Popular sitcoms don’t earn that moniker by having underwhelming or unlikable casts — and clearly, the five original leads of “The Big Bang Theory” helped catapult Chuck Lorre’s CBS comedy to unbelievable success. According to an oral history of the series, though, Kunal Nayyar, who played Raj Koothrappalli for the entire show, was essentially fired by network executives before they started shooting … and Lorre had to go to bat for the actor.
In “The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series” by Jessica Radloff, Lorre recalled that he flew from Los Angeles to New York for upfronts only to discover that Nayyar was nowhere to be found. At that point, Lorre says that, in the middle of his cross-country flight, a higher-up at CBS decided that Nayyar just wasn’t the right choice and that they’d find someone else to play Raj.
“Well, I did not respond well,” Lorre said. “I was furious. They made this decision without consulting me. […] I called the execs at CBS and said, ‘You can’t fire him. I cast him. I believe in him, I’ll take responsibility for this decision. He’s my guy.’ If I’m going to fail, I’m going to fail on my own choices. I’m not going to fail on someone else’s choices I wasn’t about to recast that part because someone else made a decision.”
Chuck Lorre fought for Kunal Nayyar to remain on The Big Bang Theory – and won
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Johnny Galecki, who also spoke to Jessica Radloff for the book, said that the entire vibe was thrown off at upfronts due to both Kunal Nayyar’s absence and the apparent fracas over potentially replacing him. “It felt very odd that we were missing a cast member at the upfronts,” Galecki remembered, speaking for fellow castmates Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, and Simon Helberg. “We all felt terribly awkward and frustrated and helpless because we didn’t know what that meant for the show. But mostly we were really feeling for Kunal.”
As for Chuck Lorre, he reached out to a “distraught” Nayyar and reassured him that he was still a part of “The Big Bang Theory” — and, in his recollection, said that he felt responsible for the conditions that led to CBS asking for a new Raj Koothrappalli. “I told him not to worry about it, we would get this figured out,” Lorre said of his conversation with Nayyar before admitting that he and the show’s creative team were struggling with Raj’s character. “We had a better handle on Sheldon and Leonard and Wolowitz, and so if anything, Kunal suffered not from his own inabilities, but from ours. We had to discover his character. And we did. Beyond our wildest dreams. He became a great, wonderful voice of the ensemble. You can’t imagine the show without him.”
Kunal Nayyar had an extremely emotional reaction when he booked The Big Bang Theory
CBS
As for Kunal Nayyar himself, he was devastated at the idea that he might lose “The Big Bang Theory,” but was reassured that Chuck Lorre had his back. Ultimately, it all worked out. As Nayyar told Jessica Radloff, he doesn’t know what exactly Lorre did, but at the end of June 2007, he was getting ready to move apartments when his agent called and said he was officially a part of “The Big Bang Theory” — which prompted a swell of emotions. “And I remember falling on the floor in my apartment on my knees and weeping. Just weeping. Because it had been almost forty-five days of not knowing. And that’s a very difficult place to be in.”
“Looking back, it’s not personal,” Nayyar said of the whole situation; clearly, time and distance have given him some serious perspective on the entire ordeal. He also feels grateful that someone as experienced and respected as Lorre had his back during a stressful time: “I was a kid out of graduate school. From the prospect of a network about to invest in whatever they’re about to invest into a project, I have no experience and they only know me from this one audition. Would you take a chance on me? To me, it was just another thing that I had to prove myself. But Chuck fought for me. He believed in me.”
Playing Raj on The Big Bang Theory changed Kunal Nayyar’s career – but was it worth it?
CBS
Okay, yes — in a larger sense, playing Raj Koothrappalli on “The Big Bang Theory” was worth it for Kunal Nayyar, who earned a ton of money for the role (He’s also probably still raking in cash from syndication when you consider that TBS is basically “The Big Bang Theory Channel” for anyone who still has cable). That said, let’s take a look at Raj — because despite Chuck Lorre’s insistence that they “figured out” what to do with the character, it doesn’t always feel like it. When the series starts, Raj is just one of the four main nerdy guys, but he has the strangest and most unsettling quirk of any of them: he has selective mutism, and he can only speak to members of the opposite sex while he’s extremely drunk. That characteristic ebbs and flows throughout the show — he’s eventually able to open his mouth and say words in the presence of Kaley Cuoco’s Penny, for instance — but it’s a really uncomfortable trait.
Then there’s Raj’s ending. As everyone else ends “The Big Bang Theory” married, with children, expecting children, or winning Nobel Prizes, Raj’s story just … ends. He’s single, despite being the show’s resident hopeless romantic, and his solo ending is played more for laughs than anything else. Raj and Nayyar both deserved better from the show, but it doesn’t seem like the actor has any hard feelings.
