Awesome geeky show: The Big Bang Theory

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the television show "The Big Bang Theory," focusing on its portrayal of geek culture, humor related to physics, mathematics, and computer science, and the characters' behaviors. Participants share their personal reactions to the show, its jokes, and its representation of nerdiness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express enjoyment of the show's humor and its geeky references, suggesting it offers educational value.
  • Others feel uncomfortable with the portrayal of characters and the reliance on cliches, indicating a lack of authenticity in the representation of nerd culture.
  • A few participants argue that the show exaggerates the nerdiness of its characters, particularly in the context of academic professionals.
  • Some express frustration with the show's humor, noting that it often relies on repeating common definitions rather than showcasing true intelligence.
  • There are discussions about societal perceptions of intelligence and the value of learning, with some participants sharing personal anecdotes about their experiences in academia.
  • Participants highlight the show's character dynamics, particularly between Sheldon and Leonard, and how these contribute to the humor and themes of the show.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are multiple competing views on the show's humor, character portrayals, and its implications for societal attitudes towards intelligence and learning.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the limitations of the show's portrayal of nerd culture, suggesting that it does not accurately reflect the diversity within the community. There are also mentions of the show's reliance on stereotypes and cliches, which some find off-putting.

Mephisto
Messages
93
Reaction score
0
Just thought I would tell you guys about this new show called The Big Bang Theory. It is very geeky, and there is tons of Physics/Math/Computer Science jokes everywhere. There is also plenty of Quantum Mechanics and other really good stuff, I think most of you would really like it... (i just discovered it myself couple of days ago)

Here is a link to a low quality Pilot Part1 on Youtube for you to check out:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Gah, I feel awkward listening to these characters make these jokes haha. Maybe its because I knew a few similar in school.
 
well the youtube vid I am linking to was just taken down, so that's a bummer... still, worth checking out
 
I didn't really like the show. I don't really like sitcoms and I don't appreciate all the making fun of geeks.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Last edited:
Certainly it's silly, but in a funny kind of way. I don't know about sexy - maybe I'm too old. :biggrin:

I don't watch TV since it's too slow! Even the news is slow. How can people say so many words and still not get to the bottom line? Besides, there are too many other things to do.

I do watch a little TV when I stay with a batchelor friend when I'm working on the west coast. Fortunately he has TiVo, so the commercials are skipped and one can fast forward. But since I usually work 12-16 hrs/day, I don't watch much TV.
 
Well I watched the first three & every single joke is on some cliche. Some are funny, but I got tired of them real fast. I'll wait a few episodes till the writers have to get new material.
 
And they mix everything up. Physics nerds don't hang out with WoW nerds, who also don't mix with ddr nerds. Can we take class into account, please? -_-
 
  • #10
I'm split on this show. It is very funny. But they over play the nerdiness wayyy too much. No physics people are this nerdy, especially not professors. It is very funny though.
 
  • #11
RocketSurgery said:
I'm split on this show. It is very funny. But they over play the nerdiness wayyy too much. No physics people are this nerdy, especially not professors.

Oh.. I assure you that there are!
 
  • #12
cristo said:
Oh.. I assure you that there are!

Haha. Oh my. I mean I'll admit I have some things in common with Sheldon. But all the comicbook and scifi stuff eeeeeek.
 
  • #13
I love this show. It's so cool, and you can actually learn some things from it too, supprisingly. :biggrin: Everyone needs to see it atleast once, you will surely be addicted :smile:
 
  • #14
It seems that all Sheldon does is repeat the definitions of common words. That is annoying.
 
  • #15
Darkiekurdo said:
It seems that all Sheldon does is repeat the definitions of common words. That is annoying.

Yeah, but it's cute and he can be adorable. You can learn things, too, even though the word are common, it's interesting. :biggrin:
 
  • #16
mcknia07 said:
Yeah, but it's cute and he can be adorable. You can learn things, too, even though the word are common, it's interesting. :biggrin:
True, but it is annoying that they pass doing that off as being intelligent.
 
  • #17
Darkiekurdo said:
True, but it is annoying that they pass doing that off as being intelligent.

Agreed. It just illuminates an existing problem with society. Intelligent people create technology. The lesser intelligent people use the technology to get around having to do/learn things. People start to forget why learning and hard work are important.

The point is people these days are lazy and have lower standards of intelligence and many people take pride in the fact that they don't know certain things.

Example: As a physics major people often say to me "Wow your a physics major, Geeze I was sooo bad at math! As soon as they started mixing letters with the numbers I just gave up!"
 
  • #18
RocketSurgery said:
Agreed. It just illuminates an existing problem with society. Intelligent people create technology. The lesser intelligent people use the technology to get around having to do/learn things. People start to forget why learning and hard work are important.

The point is people these days are lazy and have lower standards of intelligence and many people take pride in the fact that they don't know certain things.

