From Cancellation

By Nina StarnerDec. 9, 2024 6:00 am EST   It's hard to imagine "The Big Bang Theory" without its main cast — specifically, Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Simon…

Mayim Bialik Wasn’t Asked to Join ‘Big Bang Theory’ Spinoff — But Would She Return? (Exclusive)

The Big Bang Theory has a spinoff in the works — but has Mayim Bialik been offered a chance to reprise the role of Amy? “I haven’t…

Kaley Cuoco Reveals Her Favorite Co-Star of All Time: “We Have a Blast” (EXCLUSIVE)

The fun doesn’t stop for Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina when the director yells cut, that’s for sure. In Based on a True Story Season 2, newborn…

NEW UPDATE – Kaley Cuoco Reveals Sweet Moments from Sister Briana’s ‘Gorgeous’ NYE Wedding — Including Her Daughter as Flower Girl!

Kaley Cuoco had the "best New Year's Eve to date," officiating her sister Briana Cuoco's wedding! In an Instagram post on Thursday, Jan. 2, the actress, 39, reflected on Briana's wedding…

Why Kaley Cuoco Was Initially Turned Down for ‘The Big Bang Theory’

The Big Bang Theory is one of the most popular and iconic sitcoms of modern television. It lasted for an impressive 12 seasons, running from 2007 to…

HOT NEWS – Kaley Cuoco Goes For Elegance Wearing Jimmy Choo Heels and Chanel Dress on the Globes Globes 2025 Red Carpet

Kaley Cuoco got glammed up in a pair of strappy sandals from Jimmy Choo while attending the Golden Globes 2025 red carpet in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Sunday night. For the event,…