“The Big Bang Theory” is streaming on Max now.
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15 Shows Like Brooklyn Nine-Nine You Need To See
Universal Television
BY MOLLY TURNER and SAMUEL STONEUPDATED: DEC. 21, 2023 12:40 PM EST
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” has had a fascinating history. The series stars Andy Samberg as Detective Jake Peralta, a goofy cop who loves “Die Hard” and making sex tape jokes while working a case. The sitcom hails from iconic comedy creators and has had a devoted fanbase throughout its run, but was canceled by Fox after its 5th season. NBC revived it for three more, yet after the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, many long running police shows reexamined the way they propagated the police states. While it’s a comedy, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” was no exception; its writing staff tossed out all of its work on Season 8 and started over, hoping to create a final season that was appropriate for the current cultural moment.
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” has since ended on its own terms, leaving fans with a 99th precinct-sized hole in their lives. If you’re one of them, don’t worry. While the stories of Jake, Amy, Captain Holt, and the rest may be over, there are plenty of excellent television shows to watch. Here are a few you may enjoy.
The Office
Universal Television
If there’s a family tree of sitcoms, “The Office” is the weird but lovable grandpa who says racist and sexist things at Thanksgiving dinner while “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is the mildly woke grandkid. Greg Daniels’ irreverent workplace comedy reinvented the genre with Steve Carell’s Michael Scott at the center. As the “world’s greatest boss,” Carell injected humor and pathos into a character that was at turns stupid, mean, and charming. Over the course of its nine seasons, “The Office” used its mockumentary format to bring us into its main characters lives, making Michael, Jim, Pam, Dwight, and the rest of the Dunder Mifflin staff staples in our homes.
If Hitchcock and Scully’s lewd and ignorant jokes are some of your favorite parts of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and you haven’t seen “The Office” before, give it a try. It might be just the post “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” fix you need. You can stream “The Office” on Peacock.
Parks and Recreation
Universal Media Studios
“Parks and Recreation” is probably the most obvious relative of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” on our list. “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” showrunner and creator Dan Goor previously worked on “Parks and Recreation” with “Nine-Nine” executive producer Michael Schur. The series follows Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, deputy director of the Parks and Recreation department in Pawnee, Indiana. Leslie is optimistic, upbeat, and takes everything about her job deadly seriously, despite the grind of government work.
“Parks and Recreation” follows a similar mockumentary format as “The Office,” but relies less on cringe comedy, and finds its big, beating heart over time. Beyond sharing a number of creative staff, both shows are silly workplace comedies with well-meaning protagonists at their center and winning ensemble casts. If Charles leading the Nine-Nine seems like a show you’d want to watch, give “Parks and Recreation” a shot. You can stream the show on Peacock.
The Good Place
Universal Television
To refer to the sitcom family tree again, “The Good Place” is another cousin of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Created by Michael Schur, “The Good Place” deals with the ever-surprising bureaucracy that runs the afterlife and the many philosophical questions the system raises. It is centered around Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell), a woman who is incorrectly sent to the Good Place when she dies, and one of the afterlife’s architects, Michael (Ted Danson).
Aside from the Schur connection, “The Good Place” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” share a wholesome and heartfelt comedic sensibility, as well as many of the same guest stars. For example, you may recognize Marc Evan Jackson, who plays Captain Holt’s husband, Kevin, in a very different role on “The Good Place.” If your favorite parts of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” are the sincere character moments that make you cry, you’ll likely love “The Good Place.” The entire series is streaming on Netflix.
Rutherford Falls
Universal Television
Yes, “Rutherford Falls” is another cousin of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Michael Schur is a busy man). Co-created by Sierra Teller Ornelas, Schur, and Ed Helms, the series follows Helms’ Nathan Rutherford, a descendent of Rutherford Falls’ (white) founder who fiercely protects his family legacy amid a fight over a statue of his ancestor. Alongside him is his best friend, Reagan (Jana Schmeiding), a member of the Minishonka tribe who has to reconcile the interests of her community while trying to help Nathan.
Co-creators Teller Ornelas and Schur worked on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” bringing the same feel-good sensibility to “Rutherford Falls.” “Rutherford Falls” definitely has “Parks and Recreation” vibes while being grounded in a relevant, real-world premise. If you like the way “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” tackles both bureaucracy and friendships, “Rutherford Falls” may be right up your alley. You can stream the show’s two seasons exclusively on Peacock.
Superstore
Universal Television
Another workplace comedy in “The Office” vein, “Superstore” might serve as uncle or cousin to “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Justin Spitzer worked as a co-executive producer on “The Office” before he created “Superstore,” a comedy about the trials and tribulations of employees working for a big box store. There is also overlap with some of the writers from “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” including “Rutherford Falls” creator Sierra Teller Ornelas.
