Five Ways to Keep 'The Big Bang Theory' from Jumping the Shark

Few can argue with the success of the "The Big Bang Theory," but after three plus seasons and over 60 episodes, there is always the fear of the show going stale. Though the antics of great characters like Dr. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) may never get old, a sitcom like this can write itself into a corner if it's not careful, and eventually the show can jump the shark. Here then are five potential plot lines that can help keep the show fresh.

New Hang Out -The Movie Theater
Yes, the show already has a variation of sets, but how many laughs can you keep milking from the apartments, comic book store, the Cheese Factory, and other assorted places where most of the interaction takes place? Why not have one of the regulars, like Rajesh (Kunal Nayyar), lose their place in academia as part of budget cuts, only to take a temporary job at the local movie theater? The theater could then become a regular hang out for a season, while the highly educated Rajesh can further show his social deficiencies and/or social growth in the process.

Holowitz in Space
Why contain Dr. Holowitz (Simon Helberg) to earth, the man has been designing things for the NASA International Space Station, so why not let him take a trip to the space station to fix half of the gadgets he has designed? This plotline could be developed over several shows and could include Holowitz training at NASA, his short lived celebrity status, and eventually a trip into outer space where his flawed designs await. Of course through the marvel of modern technology he still communicates with the rest of the gang under the guise of seeking "professional advice" from them.

Penny's Big Break
Let's face it, Penny (Kaley Cuoco) can't work at the Cheese Factory forever. At some point she has to catch a big break, so why not let her star in a TV series of her own? Penny's big break can make her push away from the gang for a while. However, when the series gets canceled after only four episodes, the temporarily disillusioned actress comes crawling back to her friends.

Penny and Leonard - Unrequited Love Re-Mixed
Once upon a time, Leonard (Johnny Galecki) pined away for Penny. Later on they got together but it did not work out. So, how do you go back and fix the chemistry between the two characters while keeping the whole relationship fresh? Easy, have Leonard be the one who moves on, while Penny suddenly realizes Leonard may be the one that "got away." While it may not sound like a traditional "Big Bang Theory" plotline, it may create more complexity in the characters and their ongoing relationship while providing new laughs. For example, can you imagine a show in which Penny bugs Sheldon trying to get him to help her get Leonard back? The laughs could write themselves.

The Coma - AKA Sheldon's Alternate Reality
Ever wonder what planet Sheldon really lives on, then why not explore it? After a tragic lab experiment, you can have Dr. Sheldon Cooper end up in a coma. The coma can then spin off into Sheldon's dream world. It would be a world almost like this one, but with comic superheroes, cosmic worm holes, and logic. This world would clash with the subconscious needs he has for his friends. The gang's visits to this altered reality would reign havoc on Sheldon's perfect world, and the schism in thought eventually propels Sheldon out of his coma. This show arc could run for three or four episode.

Sources:

Official Websitehttp://www.cbs.com/primetime/big_bang_theory/