Back to break down another episode is John Ross Bowie, who played Barry Kripke across 11 seasons of “The Big Bang Theory.” John discusses why he believes the show had such a strong female viewership and how the character of Penny became all of us. John also reveals who he was closest to out of the cast and which cast members he still talks to regularly. Plus, John shares why he asked director Mark Cendrowski for an extra take during one of his scenes in this episode. Catch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max. 

© 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Helping to break down his very first episode on “The Big Bang Theory” is Barry Kripke’s John Ross Bowie. John reveals that he actually auditioned for the role of Leonard initially. He also shares how he landed the role of Barry and how his character came to have a speech impediment. He talks about how friendly the entire cast was, including Kayley Cuoco, who gave him a ride from the parking lot across the street to the studio. Plus, John discusses the brilliance of seeing Jim Parsons playing the role of Sheldon up close. You can watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max. 

© 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showrunner Steve Molaro joins host Jessica Radloff to break down the episode that Steve claims has one of the series’ best storylines. He recalls the vibration of the stage on the night of the taping when Penny gives Sheldon the napkin signed and used by Leonard Nimoy. Plus, Steve shares how going against co-creator Chuck Lorre’s outline for this episode ended up cementing his place in “The Big Bang Theory” universe forever. You can watch this episode and all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max. 

© 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Director Nikki Lorre is back to talk about what host Jessica Radloff calls “one of her favorite ‘Big Bang’ episodes of all time.” In “The Vartabedian Conundrum,” Leonard tries to slow down his relationship with Stephanie before realizing that they are actually living together. Nikki recalls Sara Rue’s brilliance in the role of Stephanie and shares why her character wasn’t in any future episodes. Then, Nikki reveals how often her dad, co-creator Chuck Lorre, came to her to discuss the show’s storylines since she was the same age as the characters. Plus, Nikki shares whether she ever had a relationship in real life that made its way into the show’s storyline. You can watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.  

© 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Director Anthony Rich is back to discuss this hilarious episode, which is rich in “Shenny” scenes. Host Jessica Radloff and Anthony talk about why scenes with Sheldon and Penny together onscreen are always among their favorites. Then, Anthony drops some serious behind-the-scenes secrets, including the hilarious way he learned that Kaley Cuoco was dating co-star Johnny Galecki. Plus, Anthony shares how ping-pong tournaments played a key role in cast bonding. You can watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.  

© 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sara Rue, aka Dr. Stephanie Barnett, joins host Jessica Radloff to break down “The Lizard-Spock Expansion.” After revealing that she once auditioned for the role of Penny, Sara shares why she was so excited to play a doctor on “The Big Bang Theory.” Sara also recalls watching Jim Parsons during the table read and realizing that he was even more talented than everyone said he was. Plus, how her three-episode stint on the show turned into a longtime friendship with Parsons. Catch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.  

© 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer and executive producer Dave Goetsch is back, and he’s helping break down “The Panty Piñata Polarization.” But first, Dave and host Jessica Radloff share why they are both surprisingly grateful that “Big Bang” ended after Season 12. Then, Dave discusses how “America’s Next Top Model” became a central character in this episode and how the writers split up storylines each week. Plus, why Dave loves the dynamic between Penny and Sheldon in this episode. You can watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max.  

© 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She played physics grad Ramona Nowitzki, who became Sheldon’s stalker/platonic girlfriend on the show, and now Riki Lindhome is helping break down this hilarious episode of “The Big Bang Theory.” Riki shares her initial reaction when she found out she had to give Jim Parsons a pedicure in this episode and how the two “locked in” during the scene. She also discusses what it was like playing Sheldon’s first love interest on the show and recalls her reaction when she received Bill Prady’s call during Season 10, asking her to come back as a guest star. Plus, the surprising way Riki left her mark on the show forever. Don’t forget, all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” are available for streaming on HBO Max.  

© 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here to break down this hilarious episode where Sheldon’s friends stage an intervention for him because they want him to learn to drive is executive producer and writer Lee Aronsohn. Lee shares his opinion on whether the character of Sheldon was on the spectrum, and he explains why this episode finally feels like the Sheldon we see for the remainder of the series. Plus, Lee reveals why the “Shenny” scenes were always the easiest to write. Don’t forget, all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” are available for streaming on HBO Max.  

© 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kunal Nayyar, aka Raj Koothrappali, is back! Kunal shares that to prepare for the show’s live tapings each week, he took a nap — and he reveals the hilarious way that co-star Jim Parsons woke him up. Kunal also discusses his first experiences with fame in the early days of the show, and how each of his castmates reacted to the newfound stardom. Plus, the one Raj quote that Kunal’s fans most often repeat back to him. You won’t want to miss this hilarious interview. Be sure to watch all episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” on HBO Max. 

© 2025 WBEI. THE BIG BANG THEORY characters and elements are © & TM WBEI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.