“Superstore” feels very much like “The Office,” with characters that map almost directly to its predecessor (for example, a Dwight type), while correcting for the modern era with jokes that are less politically caustic. Fans of the workplace family dynamic and the romance in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” will likely enjoy the will-they-won’t-they romance between main characters Amy (America Ferrera) and Jonah (Ben Feldman), as well as the general, “Should we be this close?” relationships between the store’s employees. You can watch the series on Hulu and Peacock.
PEN15
Awesomeness TV
Like “Alone Together,” “PEN15” is a big departure from other shows on this list. It’s not a workplace comedy like “The Office” or “Parks and Recreation.” However, also like “Alone Together,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star and producer Andy Samberg’s fingerprints are all over “PEN15.” Alongside Lonely Island members Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer, Samberg executive produces this show as well.
“PEN15” follows Maya Erskine and Anna Conkle, who appear as fictionalized versions of themselves as teenagers in the late ’90s and early ’00s. While the now 30-something actresses play their 13-year-old selves, the rest of the kids are actual child actors, a contrast that plays up the awkwardness of adolescence. As Maya and Anna navigate junior high, AOL Instant Messenger, and the complexities of boys, they always have each other’s backs. Like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “PEN15” balances goofy comedy with heart and feeling. You can watch all episodes exclusively on Hulu.
Community
Sony Pictures Television
Like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Community” is an ensemble comedy, but the similarities end just about there. Created by Dan Harmon of “Rick and Morty” fame, “Community” follows a dysfunctional study group at Greendale Community College, led by cocky and selfish wannabe lawyer Jeff Winger (Joel McHale), who faked his way through the bar exam. Like the other sitcoms on this list, the study group becomes closer over time, and “Community” follows the friendships and pseudo-family dynamics that grow the course of the series.
However, unlike “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Community” is known for its experimental storytelling, with episodes based on musicals and action movies, as well as fresh and inventive spins on classic television tropes like clip shows and bottle episodes. If your favorite episodes of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” are the Halloween heists, you’ll probably love the unhinged comedic sensibility of “Community.” You can stream the entire series on Peacock.
30 Rock
Universal Media Studios
One of the best comedies of all time, “30 Rock” is a zany workplace comedy with a large and talented ensemble cast that follows Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), the head writer and creator of “The Girlie Show,” a sort of feminist-leaning version of “Saturday Night Live.” Throughout the series, Liz has to figure out how to push her own creative agenda in an increasingly competitive corporate environment, spearheaded by Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) and her show’s competing stars (Tracy Morgan and Jane Krakowski).
Like “Community,” “30 Rock” is known for highly specific absurdist humor. If you really want to find a new show to quote after finishing “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” give “30 Rock” a shot. You can stream the series on Hulu and Peacock.
The Afterparty
Apple TV+
The most hilarious original comedy series on Apple TV+ to date is “The Afterparty,” an anthology series that ran on the platform for two seasons. Each season follows a different murder mystery during different parties, with all of the attendees among the suspects. Linking the two seasons are investigators Danner and Aniq, played by Tiffany Haddish and Sam Richardson, respectively. Joining them are an ensemble of gifted comedic actors, including Ken Jeong, John Cho, Ilana Glazer, and Ben Schwartz, bringing the laughs each season.
With each episode told from a different character’s perspective and told in the style of a variety of movie and TV genres, “The Afterparty” plays like a comical version of Akira Kurosawa’s “Rashomon.” Each actor feels perfectly cast, bringing their unique comedic strengths to the proceedings while keeping the audience guessing who the culprit is. In an era when the whodunnit genre is in the middle of a resurgence, “The Afterparty” lends its own funny twist to the familiar premise. You can stream this show exclusively on Apple TV+.
Colin From Accounts
Paramount+
The biggest comedy import to come from Australia this side of “Crocodile Dundee” is “Colin from Accounts,” one of the best overseas romantic sitcoms in recent memory. Created by and starring real-life husband-and-wife team Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall, the series was added to Paramount+ in 2023, introducing it to American audiences. The couple play protagonists Ashley and Gordon, who are brought together by a car accident and decide to adopt a dog, naming him Colin.
“Colin From Accounts” is a romantic comedy that definitely places the emphasis on the comedy aspect, but with plenty of heart at its core. Dyer and Brammall bring their characters into intensely vulnerable areas at times as Ashley and Gordon’s relationship is tested. Tightly scripted and memorably brought to life by its leads, “Colin From Accounts” breathes fresh energy into a well-worn genre. The series’ two season are available to watch on Paramount+.
