The Big Bang Theory coming to an end was a controversial decision behind the scenes. Not only were creative changes made to the finale, but in truth, it also caused lots of tension behind the scenes. Johnny Galecki was blindsided by Jim Parsons' decision, further complicating the matter.
Although Simon Helberg understood the decision from his co-star, he was also taken aback by the meeting and announcement, as we'll reveal in the following.
We're going to take a look back at what went on behind the scenes, along with taking a closer look at Simon Helberg and Jim Parsons' close friendship. We'll also reveal why Helberg wasn't happy with the cancelation meeting, especially because it put all the heat on Jim Parsons.
Let's take a look at how it all went down, and what The Big Bang Theory cast had to say.
Simon Helberg And Jim Parsons Had A Close Relationship Behind The Scenes On The Big Bang Theory
Behind the scenes on The Big Bang Theory, several close relationships took place. It is well documented by now, that Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco secretly dated during the show.
A lesser known friendship however, was between Jim Parsons and Simon Helberg, who shared dressing rooms for years.
When Parsons was asked who he'd miss the most, he didn't hesitate, saying Helberg's name.
"I’ll particularly miss Simon Helberg; we spend a lot of time together, we go back and forth to our dressing rooms, we’ve talked for almost 12 years now," Parsons tells Mirror.
In particular, Parsons missed their deep conversations when the cameras weren't rolling, "Six months down the road after we finished, I will be like, I haven’t talked to Simon in a deep way in a long time. And that will be hard."
Helberg was also one of the cast members to defend Jim Parsons' decision, acknowledging that it was time for the cast to move on.
“I was ready to… get out of the security of the show to fully find out what was next for me," Helberg told TV Fanatic.
Though like the rest of the cast, Helberg did anticipate the show ending when it did.
Simon Helberg Wasn't Happy With Jim Parsons' Exit Meeting And How It Was Portrayed
A lot of the cast was caught blindsided by Parsons' decision to leave the show, especially Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki. Simon Helberg was also taken aback by the announcement, though he didn't like how it was portrayed that co-star Jim Parsons blindly decided to end the show.
According to Helberg, that isn't what happen.
He said, "In terms of the actual, I guess what you could call the cancelation of the show, that occurred in [that] meeting, where we were informed by Chuck that the show was done. That's what I found to be the most upsetting."
The upsetting part for Helberg, was that Parsons was stepping down from his role, but his intention wasn't for the show to end.
"Jim didn't cancel our show. Jim just finished the run of our show as we all did, contractually, and no one ever asked us to continue doing the show. That is not an exaggeration," Helberg further stated.
Although Helberg wanted to take some heat off Parsons, Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki felt differently.
Johnny Galecki And Kaley Cuoco Were Blindsided By Jim Parsons' Announcement To Leave The Big Bang Theory
Cuoco burst into tears following the announcement, she also threatened to take a sick day after the reveal, stating that it was too hard for her to appear on-set following such a shock.
Johnny Galecki felt the same way, as he had intentions to continue on following season 12. Galecki wasn't happy with the fact that Jim Parsons didn't hint that an end was near prior.
"I was shocked. We were just blindsided that day," the actor revealed with Us Magazine looking back.
"And not necessarily shocked by Jim's decision, but that he hadn't had that conversation with his castmates first to prepare us. So yes, it could have been handled better. We're a family; have a conversation."
Galecki further stated that he understood Jim's decision to move on, but wished it was handled better, with a little more care and preparation.