Big Bang Theory cements its place in history

The cast of The Big-Bang Theory intensified its farewell celebrations by being immortalized in cement in front of the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

This is the first time in 92 years that inductees are honored in this way solely for their achievements on television.

The series will end later this month after 12 years and 279 episodes.

Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco were present on Wednesday (and kneeling) for the ceremony.

Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch joined them.

• Big Bang Theory: The most beloved and most hated television show in America
• The last season of the Big Bang Theory will end in 2019

Parsons, recipient of four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the brilliant but socially incompetent physicist, Sheldon Cooper, described his appearance in the long show as an "amazing" experience.

"This experience would not have happened at all with another combination," he said, heading to his co-stars.

"The chance to commemorate it like this is very appropriate and very moving and it's the most incredibly perfect end of this experience, so thank you."

Since its first appearance on screens in 2007, The Big Bang Theory has become one of the most successful comedies in television history – winning seven Emmy Awards.

It has attracted more than 18 million US viewers each year since its sixth season aired in 2012 and would have averaged 18.6 million viewers per episode of its eleventh season, more than any other show on US television.

The show is centered on a group of clumsy male scientists and their interactions with their new neighbor.

Cuoco, who plays Penny, said: "It's the largest cast in the world, I'm honored to be here and to be part of that experience." I'm completely humiliated.

The actress promised that the last two episodes would be "incredibly touching".

She said, "It's incredibly special. I think we were all a little worried about how to stop it, that's a big problem.

"It'll be memorable for a long time."

The finale of the Big Bang Theory series will be broadcast in the United States on May 16 and will be broadcast later on E4 in the UK.

follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a history suggestion email [email protected].