Jury Duty
Amazon Freevee
Not all of Amazon’s best original programming is exclusively on Prime Video, with Amazon Freevee featuring its own line of solid series. One of the most acclaimed original shows on the streaming service is “Jury Duty,” which has gone on to earn multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. The show stars Ronald Gladden as a man who presumes he’s a juror in a routine case, unaware it’s an elaborate staged production, with his peers secretly actors. Among the highlights in the courtroom is James Marsden, playing a fictionalized version of himself roped into appearing as a juror.
Marsden really steals the show, poking fun at himself and his image at every possible opportunity as a running gag that keeps on hilariously giving. Even beyond Marsden, the show boasts a tight ensemble cast and sharp writing that takes its laughs to another level. “Jury Duty” takes elements of mockumentary, workplace sitcom, and true crime parody to really blend them into something special. You can stream “Jury Duty” on Amazon Freevee and Prime Video.
Abbott Elementary
ABC
Of all the mockumentaries to surface around television in the wake of “The Office,” one of the best in recent years is the school-based sitcom “Abbott Elementary.” Created by Quinta Brunson, who also stars as grade school teacher Janine Teagues, the series follows a group of teachers and administrators in a Philadelphia public school. Premiering on ABC in 2021, “Abbott Elementary” has grown to be a streaming hit. The understaffed and underfunded ensemble has to contend with the school’s new principal Ava Cole, who is supremely unqualified at her job.
“Abbott Elementary” is sharply written and directed, delivering perfectly balanced mockumentary comedy and effectively using its ensemble cast. The show’s memorable characters are anchored by the dynamic between Janine and coworker Gregory Eddie, played by Tyler James Williams, forming a solid will-they/won’t-they tension. Beyond this de facto couple, the “Abbott Elementary” cast leads with expertly honed comedic timing, usually executed with deadpan glee. Mockumentaries had become a tired sitcom trope in the past decade, but “Abbott Elementary” proves there is still plenty of laughs in the sub-genre to be had. “Abbott Elementary” is must-watch TV, and you can steam the series on Hulu.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
HBO
It’s a small television miracle that not only has Larry David continued making “Curb Your Enthusiasm” off-and-on for over 20 years and it only improves with age. The HBO original series follows a curmudgeonly facsimile of David as he deals with the ups and downs of living in Los Angeles after creating “Seinfeld.” From getting drawn into the miseries of his friends’ lives to navigating more awkward social nuances, David finds himself in a constant state of discomfort. This is all played for laughs, of course, with much of the humor in “Curb Your Enthusiasm” rooted in David’s pain.
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” ran for 12 seasons, with its final season premiering in February 2024 on HBO. For the past several seasons, the show has incorporated larger narratives, from David starring in a Broadway production of “The Producers” to organizing a “Seinfeld” reunion. In addition to David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” boasts an impressive list of guest stars, with some of the biggest names in contemporary comedy. In HBO, David enjoyed more creative freedom than he had on network television and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” is the ultimate proof of his comedic genius.
Party Down
Starz
The Starz original series “Party Down” is one of those shows that went greatly underappreciated during its initial two-season run from 2009-2010, despite the pedigree of talent behind it. The show follows a group of misfits trying to break it big in the entertainment industry, begrudgingly working as caterers at various social functions in Los Angeles. As the catering ensemble has to endure obnoxious clients, they try to network with figures within the industry to finally escape this dead-end job and fulfill their respective dreams.
With an all-star cast led by Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Lizzy Caplan, Martin Starr, and Jane Lynch, “Party Down” has a dream acting lineup. Across its run, the show welcomed a number of equally impressive stars with their own strong comedic chops, including Kristen Bell, Jennifer Coolidge, and J.K. Simmons. Over a decade after its initial cancellation, “Party Down” received a revival season on Starz in 2023, with most of its main cast returning, with the show just as good as ever.
High Maintenance
HBO
The long-running series “High Maintenance” has a genius premise for its anthology-style format as every episode unfolds in Brooklyn. Each episode spotlights a different set of individuals in the borough soliciting a local marijuana dealer, known simply as The Guy, who visits them to deliver his goods. This makes many of the installments relatively standalone vignettes, incorporating their own level of comedy and drama to varying degrees. “High Maintenance” operates as a set of character studies, loosely linked by the presence of The Guy as the de facto facilitator to these poignant stories.
“High Maintenance” started out as a webseries on Vimeo for its first six seasons, with shorter episodes that took greater advantage of the platform. After moving to HBO for its final four seasons, concluding in 2020, “High Maintenance” evolved into the standard 30-minute format. This change didn’t hinder the show’s quality, with the series organically evolving with the heightened production budget. Heartwarming, heartbreaking, and hilarious in equal measure, “High Maintenance” is an understated humanistic masterpiece that’s available for you to stream on Max.
