The Big Bang Theory tapes its final episode

Deadline

The cast of the hit CBS sitcom filmed the second half of it two-part May 16 series finale on Tuesday night, wrapping up 279 episodes and a 12-season run. "It was a crisp and buoyant taping that, for the better part of three hours, was business-as-usual for the team that has been a ratings machine year in and year out," reports Geoff Boucher. "There were little signs, though, that emotions and tears might break loose at any point. Jim Parsons, who portrays Sheldon, did a vamping dance in-between takes but then a moment later he was scanning the front row of the audience to check on his special guest, his mother. Series co-creator Chuck Lorre, looking misty-eyed, stepped on stage to hold the clapperboard for the final take on the final scene. Johnny Galecki was polished in his performance until he got to one toss-off line of dialogue about spending '139 1/2 surprisingly pleasant hours' with Sherman’s character — the joke was a minor note in the show but the numeric reference was chosen for a reason. It’s the collective screen time logged by the show’s half-hour episodes." After the taping was over, Galecki addressed the studio audience, saying: “You’ve been the best fans for 12 years. You are a part of a family, and we love you very much.” Kaley Cuoco then joined him, and she shared something Lorre told the cast at their final table read: “The Big Bang Theory will live on in our hearts forever. It’s so sweet and simple, and it’s so true.”