“The Big Bang Theory” is neck to neck with “Friends” as one of the most popular sitcoms ever. According to a Jan. 4 report from The Atlantic Wire, the Jan. 3 episode, “The Egg Salad Equivalency,” brought in 19 million viewers. “Friends” topped out at around 20 million viewers per episode in the final and most popular season.
While people stood around the water cooler discussing the latest episode of “Friends,” there doesn’t seem to be as much public buzz surrounding “Big Bang.” Perhaps this is because people watch their favorite TV shows at different times throughout the week because of DVRs and Internet streaming, options that weren’t available when “Friends” was on TV.
The world went crazy for Rachel’s haircut on “Friends.” While no one is flocking out to replicate the haircuts of Amy, Penny or Bernadette, the quirky styles of Howard, Sheldon, Leonard, Rajare catching on. The CBS store sales a wide range of products inspired by the show. Sheldon Cooper’s Council of Ladies replica t-shirts are surely right around the corner.
The show has made comic books cool again and mothers across the country sing their babies “Soft Kitty” at bedtime. One “Big Bang” catchphrase has become so popular a species of bees has been renamed Eglossa bazinga.
What do you think? Is “TBBT” as popular as “Friends”? Which do you think is more influential?
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