Television
![Jessica Radloff - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_a_jessica_radloff.jpg)
The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER
The definitive, behind-the-scenes look at the most popular sitcom of the last decade, The Big Bang Theory, packed with all-new, exclusive interviews with the producers and entire cast.
The Big Bang Theory is a television phenomenon. To the casual viewer, it's a seemingly effortless comedy, with relatable characters tackling real-life issues, offering a kind of visual comfort food to its millions of dedicated fans. But the behind-the-scenes journey of the show from a failed pilot to a global sensation is a fascinating story that even the most die-hard fans don't know in its entirety.
THE BIG BANG THEORY: THE DEFINITIVE, INSIDE STORY OF THE EPIC HIT SERIES is a riveting, entertaining look at the sitcom sensation, with the blessing and participation of co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, executive producers Steve Molaro and Steve Holland, as well as Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch, Mayim Bialik, and more. Glamour senior editor Jessica Radloff, who has written over 150 articles on the series (and even had a cameo in the finale!), gives readers an all-access pass to its intrepid producing and writing team and beloved cast. It's a story of on-and-off screen romance told in hilarious and emotional detail, of casting choices that nearly changed everything (which even some of the actors didn't know until now), of cast members bravely powering through personal tragedies, and when it came time to announce the 12th season would be its last, the complicated reasons why it was more difficult than anyone ever led on. Through hundreds of hours of interviews with the sitcom's major players, Radloff dives into all this and much more. The book is the ultimate celebration of this once-in-a-generation show and a must-have for all fans.
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER
The definitive, behind-the-scenes look at the most popular sitcom of the last decade, The Big Bang Theory, packed with all-new, exclusive interviews with the producers and entire cast.
The Big Bang Theory is a television phenomenon. To the casual viewer, it's a seemingly effortless comedy, with relatable characters tackling real-life issues, offering a kind of visual comfort food to its millions of dedicated fans. But the behind-the-scenes journey of the show from a failed pilot to a global sensation is a fascinating story that even the most die-hard fans don't know in its entirety.
THE BIG BANG THEORY: THE DEFINITIVE, INSIDE STORY OF THE EPIC HIT SERIES is a riveting, entertaining look at the sitcom sensation, with the blessing and participation of co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, executive producers Steve Molaro and Steve Holland, as well as Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch, Mayim Bialik, and more. Glamour senior editor Jessica Radloff, who has written over 150 articles on the series (and even had a cameo in the finale!), gives readers an all-access pass to its intrepid producing and writing team and beloved cast. It's a story of on-and-off screen romance told in hilarious and emotional detail, of casting choices that nearly changed everything (which even some of the actors didn't know until now), of cast members bravely powering through personal tragedies, and when it came time to announce the 12th season would be its last, the complicated reasons why it was more difficult than anyone ever led on. Through hundreds of hours of interviews with the sitcom's major players, Radloff dives into all this and much more. The book is the ultimate celebration of this once-in-a-generation show and a must-have for all fans.
Editorial Reviews
"[T]here may be no one better to document the series than journalist turned author Jessica Radloff, who undertakes the herculean task in the new, 500-plus page opus, The Big Bang Theory."―Forbes
"From who was almost cast on the show - literally Marisa Tomei nearly played Penny - to the failed pilot that had to be reworked, [The Big Bang Theory] goes into all the behind-the-scenes details, and it's a fascinating read."―Buzzfeed
"Each and every interview subject shares with Radloff the kind of stories that most folks save for their memoirs."―TV Insider
"At some point while talking with Jessica, I realized how easy it had been for me to kind of put all 12 years of my time on Big Bang Theory under one general umbrella, as it were. The questions she asked and the information she'd reveal to me from someone else she'd interviewed forced me into a frame of mind where each season - and sometimes each episode - became it's own, separate entity again, revealing how much we as people had changed through this process, how much the characters changed… but also how certain things remained the same. Frankly, it turned into a version of therapy I hadn't realized I'd needed and couldn't have known how much I'd enjoy it, going down memory lane like this."―Jim Parsons
"I'm so excited for fans to finally see my behind-the-scenes Polaroids for the first time. These photos are very special and super personal, so knowing Jess was taking such care with them, as she did with this book, was very comforting to me."―Kaley Cuoco
"There is no one more enthusiastic, more knowledgeable, more competent, or more dialed into the pulse of TBBT than Jessica Radloff. Jessica cultivated deep and rich relationships with all of us on TBBT over many years so that she can bring you the most detailed, delightful, and authentic TBBT book there will ever be. Bravo, Jessica, for putting up with us for so many hours of discussion, reminiscence, laughter and tears; thank you for being a part of our show's impact with this thorough and exceedingly well-researched work of art!"―Mayim Bialik
"I knew we would learn things in this book, but...wow."―Simon Helberg
"Jessica Radloff is the ultimate Big Bang whisperer...if you're a fan of the s...
