Scientific Debate Extends to TV Show

"The Big Bang Theory," a CBS comedy about two nerdy physicists, has annoyed some scientists who are bothered by the stereotype of the scientist-as-geeky-loser, according to the New York Times' Dennis Overbye. Though the series is "funny and scientifically accurate" scientists are "put off" by it, he says. But other researchers are lining up to be guests on the show, including Nobel laureate George Smoot, NPR Science Friday host Ira Flatow, and Harvard particle theorist Lisa Randall. Other scientists have changed their opinions of the show because although the characters aren't exactly cool, they're funny and "lovable," says Overbye. And the show does employ David Saltzberg, a particle physicist from UCLA, as a scientific consultant to keep the science accurate. Chuck Lorre, one of the show's producers, told Overbye he hopes that, beyond the laughs the show provides, "Maybe at the end of the day this will inspire some kids to go into physics."