Jim Parsons Blasts ‘Silly’ Story Line on ‘Big Bang Theory’ That Was Out of This World: ‘Went to Space’

Jim Parsons shared his thoughts on the most absurd story line from The Big Bang Theory.

During a Monday, April 20 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Parsons, 53, was asked what he thought was the “most ridiculous” plot line on the beloved sitcom.

“They were all rather silly, right?” Parsons reflected. “I mean, we went to space.”

Parsons, who played Sheldon Cooper on the series for 12 years, was referring to season five and six of the Big Bang Theory when Simon Helberg’s character, Howard Wolowitz, trained to become an astronaut. Only Howard went to space as he left his friends and loved ones behind for a mission to the International Space Station. Real-life astronaut Mike Massimino even made a cameo.

Earlier this year, the show’s production designer John Shaffner revealed how they were able to make it look like Helberg was floating in space while staying firmly on the ground.

“It was done by supporting the people from underneath,” Shaffner told TV Line in March. “There was a very long, sort of skinny platform that a person could lie on, and it would almost look like they were swimming through in weightlessness. They studied and really did a remarkable job with acting the weightlessness.”

The Big Bang Theory ran for 12 seasons as the series followed a group of friends, which included multiple scientists, as they navigated work, friendships and relationships. In addition to Parsons and Helberg, the show starred Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Mayim Bialik, Kunal Nayyar and Melissa Rauch.

Parsons’ character was beloved by fans and inspired the spinoff series, Young Sheldon, which starred Iain Armitage. Young Sheldon was also a success and inspired an additional show titled Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage.

While Sheldon Cooper is loved by many, Parsons confessed he doesn’t see himself reprising the role anytime soon for any potential revival.

“I can’t say I miss him,” Parsons said of his iconic character during a recent appearance on The View. “There’s a lot about his qualities, and just who he was, that I still carry with me. And I certainly still get so much reaction to it.”

Parsons shared similar sentiments about a reboot two years ago during an interview with Chris Wallace.

“As we sit here now, no. But I also never say never to anything, because life just changes so much,” Parsons said in 2024. “It was so special as what it was, as what it is, and they call it lightning in a bottle for a reason. You can be certain it wouldn’t be that. And so, why would we be doing it?”