The Big Bang Theory: Why Penny Is Actually The Show’s Main Character

Although many fans would say that Sheldon is the main star of The Big Bang Theory, could it be argued that Penny could be too?

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The 12-season CBS hit, The Big Bang Theory is one of TV’s most timeless shows that die-hard fans and new viewers laugh at. Watching each character grow and develop different relationships with each other is the quintessential, classic story arc that is easy to follow and difficult to look away from.

Penny, played by Kaley Cuoco, is an all-time favorite for audiences and serves as the female comic relief among the initial all-male cast. She pushes boundaries that past female characters wouldn’t have, and all in all, entertained audiences that either love or hate her. Despite it being argued that Sheldon and Leonard are the show’s protagonists, many fans have debated whether she could be seen as the main star. After all, her presence among the other characters does have an impact.

10 Her Relationship With Leonard Is A Huge Focus

Leonard and Penny’s relationship not only develops into its own huge story, it really starts at the show’s beginning. Right from the start, Leonard is smitten and experiences love at first sight when he meets Penny. Over 12 years, their relationship is the one that seems like it has the most screen time.

The fans witnessed their break up, their proposal, their weddings, and their pregnancy reveal. Most fans will agree that Penny and Leonard’s on-off romance was one of the reasons why their interest in the show maintained.

9 Her Ex-Boyfriends (Primarily Zack) Are Always There

The comedy showcases multiple ex-partners of Penny, which is just more proof that she is the main character of the show. In revealing more aspects of Penny’s entire life, there is then more of a focus on who she was in the past and how that led to who she is now.

Zack’s recurring presence on the show emphasizes how far Penny’s influence reaches the whole group. The episodes with him, either when he’s with Penny or just haunting her about what they used to have (like when she found out they actually got married in Vegas), serve as a focus on Penny’s personal life over the others’ lives.

8 She Is Identified As One Of Sheldon’s “Dearest Friends”

In the finale episode of the show, during Sheldon’s big Noble Prize Acceptance speech, he refers to Penny as one of his “dearest friends” along with Leonard. This motion here is another moment that furthers the point that she is the main character of the show because it’s a moment that acknowledges all the previous times where fans see Penny taking care of Sheldon and the group. Since she mainly takes care of Sheldon, even jokingly appearing as a parental figure, Sheldon’s label of her solidifies Penny’s importance.

Singling her out of the other female characters, and the other males too aside from Leonard, Penny is deemed a vital person on the show through Sheldon’s label.

7 Amy Starts Out Obsessed With Her

Amy and Penny’s friendship begins in a strange manner because Amy idolizes Penny and appears desperate to win her friendship. Amy orders the huge painting of them both smiling and seems to cross personal boundaries in order to get close to her.

Until Amy became a main character, most of her storylines revolved around the former cheesecake waitress, which shined a massive spotlight on Penny’s character.

6 She Is Favored By The Live Audience

Some viewers will notice the slight favoritism that exists between Penny and the live audience. Whenever Penny cracks a joke or makes an entrance, the audience comes alive.

Penny and Leonard’s (official) proposal is met with surprised gasps and cheers, and her little black dress in the girls’ night scene is received with loud hollers. This scene actually has been criticized by some viewers because of how Bernadette and Amy aren’t applauded as much as Penny is for her outfit. There is no question that the audience loves Penny a little more than the other characters.

5 She Is The Original Female Lead

This point is a fact since Penny is the first main woman to appear on the show amongst its original male-based cast. Leslie and Priya make appearances every now and then, including at the beginning of the whole show, but Penny is the star female, and also holds the spotlight even in the presence of the guys.

Amy and Bernadette later become part of the main cast as their characters date (and then marry), Sheldon and Howard. It’s Penny though that typically appears to lead the girl group, such as when their friendship started to grow, she’d have them over her apartment.

4 She Was A Good Influence On Other Characters

Although Penny can be a little harsh and mean towards the other members of gang, she has had a positive influence on them overall. She helped Leonard become more confident and assertive, made Sheldon more considerate and understanding, and made Howard less of a jerk.

She also provided Raj with an endless amount of support (which the gang never did) and made Amy feel more confident in herself too. Not to forget how she always supported Bernadette’s decisions. Without Penny, the other characters wouldn’t have developed as well.

3 Her Career Is A Big Plot Point In The Show

Penny’s first career as an actress is strung through most of the show’s seasons as she navigates her way through Hollywood. She brings Leonard to meet with her agent, she talks about her auditions with the group and complains about the failures she goes through.

She invites the gang (or at least most of them) to one of her stage performances, as Amy whispers to Leonard that she is “a star.” Leonard even buys her a car to drive to auditions (what a guy, honestly). The friend group is definitely affected by Penny’s work as an actress, especially when it falls through the cracks later in the show when she realizes that marrying Leonard is a happier and smarter choice for her.

2 She Works At The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory, like it or not, is one of the gang’s outing places in the earlier seasons of the show. It’s super convenient that Penny works as a waitress and bartender there, allowing her to serve the guys and entertain viewers with her witty and rough comments, especially toward Sheldon.

This is also an essential point in how she’s the show’s main star because Penny is basically responsible for bringing Bernadette and Howard together. Back in the heydays when Bernadette works at the famous chain, she has the pleasure to work with Penny, and history is made when she introduces the lovely and brilliant aspiring microbiologist, Bernadette, to Howard. Penny’s significance in bringing a major couple together is undeniable.

1 Her Entire Marriage Story Is Important To The Group

Penny’s whole marriage story (not just her love story) is a big entertainment focus for the friend group. Her decision to elope with Leonard, for example, does affect the whole group and especially the families since later on, Penny and Leonard feel the need to hold a formal wedding for the sake of their families.

Penny’s announcement that they are now engaged draws the whole group’s attention to them for a moment, with it clearly being the big news the group wants for them. Later on, eloping with Leonard in Vegas is brought to the group through a nice live stream to see their vows. It’s without a doubt that Penny’s whole marriage process furthers her stardom in the show.

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/the-big-bang-theory-penny-hofstadter-main-character/