Summary
- The Big Bang Theory cast wore DC costumes because of the show's connection to Warner Bros. and CBS, not personal preference.
- The cast had to follow many rules, including avoiding improv moments and not growing beards. Kaley Cuoco broke a rule by cutting her hair without notifying the show.
- Fans appreciated the cast's selflessness, particularly Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, and Jim Parsons, who took a pay cut for the other actors. Bernadette's wardrobe also changed during the show.
Throughout the show's 12 season run, there were many rules that needed to be followed. The Big Bang Theory cast did an excellent job at following the rules. However, Kaley Cuoco was a rare exception as she broke a rule and soon regretted it.
In the following, we're going to take a closer look at the real reason The Big Bang Theory cast exclusively wore DC costumes. It wasn't because of preference for the main characters. Instead, it was a decision that needed to be made because of CBS and the network's connection to Warner Bros.
In addition, we'll take a look at other rules that the cast needed to follow and which rule, in particular, fans approved the most.
CBS Was Part Of Warner Bros. Who Had The Rights To DC, But Not MCU
The cast of The Big Bang Theory had to follow several rules. Looking back, some are known more than others. One rule lots of fans don't know about is the reason why the characters on the show dressed up in DC costumes, and not anyone from the MCU.
This wasn't because of preference. Instead, it was a must because of CBS. The network is under the Warner Bros. banner, who in turn has the rights to DC content.
According to OSSA on YouTube, who covered all the strict rules The Big Bang Theory cast had to follow, the channel pointed out that getting the rights to MCU characters would've been far too expensive for the show. Given that they already had the rights to DC, this was deemed the logical move - especially when it came to satisfying Warner Bros.
In fairness, skipping out on MCU costumes really didn't hurt the show, as costume-themed episodes were usually among the most entertaining, especially the episode that saw the crew of characters dress up as The Flash. Sheldon's antics alone were hilarious during the episode.
The Big Bang Theory Cast Also Had To Follow Strict Rules About Their Appearance
The show had a lot of other rules the cast had to follow. One of them was avoiding improv moments. The schedule to shoot was already very tight. Meaning, the show really couldn't afford to waste time with organic moments. In addition, the cast praised the writing and said time and time again, there really wasn't any need to improv.
The show also had strict rules when it came to their appearances as well. The male characters had a strict rule they needed to follow throughout the 12 seasons, and that was not to grow a beard during their time on the show. For that reason, Johnny Galecki, Kunal Nayyar and Simon Helberg would usually grow facial hair when the show wasn't shooting.
Kaley Cuoco was among the few to break the rules, and Chuck Lorre feared it would hurt the ratings. Cuoco decided to cut her hair during an indie film, and didn't advise the show.
Looking back, Kaley understands that was a big mistake.
"I don’t know if I was being rebellious. I mean, I did do it for the movie, which was my excuse to cut it. In my attempt to spend less time on my hair, that decision bit me in the ass and it took way longer to do my short hair. I was like, This is the worst decision!"
Ultimately, the show didn't suffer from it, but it was a big adjustment for fans of the show.
Fans Appreciated Other Rules, Like The Main Cast Taking A Pay Cut For The Others
Over on the OSSA YouTube channel, fans commented and discussed their thoughts on the rules The Big Bang Theory cast had to follow. One rule that kept coming up in the comments was the selflessness of the cast, willing to take a pay cut. Particularly Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons.
The most liked fan comment wrote, "I like how the penny, Sheldon and Leonard all took a pay cut in order for the other 4 main actors could get a raise, that was awesome and sweet. Working and negotiating together, just awsome."
Another fan wisely points out that Bernadette's wardrobe also changed during the show as a part of the storylines.
"Bernadette's wardrobe also changed after she became a mom, before that it was dresses, tights, cardigans. Afterwards it was pants/jeans with dress shirts."
Clearly, those on the show did a great job of following the rules, and that was a major reason for the show's success, given how easygoing everything was behind the scenes.
