7 Reasons For 7 Seasons: Why 'The Big Bang Theory' Is Such A Hit

The finale of season 7 of The Big Bang Theory left viewers gasping for answers with regard many obstacles that seem to have fallen in the gang’s way. In reality the future of the main cast is also uncertain as their contract negotiations continue to be disputed. What is certain about this hit comedy, however, is it popularity. Here we look at the seven reasons, for seven seasons, why it's such a firm favourite with viewers worldwide.

Sheldon Cooper

The stand out character of the show is Sheldon Cooper. Uncompromising in his ways, unchecked in his conversation and in no doubt of his own brilliance, Sheldon is a fantastic character in so many ways that have never been explored in a TV series before.

If it was just The Sheldon Cooper Theory, that show would still be worth watching.

Penny

We might not even know her last name but Penny represents a bigger scope of the viewing population than any of us may care to admit. She doesn't understand the majority of what her 'clever' friends are talking about and, despite all her good acting intentions, her lifelong dream still alludes her.

She may be baffled and unfulfilled most of the time but that's exactly what makes her a woman of the people.

More: Is the cast of The Big Bang Theory worth $1million per episode?

Relationships

Sheldon Cooper with a girlfriend was a tricky subject to tackle but the introduction of Amy was executed perfectly. His character compromised nothing of what makes him brilliant and Amy as a person in her own right is "It's a tiara!!" fantastic.

Leonard and Penny and their on again off again relationship has been a firm staple of the show that everyone can get behind. She makes him cooler and he makes her smarter. And finally, after season 7's latest developments, can we really see a light at the end of the on again tunnel?

Next page: the girls of 'The Big Bang Theory'

Geeky intelligence

Primarily, this is a show about four men struggling to combine their passion for science, cool gadgets and toys with acceptable social behaviour patterns. While we have watched their social capabilities grow throughout the seasons, they haven't achieved perfect equilibrium and when they lose it to pure geekiness, it makes for hilarious comedy.

The girls

Until season 3 Penny held down the fort for the females all on her own. But the introduction of Bernadette and Amy opened up a whole new era for the woman and brought in endless comedy possibilities.

Amy's desire for Sheldon's affection is both beautifully touching and eternally infuriating, Bernadette's sassy side is fantastic in conjunction with Howard's bizarre character traits and the girls' nights out and trips to Disneyland widen the spotlight from Star Wars dress up days and 3D chess nights.

Mayim Bialik's character, Amy Farrah Fowler, has provided comedy within the girls of the show.

Friendship

Raj and Howard have a friendship that even the best bromances can only aspire to and, even with Bernadette on the scene, they still have an unnerving male bond. Penny and Sheldon have a sweet friendship based solely upon their annoyance of each other flaws and irritations, which is hilarious to watch.

The girls are very adept at drinking wine together and complaining about men and the boys are very good at submerging themselves in computer games.

If you're looking for a buddy, The Big Bang Theory has loads.

More: Check out our Kaley Cuoco picture gallery

Comics

The boys have come a long way from their dark days of nerdiness and fear of interaction in season 1 but, despite the girlfriends coming (and staying), their social circle widening (slightly) and confidence in themselves growing, Sheldon, Leonard, Howard and Raj have remained ever faithful to their love of comic books.

Let's hope they continue to live long and prosper.