Does the TV show “The Big Bang Theory” have actual, real physics researchers as consultants?”
‘Big Bang Theory’ Gets a Dose of Physics Monday, November 12, 2007 Yahoo! Buzz the big bang theoryCBS’ The Big Bang Theory is now one of the fall season’s few offerings to gain much positive attention. Whether it’s due to its sidesplitting premise or the fact that it has built up an audience from its strong lead-in from How I Met Your Mother, which averages about 9 million viewers, the freshman series is now thriving and is expected to flourish with its full-season pickup. Amidst all the comedy, there is one aspect of The Big Bang Theory that makes it realistically appealing: the real-life physics involved. While the show centers on two geeks as they attempt to explore their social life, the series also gives science some attention. Your Take Guest said: I belly laugh out loud…such a funny show. I hope the writers strike ends soon 🙁 see all » graffd02 said: I love the show, i like the fact that it doesnt automatically assume that its viewers are complete retards,… see all » BuddyD
One of my favorite scenes in The Big Bang Theory involves the two main characters, Leonard and Sheldon, trying to move a large, flat box up two flights of stairs. Faced with no equipment and little upper-body strength, Leonard declares, “We are physicists! The intellectual descendents of Archimedes!” He proceeds to work the problem, tilting the box against the stairs, explaining (for the benefit of the studio audience) the mathematics of how that reduces the force required to lift the box. I think of that scene whenever I hear a member of the physics community griping about the show and how it reinforces negative stereotypes of scientists. The premise is quite simple: Two nerdy physicists befriend the pretty blonde waitress who moves in next door, and wackiness ensues from the cultural clash. It’s the show about physics that physicists love to hate: “How dare network television call us nerds for fun and profit!” But chances are the person griping hasn’t even seen the show. And that’s t
