Mayim Bialik on Her and Melissa Rauch’s ‘Big Bang Theory’ Reunion and Status of ‘Blossom’ Reboot

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Mayim Bialik is on Night Court this week as Mayim Bialik.

In the third season’s episode airing on Jan 14, titled “Mayim Worst Enemy,” actress Mayim Bialik meets her former co-star Melissa Rauch in a courtroom scenario. This encounter arises when Bialik is accused of physical assault and appears before Judge Abby Stone, who is played by Rauch. Interestingly, Bialik’s lawyer in this situation is Dan Fielding, a character portrayed by John Larroquette, who was her TV father on his sitcom “The John Larroquette Show” from 1993 to 1996.

Bialik mentions to The Hollywood Reporter that there are many reunions taking place simultaneously,” (or)

“According to Bialik, multiple reunions are happening all at once as discussed with The Hollywood Reporter.

As a devoted fan, I found myself eagerly anticipating Mayim Bialik’s latest attempt to join the inner circle of her former Big Bang Theory co-star, reminiscent of the complex dynamics between Amy and Bernadette on the show. This episode also paid homage to Bialik’s iconic ’90s sitcom Blossom, a series that holds a special place in the hearts of Judge Stone (and Rauch in real life) as avid fans. The storyline resulted in a humorous twist at the end and left me yearning for the upcoming reboot of my beloved Blossom TV show.

Below, Bialik discusses with The Hollywood Reporter about meeting up again with her previous cast members, updates on the potential revival of ‘Blossom’, and ongoing hurdles faced by women in the showbiz world.

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Initially, I’d like to inquire about your well-being, as well as that of your friends, family, and loved ones. I am aware of your deep connections with Los Angeles, which date back to your high school and college years.

Absolutely, I reside here currently. Things are going alright for us. I’m focusing on my work for Night Court right now, just taking it one hour at a time. This has been quite a challenging week, but I really appreciate your understanding.

How did reuniting with Melissa Rauch and John Larroquette on Night Court came about?

Melissa asked if I’d be interested in joining her for some fun, and I was more than ready as I had been eagerly anticipating her call since learning that Kunal Nayyar from The Big Bang Theory had previously appeared on the show. I couldn’t hide my enthusiasm and responded, “I’ll do whatever you ask.” She then proposed the idea of me portraying a slightly distorted version of myself, to which I agreed without hesitation. I was thrilled because I’m a big fan of Night Court, and I had previously worked with John Larroquette on The John Larroquette Show during the Blossom era. Not only that, but Nyambi Nyambi and I also shared a work history at Warner Brothers, making it a delightful reunion of sorts.

When was the last time you had seen any of them in person?

During the years 2021 to 2023 on “Call Me Kat”, I used to spot Nyambi Nyambi. As for Melissa and me, we’ve been social acquaintances, but it had been quite some time since we worked together in a professional setting.

Did you prefer the notion of playing a version of yourself over acting as a fictional character when Melissa suggested it to you?

Absolutely, I appreciate it when celebrities make light of themselves. There’s such an emphasis on their perceived perfection in our society, so it’s refreshing to see that facade removed. It’s enjoyable to witness this kind of honesty, almost as if saying, “Who cares what others think? Let’s just enjoy ourselves!” That moment was quite entertaining indeed.

As soon as you make your appearance on the show, Abby becomes noticeably excited. How frequently does this sort of reaction occur in real-life situations nowadays?

Quite frequently, incidents occur. One such incident took place yesterday at a coffee shop. The nature of interest can vary greatly depending on their age; some may prefer ‘Blossom’, while others might lean towards ‘Big Bang Theory’. Frequently, individuals approach me regarding my podcast as it deals with mental health, and many express gratitude for its impact, so I encounter people for various reasons. Yesterday’s awkwardness stemmed from falling asleep at a coffee shop. It was simply quite warm and comfortable, and I was dozing off, leaving me wondering if that woman had been observing me sleeping on the table. It was an odd sensation. To clarify, I wasn’t inebriated or suffering from a hangover; it was just a cozy atmosphere.

When was the last time you did the Blossom opening credits dance like you do in this episode?