"From who was almost cast on the show - literally Marisa Tomei nearly played Penny - to the failed pilot that had to be reworked, [The Big Bang Theory] goes into all the behind-the-scenes details, and it's a fascinating read."―Buzzfeed
"Each and every interview subject shares with Radloff the kind of stories that most folks save for their memoirs."―TV Insider
"At some point while talking with Jessica, I realized how easy it had been for me to kind of put all 12 years of my time on Big Bang Theory under one general umbrella, as it were. The questions she asked and the information she'd reveal to me from someone else she'd interviewed forced me into a frame of mind where each season - and sometimes each episode - became it's own, separate entity again, revealing how much we as people had changed through this process, how much the characters changed… but also how certain things remained the same. Frankly, it turned into a version of therapy I hadn't realized I'd needed and couldn't have known how much I'd enjoy it, going down memory lane like this."―Jim Parsons
"I'm so excited for fans to finally see my behind-the-scenes Polaroids for the first time. These photos are very special and super personal, so knowing Jess was taking such care with them, as she did with this book, was very comforting to me."―Kaley Cuoco
"There is no one more enthusiastic, more knowledgeable, more competent, or more dialed into the pulse of TBBT than Jessica Radloff. Jessica cultivated deep and rich relationships with all of us on TBBT over many years so that she can bring you the most detailed, delightful, and authentic TBBT book there will ever be. Bravo, Jessica, for putting up with us for so many hours of discussion, reminiscence, laughter and tears; thank you for being a part of our show's impact with this thorough and exceedingly well-researched work of art!"―Mayim Bialik
"I knew we would learn things in this book, but...wow."―Simon Helberg
"Jessica Radloff is the ultimate Big Bang whisperer...if you're a fan of the s...
Readers Top Reviews
SherryAWendy L. H
The book is interesting and has some really unique perspectives from the cast and writers. There are fascinating insights into the reasoning Parsons gives for his decision to leave the show after 12 seasons. Unfortunately, we don’t get a true response from his cast mates because everyone is trying to be so polite. Also, it’s painfully obvious Cuoco is not a fan of Bialik. Despite pages devoted to episodes involving the two of them and a breakdown of their characters relationship discussed numerous times, Cuoco never mentioned Bialik once. Never. Bialik talks about Cuoco with ease and affection. It’s as if there’s an twepadock in the room and no one wanted to ask the hard question. It’s a polite book. It’s good, not great.
Chris Renee Wilso
I've read a lot of oral histories but this was the most riveting by far!! Especially since the entire cast participated and really opened up about everything!! Plus I loved all of the personal behind the scenes photos from the cast!! I highly recommend for all!!
Kristen KirklandC
Okay, as a huge fan of the show, characters, and actors, I would have told you that I knew a lot about this series.. This book proved me wrong. It was such a great insider look and kept me wanting to read the next chapter to see what else I didn’t know. I feel like after all these years, the producers, writers, actors, etc. feel like family.
MandyKristen Kirk
I finished the book in 4 days. At 500 pages it’s pretty thorough. Jessica did a great job on it and I enjoyed all the pictures. There were some surprises of course. I did notice how Kaley never really mentioned Mayim in her comments though. Not exactly sure what the problem was there. Had heard back when the show was airing she didn’t like her. I did notice that Mayim didn’t really praise Jim near as much as he praised her. That of course isn’t that big of a deal. I’ve heard they’re good friends off screen too. Was just surprised. All in all, it is a great book. Plan to give my aunt a copy of it for Christmas. She’s a big fan.
