The Big Bang Theory was first marketed as a show for the common nerd. It had countless nerdy pop-culture references, geeky main characters, and gags that were geared specifically for this type of audience. Over the years though, the show had undoubtedly changed. The older The Big Bang Theory seasons had a spark of magic to them that was noticeably missing in the newer episodes.
What was once a niche series about a group of nerdy friends soon turned into a stereotypical sitcom that seemingly abandoned some of its most popular and foundational characters, gags, and storylines. Quintessential character traits were changed, jokes abandoned, and forced plot/setting changes made long-time audiences yearn for the earlier directions of the show.
10 The old comic book store never needed the update
The comic book store that the gang frequently visited became a trademark of the show. Creepy Stuart, a sea of endless guys, and the comic book paraphernalia made the store seem just right. The newly redesigned comic book store, after the old one burnt down, was only written in the show near the end of the series, but it really felt out of place from the start.
Sure, the comic book store was symbolic of Sheldon's old life, so getting married and moving out did call for a change. But more than that though, the new comic book store felt less welcoming to audiences. Because the new design was bigger and brighter, it really sucked the life out of the once special setting.
9 Leonard and Penny used to bicker less
In the early days of the show, it was clear that Leonard and Penny were still experiencing the honeymoon phase of their relationship. Leonard was still the awkward nerd trying to impress the pretty neighbor and Penny was the popular girl who secretly enjoyed Sheldon and Leonard's company. Simply put, it was funnier this way. It was relatable and connected better to audiences; it was also more interesting to watch.
After the couple got married, the tone of their relationship completely changed. They were like an old married couple now. Leonard stopped fighting for Penny and Penny always seemed annoyed at her husband. The relationship had simply lost its touch.
8 The interactions between Howard and his mother were funnier back then
Young Howard was a lot funnier in the earlier seasons, partly because he was still a bachelor living with his mother. Howard and his mother's interactions used to be one of the funniest gags on the show. She was the stereotypical overbearing Jewish mother while he was the nerdy kid who still lived at home. Every kid's had that embarrassing parent so the gag was quite relatable.
When Howard got married, however, Bernadette essentially took over Howard's mother's role and so Howard's mother became obsolete; there was no place for her in Howard's life anymore. The jokes between him and his mother soon became dull and sad, and it felt as if the character had moved on and not necessarily for the better.
7 Amy used to be a clone copy of Sheldon
When Amy was introduced, she was almost an exact clone of Sheldon. She had a monotone voice, she didn't have a social life, and she was very scientifically minded, like him. That was seemingly the point of the character. Raj and Howard had found a girl for Sheldon, who was basically just a female version of him.
Fast forward to the later season and Amy wasn't this quiet girl anymore. She turned into a more sensual woman who wanted to be a cool kid now. As a result, she became a bit stereotypical.
6 The show used to be nerdier
Comparing the early episodes to the more recent ones, it's clear that the writers simply got tired of doing research and writing niche nerdy jokes. The nerdiness of the show gradually declined with each season, so it wasn't really a surprise in all honesty.
In the newer seasons, the gang wasn't as nerdy nor as geeky anymore, the jokes didn't relate to pop culture as much, and the plot was less centered on the gang and focused more on their relationships with their significant others. In a sense, the show lost touch with what made it so special and attractive in the first place.
5 Sheldon and Leonard's roommate agreement was abandoned
Sheldon and Leonard's roommate agreement was a fun and quirky gag that many fans missed from the classic episodes. The ridiculousness of the clauses only enhanced the already hilarious interaction between Leonard and Sheldon. It also highlighted just how unique and, at times, annoying Sheldon was.
With how the show progressed, there was simply no place for it in the story anymore. Sheldon moved in with Amy (nullifying Sheldon and Leonard's agreement), Leonard and Penny got married, and Sheldon kind of grew up. It was unfortunate that the story progressed in such a way that killed a much-beloved gag from the earlier days.
4 Sheldon was a more interesting character back in the day
Part of Amy's role in Sheldon's life was to make him realize how childish he was at times; in other words, she helped him grow up. And as part of growing up, unfortunately, Sheldon's character fundamentally changed in the later seasons. Many of his quirks were abandoned and he became a very different character.
He wasn't as meticulous with his everyday life anymore. No more hard-to-make teas, no more uptight Sheldon who hated change, and no more not driving, among other things. It was a bit of a shame since Sheldon became more of an icon and less of a character.
3 Howard used to always try to pick up girls
Howard was an integral character to the show and many fans especially enjoyed the earlier renditions of the character. He was a grown man living at home with his mother. More importantly, though, he was a lonely bachelor who was always trying to pick up girls. His methods, although creepy at times, were an essential aspect of his character and added yet another layer of humor to an already funny show.
From the horrible magic tricks to the terrible pickup lines, everything about Howard's plot to get a girlfriend worked. When he met Bernadette though, one of his most defining features had seemingly gone away. No more flirting and no more ridiculously adult-themed jokes.
2 Howard and Raj used to have a very special relationship with one another
Howard and Raj were best friends, but some fans and other characters, would categorize their relationship as being more than platonic. Some, like Beverly Hofstadter, would even say it's a repressed romantic relationship. Regardless, they were very comfortable around one another and so their actions and interactions came off as a bit sexual at times. This gag was accentuated in the earlier seasons, and for good reason, it was funny and the actors played it off well.
The chemistry between these two characters was indescribable, so it was great that the writers continually teased this element in the show. It was exaggerated at times, but that was the point. But as the characters developed, they lost some of this special chemistry in their relationship. Though it was revisited at times, the gag became forced and less funny as a result.
1 It was better when Raj couldn't talk to women, unless he was drunk
When the writers decided to do away with Raj's inability to talk to women while sober, it really felt like they had murdered the character. The most interesting and defining aspect of Raj was his inability to talk to women. They played it up so much for it to come crashing down at the end. The change, although expected, came too early in the show and made Raj a more boring and stereotypical character.
Having Raj be able to talk to women negatively affected many other aspects of the show including his relationship with Howard, his relationship with Penny, and his dating life, all of which were enjoyable to see.