Example: As a physics major people often say to me "Wow your a physics major, Geeze I was sooo bad at math! As soon as they started mixing letters with the numbers I just gave up!"
It is extremely easy nowadays to impress a person. Just say you like reading, followed by some big words about penis size and conclude with bragging about how you think mathematics is easy. :smile:
 
  • #19
Darkiekurdo said:
It is extremely easy nowadays to impress a person. Just say you like reading, followed by some big words about penis size and conclude with bragging about how you think mathematics is easy. :smile:

It's really not as easy as that to impress a person :biggrin: But I'm glad you seem to think so; you have a lot of learning to do :smile:
 
  • #20
mcknia07 said:
It's really not as easy as that to impress a person :biggrin: But I'm glad you seem to think so; you have a lot of learning to do :smile:
Hmm, in my experience it is. But then again, I am only 15 and most of my classmates are idiots so my observations are not very reliable. :biggrin:
 
  • #21
Darkiekurdo said:
Hmm, in my experience it is. But then again, I am only 15 and most of my classmates are idiots so my observations are not very reliable. :biggrin:

Haha, so yeah, but it's all good. It's good to see that younger kids are taking an interest in this stuff. I love it :smile:
 
  • #22
Darkiekurdo said:
Hmm, in my experience it is. But then again, I am only 15 and most of my classmates are idiots so my observations are not very reliable. :biggrin:

No it is reliable unfortunately. Don't read a book on my college campus. You will be greeted with "Hey is that a book?"

me: "Yea its..."
person: "Why u readun?"
person:" Books arrr soo booorang" "Just lern from the teee veh"
me: "0.o"

:rolleyes::smile:
 
  • #23
Darkiekurdo said:
True, but it is annoying that they pass doing that off as being intelligent.

You also have to remember that it's just a show that's meant to be funny and in no way convey the way intelligence is supposed to be interpreted. The show is also centered around Sheldon and Leonard whom are both fallable... which is what most of the shows material is centered around. Sheldon is the neurotic while Leonard is ineffectual and timid.

It's just a sitcom guys.:smile:
 
  • #24
B. Elliott said:
You also have to remember that it's just a show that's meant to be funny and in no way convey the way intelligence is supposed to be interpreted. The show is also centered around Sheldon and Leonard whom are both fallable... which is what most of the shows material is centered around. Sheldon is the neurotic while Leonard is ineffectual and timid.

It's just a sitcom guys.:smile:

the inevitable voice of reason:biggrin:
 
  • #25
RocketSurgery said:
No it is reliable unfortunately. Don't read a book on my college campus. You will be greeted with "Hey is that a book?"

me: "Yea its..."
person: "Why u readun?"
person:" Books arrr soo booorang" "Just lern from the teee veh"
me: "0.o"

:rolleyes::smile:

:smile: Haha, now-a-days, it seems like if anyone who is even looking at a book is smart, and no one can figure out why they would want to do so :smile: I think more people should :biggrin: There are many wonderful things in a nice book :smile: Not to mention, there are some good pictures to go along with the reading, lol. they can teach you just as much
 
  • #26
mcknia07 said:
:smile: Haha, now-a-days, it seems like if anyone who is even looking at a book is smart, and no one can figure out why they would want to do so :smile: I think more people should :biggrin: There are many wonderful things in a nice book :smile: Not to mention, there are some good pictures to go along with the reading, lol. they can teach you just as much


Indeed. Most people nowadays get their knowledge of the world from MTV news.:smile:
 
  • #27
I am a geek from all angles of attack (including those of opportunity ;)), so I'll have to check it out.
 
  • #28
Darkiekurdo said:
Hmm, in my experience it is. But then again, I am only 15 and most of my classmates are idiots so my observations are not very reliable. :biggrin:

You are right though, and I'm sure you are reliable, I'm not saying that you aren't.. I'm sorry if it came across as that. It's just really cool tha you are into math and stuff, I hope more kids do become more interested, it's a great field :cool:
 
  • #29
RocketSurgery said:
Indeed. Most people nowadays get their knowledge of the world from MTV news.:smile:

Yeah, and it sure is not very reliable, and not to mention, kinda dumb, :rolleyes: Though, not all of it, I have learned some things on there too. :smile:
 
  • #30
mcknia07 said:
Yeah, and it sure is not very reliable, and not to mention, kinda dumb, :rolleyes: Though, not all of it, I have learned some things on there too. :smile:

Yeah everything I learned about human relationships I learned on MTV. Just kidding:rolleyes: :smile:
 

Similar threads

Graduate Please express this theory of mine mathematically or through equations
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Algebraic Topology in the tv show The Big Bang Theory
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
22K
Graduate The Inflationary and The Big Bang Theory
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Big Bang Theory: Spacetime or Matter First?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad DDO 68: A Young Galaxy Supporting the Steady State Theory
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate What does the big bang theory really tells us?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Big Bang timing: according to what frame of reference?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
High School What Are Common Misunderstandings About the Big Bang Theory?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Undergrad Did the Big Bang separate space and time
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School Book recommendations for Big Bang Model?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K