It’s been a while since I’ve danced the hip-hop routine, which was skillfully put together by Chris, our terrific choreographer. Our aim was to bring back some classic elements of ’90s hip-hop for the audience. However, this type of dance is typically something I save for my personal space, like my living room (laughs).

Previously, we learned that the Blossom reboot had been delayed due to the strike. What’s the current situation regarding its progress?

Appreciate your inquiry! You’re referring to a Disney-owned production that acquired 20th Century Fox back in 2019, and now we’re discussing legalities regarding ownership and distribution of these properties. However, our cast is eager to revisit these characters. Our original production company, Witt/Thomas, is on board, and the script has been written by Don Reo, the show’s creator. This revival project brings a sense of nostalgia, which was also part of the appeal when we worked on the Night Court remake. Melissa, who was a big Blossom fan, has been very supportive of this reboot and my other projects, making it enjoyable to collaborate with her.

Are you considering making the reboot into a drama, rather than a sitcom, like the Bel-Air approach?

Initially, our concept preceded “Bel Air”. You’re correct in recognizing that we aimed to shatter the typical sitcom format. Our inspiration stemmed from the fact that Blossom, as a character, and the show itself, deviated significantly from the norms of a girl-centric sitcom at that time. Consequently, we yearn to push those boundaries a little further now as well.

And I believe all of the original characters are on board?

Yeah, everybody. We’re all on a big text thread and we just did a Zoom the other day.

Have you managed to achieve the balance between acting and academia that you envisioned for yourself at this stage of your life?

Reflecting on my journey, it feels like living in a dream or a Matrix-like reality. As a granddaughter of Eastern European immigrants who worked in sweatshops and barely spoke English, and as a child of civil rights activists, I have an extraordinary American tale to tell. The events unfolding before me seem too incredible to fully grasp. While it might sound cliché, I am profoundly grateful for the chances that have come my way. Yet, there are numerous hurdles to overcome, particularly as a non-traditional woman and in this industry. I recall the beginning of the #MeToo movement during my time on Big Bang Theory, and we were all discussing it. The industry has evolved significantly since then, but I appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given to dress up for a living. My podcast, which is an expression of my passion and compassion stemming from my neuroscience background, is another aspect of my life that I am deeply grateful for, as it allows me to help others.

Last year, during your Quiet on the Set podcast episode, you pointed out the challenges faced by women in writers’ rooms. What are your thoughts on the current situation?

Recently, Drake Bell appeared on our show and shared some incredibly candid insights, going beyond what was discussed in his book “Quiet on the Set.” I believe it’s essential to shed light on such topics. I feel this is important not only in politics but also in matters concerning the climate and other areas. With the advent of social media platforms, we now have a means of communication that can be both beneficial and detrimental. Therefore, I’m grateful for any platform that allows us to discuss these crucial issues openly.

In the heat of the #MeToo movement, it was widely anticipated that the music industry might face similar allegations. However, little action followed. With Diddy’s upcoming trial, do you believe the consequences observed in the film industry could extend to the music world as well?

Change may seem impossibly difficult and slow, requiring tireless effort. There are numerous areas where our energy is needed. I’m hopeful that these efforts will spark positive developments towards change. The fact that victims now feel empowered to speak up when they never could before, we must view this as a step forward, albeit one of many still to come.

Are there any other projects you’re working on at the moment?

In our podcast, “Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown,” we’ve amassed a staggering 60 million downloads over four years. When we initially began, discussions about mental illness were often met with hesitation, as if to say, “Perhaps this isn’t suitable conversation.” However, times have changed, and the topic is now widely discussed. We continue to delve deeper into these issues, expanding our audience while also exploring how media events and environmental factors influence both our mental and physical well-being.

Would you consider hosting a game show again?

The time spent on Jeopardy! was incredibly sacred and unique for me, and I hold our writers in the highest regard, as demonstrated by my participation in the writers’ strike. Being part of such a legendary show and contributing to its rich game show history was an extraordinary opportunity that I am deeply grateful for. I feel content with my time there and genuinely miss it. I cherished every moment spent there.

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2025-01-16 19:55