The Big Bang Theory: Why The 139½ Hours Time Jump Is Deeper Than Fans Think

The Big Bang Theory: Why The 139½ Hours Time Jump Is Deeper Than Fans Think

As a huge fan of “The Big Bang Theory,” I was thrilled to discover the hidden reference to the show’s runtime in the series finale. It was a lovely surprise and a testament to the attention to detail that went into creating this beloved sitcom.


Passionate viewers of “The Big Bang Theory” may have noticed subtle elements such as the absence of a recurring character in the show’s finale and an intriguing costume reference in the same installment, titled “The Stockholm Syndrome.” However, these devoted fans might find it challenging to understand the significance of the fleeting time leap mentioned at the beginning of the episode.

Near the conclusion of the second-to-last episode of the show, titled “The Change Constant,” an agitated Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), acting on Amy Farrah Fowler’s (Mayim Bialik) suggestion, unintentionally damages Sheldon Cooper’s (Jim Parsons) atomic DNA model. Two months later, the pair meticulously reconstruct the model, but it takes slightly longer than that; as they add the final touches to the project, Leonard jokes, “I might be under the influence of the glue, but those 139 and a half hours were truly enjoyable.”

Galecki shared in Jessica Radloff’s book “The Big Bang Theory: Behind the Scenes of TV’s Iconic Sitcom” that this timeframe held great significance. The actor revealed it represented the length of time required to watch all episodes of the show from start to finish. He explained, “It was the total runtime of our production. After wrapping up, I don’t recall the specific details, but I didn’t restore the set after every take – thank goodness for prop masters or that would have been a tedious task.”

Fans appreciate the hidden reference to The Big Bang Theory’s runtime

The Big Bang Theory: Why The 139½ Hours Time Jump Is Deeper Than Fans Think

Up to this point, it appears that only a few dedicated fans of “The Big Bang Theory” have identified the hidden reference to the show’s complete run of 12 seasons in its final episode. Those who did catch it were thrilled by this unexpected Easter egg. On Reddit, u/ThisIsDK commented, “Wow, an Easter egg I wasn’t aware of yet!” The fanbase was generally impressed with this subtle nod. In another thread, u/IncitingAres not only pointed out the reference but also calculated that the cast spent approximately 3 standard work weeks plus a few extra days filming for the entire 12-year production.

In a discussion regarding lengthy commercial interruptions on television, u/GPCAPTregthistleton brought up the topic of “Big Bang Theory’s” 139.5-hour runtime, indicating that this figure includes advertisement time. They further explained that to watch all 279 episodes of the show without any commercials would require a marathon session lasting for approximately three days and twenty-two hours.

Despite the debatable number of commercial breaks during “The Big Bang Theory’s” broadcast on CBS, the viewers collectively enjoyed a total of approximately 139 and a half hours of amusing television, continuing a long-standing trend in the show’s 12-season history.

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2024-07-14 21:00