Launching a successful comedy has been increasingly difficult in the last several years.

Several factors play into this, including people’s changing preferences and the evolution of how entertainment is consumed.

Jim Parsons' speech about why he sits in that particular spot on the couch in the pilot episode.

The Big Bang Theory Poster

I think we all watched that and understood something remarkable was happening.

It was an astounding moment I’ll never forget.

Lorre pinpointed the scene as his biggest standout fromThe Big Bang Theory, and that’s no small feat.

Chuck Lorre with Emmys

Custom Image by Milica Djordjevic

That said, it was also nerve-wracking, especially if something wasn’t working.

However, what madethe scene so effectively revealed what Sheldon was really like.

WhileThe Big Bang Theorywas an ensemble series, arguably its true lead was the socially-inept genius.

Penny sitting in Sheldon’s spot on TBBT

Parsons' brilliant delivery of his lines helped inform the viewers of who Sheldon was.

It established that while he could be inconsiderate, he didn’t mean it most of the time.

He was just used to certain things, and he liked to keep it that way.

Simon Helberg’s Howard, Melissa Rauch’s Bernadette, Mayim Bialik’s Amy, and Jim Parsons' Sheldon sit and talk on a couch in The Big Bang Theory: The Holiday Summation

…Penny just sat and listened to Sheldon ramble about his spot, all wide-eyed and confused.

Together, this made the sequence so incredibly funny.

On paper, the scene wasn’t hilarious at all.

Howard, Raj, and Stuart in The Big Bang Theory

As Lorre said, it didn’t even have any joke.

However, what made it so hilarious was the reaction of Leonard and Penny.

Meanwhile, Penny just sat and listened to Sheldon ramble about his spot, all wide-eyed and confused.

Iain Armitage’s Sheldon looks shocked in Young Sheldon

Together, this made the sequence so incredibly funny.

UntilThe Big Bang Theory’s end, their relationship remained central to the sitcom’s story.

Beyond that, the sequence also gaveThe Big Bang Theorythe motivation to lean into Sheldon’s oddities.

Stuart and the original The Big Bang Theory cast

After his long ramble about his chosen spot, similar scenes were subsequently done in various controls and contexts.

Once again, there were no jokes in his lines, but his delivery sold it as humorous.

It also had a positive impact on the bigger franchise.

Headshot Of Johnny Galecki In The Big Bang Theory Series Premiere

Having the mothership be comfortable with Sheldon’s long speeches helpedYoung Sheldon’s case as a single-cam series.

Source:EW

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Headshot Of Jim Parsons In The 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards Day Two

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