Contra Game of Thrones, Big Bang Theory went out with barely a whisper, although I think it is no less ingrained into our culture. The end was a simple farewell. No great revelations or changes, the very last image was the group eating dinner in the same spot along the couch as they always had.
BBT started out as a nerd culture darling, and lived long enough to become unfashionable. It succeeded over the years for two reasons -- first: exceptionally sensitive and professional writing. They never talked down to the audience. And they did not delude themselves that it could be the story of four nerds forever. They evolved very skillfully into what became a Friends clone. This was widely derided but, as someone on another sitcom once pointed out, you gotta have somewhere for the characters to go. Especially if you are going to crank out 20-ish episodes a year for 12 years. What I'm saying is, this was a master class in TV writing professionalism, compromises and all.
The second thing it had was the unparalleled comedic capabilities of the regular ensemble. Even when the writers fell short, these folks could provide a delivery that killed. Some of that is natural, but some of it is also hard work and diligent effort. I suspect they all spent a lot of time in front of the mirror with their scripts, or possibly drove their loved ones crazy with requests to read lines. Notice how many characters were introduced over the years only to be discarded after a few episodes. These are the ones who looked promising in casting, but when the heat was on, they couldn't keep up with the regulars.
It is unfashionable to say so, but I think BBT's reputation will grow in the upcoming years. I know of at least four instances of people who came to it late, stumbling on a rerun, then devoted themselves to catching up on all the seasons they missed. (One of those is me.) You can do that, because TBS reruns about four episodes every night during prime time. And the fact that they continue to do that after many years suggests that those four people aren't the only ones late to the party.
Well done all around.
