'The Big Bang Theory' NewS: Can 'TBBT' Survive Without Penny and Leonard?

Season 10 Maybe the Last for 'The Big Bang Theory'

By Allen Marcon, CP Contributor Monday, June 13, 2016

The CBS hit comedy show "The Big Bang Theory" has been running for nine seasons. Now, the hit series will have its 10th season this fall. However, it is not certain that the show will have all its cast members after "The Big Bang Theory" Season 10.

While all the major actors on the show are only under contract until the end of Season 10, two of the actors, Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki, who play Penny and Leonard respectfully, may choose to opt out of the show after the 10th season.

All the other actors of the show are willing to continue if the network decides that it wants to make more seasons. However, will the show survive without Penny and Leonard?

Nucleolus of the Group

It is quite obvious that Leonard and Penny are the nucleolus of the group, as both the boys and the girls look to them for leadership. But as it stands now, if Penny and Leonard were to depart the show, it would give a chance for other members of the group to shine.

The other couples of the group, Howard and Bernadette as well as Sheldon and Amy, could use the extra story time to develop their relationships further. This could even be more important for Howard and Bernadette as they are expecting a baby sometime in the next few seasons.

Raj (Kunal Nayyar), too, could finally have a stable relationship as his track record shows he is not good in keeping a long-term partner.

Tying Up Loose Ends

The departure of Penny and Leonard could be used to tie up several ongoing story plots that have been plaguing "The Big Bang Theoru" for years.

First of these would be Leonard's inability to leave Sheldon on his own. Even though they are married, Penny and Leonard do not live together as Leonard still stays in the apartment he and Sheldon share in fear of hurting Sheldon. While Penny begrudgingly agrees to this set-up, the two characters leaving could close the Sheldon chapter of Leonard's life.

This could be a good way for the two to leave as Nayyar stated that all the characters have gone through something traumatic in their lives such as break-ups, family issues and personal drama.

As it stands now, "The Big Bang Theory" Season 10 will return next fall, Oct. 27, on CBS.