NAMED A BEST COMEDY BOOK OF 2022 BY VULTURE "[An] exhaustive, almost academic oral history... [T]his book serves as a general, and fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at how television is made."—Vulture
"[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
“The book is a must for any The Big Bang Theory fan, but also a fascinating look at the television industry for even the casual viewer.”—Paste Magazine
"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 show, you owe it to yourself to read every fascinating word she unearthed in this incredible book!"—Melissa Rauch
“We spent 12 years together in a very safe bubble. There is no one we trust more than Jessica to share all those years on stage 25. You know the characters, now you’ll get to know the people who played them.”—Kunal Nayyar
"[T]his book is an excellent testament to the show that will leave fans wanting to rewatch the entire series. . . This extensive and enjoyable oral history of The Big Bang Theory will make fans feel nostalgic for its glory days."—Library Journal, starred review
"A fun look at the sitcom megahit. . . Entertaining in its own right, this book examines the how and why behind the success of a landmark series."—Kirkus Reviews
“A definitive and immensely entertaining oral history. . . Filled with delightful memories and charming candid photos, this is a treat for TV fans.”—Shelf Awareness
“The book is undeniably a valentine to the show.”—New York Daily News
“If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift for someone in your life who happens to be a big fan of “The Big Bang Theory,” there is no better gift than this new book…”—Williamson Daily News
"The Big Bang Theory, an epic behind-the-scenes oral history by Jessica Radloff, is a must-read book that goes above and beyond. . . I’ve read oral histories before but none have gone to the level of detail. . . It’s impossible to put down and the minute you do, you want to read more!"—Solzy at the Movies
The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series
Narrated by Jessica Radloff, Fleet Cooper, Abhay Ahluwalia, Anna Williford, Suehyla Young, Allan Robertson
Jessica RadloffUnabridged — 17 hours, 53 minutes
The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series
Narrated by Jessica Radloff, Fleet Cooper, Abhay Ahluwalia, Anna Williford, Suehyla Young, Allan Robertson
Jessica RadloffUnabridged — 17 hours, 53 minutes
Overview
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 the 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.* *
AN INSTANT*NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A*USA TODAY BESTSELLER
NAMED A BEST BOOK OF 2022 BY GLAMOUR
"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. . . 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." -Jim Parsons
Editorial Reviews
★ 10/04/2022
Fans of the long-running sitcom The Big Bang Theory will love this oral history of the show. Glamour magazine editor Radloff weaves a cohesive narrative from the creation of the unaired first pilot in 2006 until the finale wrapped in 2019. There are interviews with just about everyone involved in the show's production during its 13-year history. The principal cast and cocreators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady are heavily featured, of course, but so are guest stars, writers, and designers. Even Jim Parson's mother makes an appearance. There are a lot of great nostalgic stories fans may have heard and enjoyed before, but plenty of new stories are included as well. Sprinkled throughout the narrative are fun facts and tidbits from different designers and editors under the callback title "Time for a Hot Beverage." In addition to the wealth of interviews, there are dozens of behind-the-scenes photos. Overall, this book is an excellent testament to the show that will leave fans wanting to rewatch the entire series. VERDICT This extensive and enjoyable oral history of The Big Bang Theory will make fans feel nostalgic for its glory days.—Carleigh Obrochta
2022-07-05
A fun look at the sitcom megahit.
The Big Bang Theory had an impressive run: 279 episodes over 12 “mostly joyful but always laugh-filled years,” as co-creator Chuck Lorre puts it in his brief foreword. Radloff, the West Coast Editor for Glamour, digs into the series with in-depth interviews with the cast, directors, writers, technicians, and many of the guests. The behind-the-scenes approach is never particularly critical, but the author still offers crucial insights. The concept of the series—four smart but socially inept guys meet one ditzy wannabe actress—did not fit the Hollywood formula. However, because the creators, Lorre and Bill Prady, had launched numerous successful TV shows, CBS allowed them room to experiment. When the series finally aired, the viewer numbers were average, but there was a steady increase. More importantly, the show built a strong group of loyalists. Though it was an ensemble show, Sheldon (played by Jim Parsons), brilliant and neurotic, emerged as the protagonist. Radloff acknowledges that much of the action was driven by the Leonard-Penny relationship (Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco), but she believes that it was the connection between Sheldon and Penny that provided the emotional heart, at least during the early seasons. The writing staff and directing crew changed over time, which kept the ideas fresh. By the fifth season, the series had become enormously popular, and the risky introduction of new characters worked out well. Radloff ties the success of the series to its willingness to challenge the boundaries of the sitcom form, but the quality could not have been maintained without talented writing and direction as well as actors willing to commit to their roles. There was a sense that it ended at an appropriate time, leaving on a high note. As a bonus, the author reveals Penny’s maiden name.
Entertaining in its own right, this book examines the how and why behind the success of a landmark series.
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940178886977 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Hachette Audio |
| Publication date: | 10/11/2022 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
| Sales rank: | 1,148,190 |
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