The writers of "The Big Bang Theory" reflect at the end of the series and explain why we will never know Penny's last name

Writers of The Big Bang Theory reflected on the show's 12-year record at a panel hosted by Wil Wheaton – who plays a fictional version of himself on the show – at WonderCon on Saturday, March 30th. The show is currently in its last season. broadcast on May 16th.

The writers talked about their reaction to the news of the end of the series, the evolution of different characters and what they hoped for the lasting impact of The Big Bang Theory – which will become the longest multi-camera sitcom in history – will be.

What they felt when they learned that the show was coming to an end

The cast and the crew of The Big Bang Theory were like a family. When they heard the news of the current season, it was a blow.

"It was a very bad day," said executive producer Steve Holland. "It was as if we had been told that someone was dead."

"The actors were crying, we were crying," added his compatriot Steven Molaro. "There may have been drinking.

How the characters have changed over the years

The 12 seasons of the series allowed the characters to grow and change. But these changes were not necessarily planned in advance.

"We are not planning the long season bows," Hollard said. "We leave a margin of organic growth." But there was a general theme, The Big Bang Theory

"The show is talking about growing up and how those people who are stuck in what they liked when they were kids have to grow up," said writer Eric Kaplan.

No character could experience more of this organic change than Amy, the authors said. Writing for this character was something special, said Maria Ferrari, adding that she felt a special connection with the socially awkward scientist.

"I [brought] in my own experiences of loneliness and desire to be loved, "she explained.

The writers explained that part of Amy's interest was that she was going through a lot of experiences she had not had in adolescence, such as making friends with Penny. "It's a joy to see her live all these wishes," Molaro said.

Things we will never see

Although the writers had twelve seasons to tell the stories of Sheldon, Leonard, Penny and the rest of the characters, there were still things that were not brought to the screen.

"We certainly talked about stories" that ended up not happening, Holland said.

One of those who spent more time with Leonard's ffamily, says writer Bill Prady. "I've always imagined Leonard's family," he said. "I saw them as family Quiz Show, a family of super-intellectuals, "he explained.

Some things have been deliberately left mysterious, such as Penny's maiden name. At one point, the authors decided that it would be best to never reveal it. "We became nervous and superstitious to give him one," Molaro said.

Instead, Penny will always be be known as his married wife: "It will always be Hofstadter."

The legacy of the show

The Big Bang Theory is famous for its references to pop culture, but it will leave a cultural heritage of its own. And writers hope it's positive. One thing they are proud of is raising the profile of women in science.

"What I'm really proud of in the show is [depicting] women in the fields STEM, "said writer Tara Hernandez. "It's something I'm really proud of."

"I like it when I hear that this show has inspired people to get into science," Ferrari added.

The show also helped reunite the families, said the panelists. "My favorite part is that people have watched her together as a family," Hernandez said.

And it did not hurt that The Big Bang Theory sometimes helped bridge a generational gap. "Baby boomers love it The Big Bang Theory, " Wheaton said. "They tell me it's because they finally understand their strange children."

Embracing and celebrating this strangeness is another thing writers are proud of. Molaro remembered meeting a woman who had told her, "My son is like Sheldon and you helped him feel a little cooler."

"I hope this show has celebrated individuality and difference," said Prady.

The Big Bang Theory broadcast on Thursdays at 8 am / 7c on CBS.

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