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The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast

The Unaired Pilot with Chuck Lorre and Peter Roth

In the inaugural episode of “The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast,” host Jessica Radloff is joined by the show’s co-creator and executive producer Chuck Lorre and former chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group Peter Roth. Chuck and Peter take us back to the very beginning as they discuss the original, unaired pilot. They reveal how they got a highly unusual second chance to create another pilot after the first one wasn’t picked up. Plus, they explain why they steered away from the risqué tone that was prominent in the first pilot and why they recast the role of Penny. Be sure to watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on Max. © 2025 WBEI.

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  • ‘The Griffin Equivalency’ with Kunal Nayyar

    36:33|
    Kunal Nayyar, aka Raj Koothrappali, is back! Kunal shares that to prepare for the show’s live tapings each week, he took a nap — and he reveals the hilarious way that co-star Jim Parsons woke him up. Kunal also discusses his first experiences with fame in the early days of the show, and how each of his castmates reacted to the newfound stardom. Plus, the one Raj quote that Kunal’s fans most often repeat back to him. You won’t want to miss this hilarious interview. Be sure to watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max. © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.
  • ‘The Barbarian Sublimation’ with Faye Woods

    39:34|
    Here to discuss one of Kaley Cuoco’s favorite episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” is the woman who got all the dirt: hairstylist Faye Woods. Faye recalls the infamous scene from this episode where Kaley has a Cheeto in her hair and shares how it came to be. Plus, Faye reveals Kaley’s one haircut that gave Chuck Lorre PTSD and almost cost Faye her job. Don’t forget, all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” are available to stream on HBO Max. © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.
  • ‘The Codpiece Topology’ with Executive Producer Eric Kaplan

    37:19|
    Executive Producer Eric Kaplan worked on “The Big Bang Theory” for 11 seasons, and he’s sharing all kinds of secrets while breaking down the second episode of Season 2, also known as the Renaissance Fair episode. Eric reveals why one of the first questions he asked Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady while interviewing was whether Penny and Leonord ultimately would end up together, and he shares why that question landed him the job. He also listens to the first joke he wrote that made it into the show. Plus, Eric reveals the hilarious song he taught the “Big Bang” cast and crew.  © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.
  • ‘The Bad Fish Paradigm’ with Chuck Lorre

    45:49|
    Helping break down the first episode of Season 2 is “Big Bang” co-creator Chuck Lorre. Onscreen during this episode, Leonard and Penny face the aftermath of their first date. Chuck reveals that behind the scenes, he had recently learned that co-stars Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki were dating. He shares how Kaley told him and his hilarious reaction. Chuck also recalls Jim Parsons’ audition for Sheldon, and how he transformed the character of Sheldon into something they had never even considered. Plus, how Chuck’s first trip to Comic-Con helped him realize the true power of “The Big Bang Theory.”  © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.
  • ‘The Tangerine Factor’ with Producer and Writer Steve Molaro

    33:23|
    Helping to break down the Season 1 finale is executive producer and writer Steve Molaro. Steve, who was with the show for all 12 seasons and went on to co-create “Young Sheldon,” reveals that he almost left “Big Bang” after this episode. He also shares how his personal dating history was incredibly similar to Leonard’s relationship with Penny. Then, Steve and host Jessica Radloff discuss why they think the audience didn’t react when Leonard kissed Penny for the first time. Don’t miss this incredible recap filled with behind-the-scenes secrets from the entire series.  © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.
  • ‘The Peanut Reaction’ with Emmy Winner Vernée Watson

    38:23|
    The nurse everyone loves, Emmy winner Vernée Watson, joins host Jessica Radloff to talk about the hilarious episode “The Peanut Reaction.” Vernée plays the nurse who treats Howard when he comes to the hospital for an alleged allergic reaction to peanuts. Vernée recalls her infamous line “This hospital is not equipped to treat stupid” and shares how nervous she got when Chuck Lorre was on set. Vernée also discusses her great relationship with Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki and reveals that they once came to her house and spent time with her kids and grandkids.  © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI. 
  • ‘The Pork Chop Indeterminacy’ with Missy Cooper, AKA Courtney Henggeler

    40:58|
    Missy Cooper is here! Courtney Henggeler, who played Sheldon’s twin sister Missy, joins Jessica to talk about her first appearance on the show. Courtney recalls her “Big Bang” audition and who encouraged her to use a southern accent. Despite not being in many episodes, Courtney reveals she still gets “tables at restaurants” thanks to this role. Courtney also shares what it was like coming back in season 11 and meeting Reagan Revord, who plays Missy Cooper on “Young Sheldon,” for the first time.  © 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.
  • ‘The Nerdvana Annihilation’ with John Shaffner

    39:27|
    Host Jessica Radloff is joined by “Big Bang” production designer John Shaffner to discuss the infamous “Time Machine” episode. John recalls his first reaction when he was told he would need to build a time machine. Then, Jessica shares Kaley Cuoco’s admission that this was the episode that made her “fall a little bit in love” with co-star Johnny Galecki. Find out when it happened! Plus, John reveals the secret “gum” wall located on set.
  • ‘The Bat Jar Conjecture’ with Director Anthony Rich

    30:23|
    Helping to break down the classic “Physics Bowl” episode of “The Big Bang Theory” is director Anthony Rich. Anthony shares what he recalls about watching Sara Gilbert and Johnny Galecki work together again after their “Roseanne” days. He and host Jessica Radloff also discuss the Batman Cookie Jar, which made its first appearance in this episode. Anthony then reveals the complexities that go into shooting an episode like this with a lot of extras.