The Real Locations of The Big Bang Theory: Fact or Fiction?
The Big Bang Theory, a popular American sitcom, has captured the hearts of many science enthusiasts and fans of comedy alike. Many of the show's fans are curious about whether the episodes of The Big Bang Theory are shot in the actual places made famous by the show. Particularly, many wonder if the authenticity of the Pasadena, California setting is upheld in the production.
My goal is to clarify the actual shooting locations of The Big Bang Theory, debunk some common misconceptions, and provide a detailed look at where and how the show is filmed. Let's explore the truth behind the show's setting and the accuracy of its scenes.
Is the Show Filmed in Pasadena, CA?
The short answer is yes, The Big Bang Theory is primarily filmed in Pasadena, CA, even though the widely shown exteriors are replacements. However, there is a significant amount of shooting that takes place on sound stages at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank. The deal to shoot in Pasadena, a suburb of Los Angeles, was made to capture the essence of a closer research environment to the real Caltech.
Key Shooting Locations in Pasadena
Despite its reliance on Burbank for most of the indoor scenes, The Big Bang Theory manages to showcase several authentic locations in Pasadena on the exterior. Pasadena City Hall, which houses the domed structure seen in the show, is indeed in Pasadena. This structure, visible through Sheldon and Leonard's apartment windows in the series, is a telltale sign of the location strategy. Another notable exterior shot is Lake Avenue, often captured as the car's exterior view, indicating the vehicular scenes are partially filmed using real Pasadena streets.
Inside the Show's Interior Locations
For the interior scenes, The Big Bang Theory uses various sound stages within Warner Bros. Studios. Navigating through the food and beverage establishment that looks eerily like the Cheesecake Factory, one finds the actual sets differ significantly from the real locations, which is more esoteric and less glamorous. Similarly, the comic book store resembles the aesthetic and characterized by these sets rather than the original location. The campus of California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is seen prominently in several scenes, particularly in early episodes where it appears more for reference shots and some interior shots of the library, notably of the Stephen Hawking scenes.
Caltech Presence in The Big Bang Theory
The Caltech campus is highlighted more for its cultural significance and less for architectural precision. For instance, the library that features in the early episodes of the show is the Atheneum dining club on campus. The university's vast and modern research facilities are not replicated for the show, as editorial and aesthetic choices take precedence. The set design for the apartment building where Sheldon and Leonard live mimics the real setting only in terms of the street location, Colorado and Los Robles, though not a direct replication of the building itself. The final scene of Leonard and Penny's wedding is a surreal blend of Lake Avenue and a CGI composite, showing the degree of artistic license in filming.
Other Neighboring Locations and Shows
While The Big Bang Theory is primarily filmed in Burbank, it does draw upon the local allure of Pasadena through exterior filming. Other TV shows like NUMB3RS, which aired from 2005 to 2010, have used the Caltech campus for its educational and scientific significance. The campus was perceived as a fictional California Institute of Science. Thus, the Caltech campus, though used extensively, is more of a backdrop rather than an accurate representation of the university environment.
It's important to acknowledge that The Big Bang Theory often sacrifices accuracy for the sake of entertainment and visual appeal. This blend of realism and fantasy is central to the success of the show, allowing it to captivate an audience while maintaining a consistent and engaging story.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Big Bang Theory is indeed shot in and around Pasadena, though much of the show's exterior scenes are filmed elsewhere. Through a careful combination of actual Pasadena locations and studios in Burbank, the show captures a mix of authentic and artistic elements, creating an engaging and believable version of the Pasadena setting for viewers. While some details may differ significantly from the real locations, the show remains faithful to the spirit and energy of Pasadena, making it a beloved setting in its own right.