sj - I can't see Big Bang Theory until it's online - did you like it?

It was ok. I prefer episodes where all the main characters are together being geeky.

I haven't seen last year's yet so it is kind of disappointing how the same it all is. I get that that is a comfort of sitcom, but it's not comforting so much as repetitive. Also, what sj said.

Community kind of ruined me for BBT. I just sort of wanted to punch everyone. Except the other astronauts. And Stewart.

If Raj and Stewart actually start dating, I will forgive all. As long as they never change the theme song.

If Raj and Stewart actually start dating, I will forgive all.

I was thinking the same thing!

I decided to try an entire episode of BBT, and I still feel the same disconnect as I did to shorter clips. The punchy things described above, but to Stewart and the astronauts also (well, not the Russian guy--I've had a thing for him for a while). I'd be impressed if the took the clueless moment and made it a gay relationship, but I don't imagine I'd find it funny.

Okay, now 2 1/2 Men came on, and Kutcher is still working that really pretty not attractive thing, and this isn't punchy, this is hives. Gotta go.

It's a strange thing to say about a sitcom, but I don't really watch it for the humor. When it started it was just such a treat to see actual science-y jokes on TV, the kinds of things we would chortle over in college as we plowed through acres of homework. There's less of that lately, for my money, but I really like Sheldon and especially Sheldon's friendship with Penny (neither of which were really shown off well in this episode). And the other characters have their moments. Any given episode will not be dense with moments I can cherish, but there are enough to keep me coming back.

And I do really like the theme song. BNL!

Also, it's on at seven here, which is when I am vulnerable to shows that wouldn't make it up against things I like better (see also: HIMYM)

I didn't laugh for the first season of Arrested Development, but I was glued to the screen and fascinated by just about everyone. The disliking was some of the most well orchestrated in any sitcom I've ever watched. Not a throwaway like Pierce, where sometimes I see the value and sometimes I want to stab him in the face.

I can't really work out where that would happen with BBT, but it's not like I got in early or anything.

Yeah, it's not that kind of compelling, at least for me.

It's not a cult show, it's a broadly popular show with some content that is appealing to the cult audience, but it's being broadly appealing that is important to how it's written and produced.