The opening seconds of “The Big Bang Theory” are instantly recognizable. As soon as you hear the lyric, “Our whole universe was in a hot dense state,” you know you’re about to watch an episode of the beloved CBS sitcom. This iconic intro music is none other than “The Big Bang Theory” theme song, performed and co-written by the Canadian rock band, Barenaked Ladies (BNL).
Since the show’s premiere in 2007, BNL’s catchy and informative tune has been a staple of the opening credits. The song was specifically commissioned and created by Barenaked Ladies for “The Big Bang Theory,” and it has remained unchanged throughout all twelve seasons of the Emmy Award-winning series.
Ed Robertson and Tyler Stewart of Barenaked Ladies have expressed feeling deeply connected to the show, especially to its creators, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady. In an interview with CBSNews.com, Robertson noted, “They’ve been so great with us, too — Chuck and Bill. First of all, Chuck Lorre is a great musician, too, and Bill Prady has been probably involved in all the sitcoms I ever liked.” This mutual respect and creative connection contributed to the theme song’s perfect fit for the show’s quirky and intelligent humor.
Stewart echoed this sentiment, highlighting the positive atmosphere surrounding the production. “Everybody on the show — all the actors and the crew, the writers and stuff — they’ve been really kind to us,” he said. “We visited the set a few times. We’ve played a couple of their parties, but they’re having such a great time. I guess a massive mega-hit TV show will have everyone having a great time. It’s just great energy to be around and super to be involved.” This collaborative and appreciative environment likely played a role in the enduring success of both the show and its theme song.
The “Big Bang Theory” theme song isn’t just a short television intro; it’s a full song. A complete version of the track was released in 2007 and later included on Barenaked Ladies’ 2011 compilation album, “Hits from Yesterday & the Day Before.” This longer version allows fans to appreciate the full scope of the song’s clever lyrics and upbeat melody, further solidifying its place in pop culture.
To discover more about the almost-didn’t-happen story behind the song’s creation, you can watch the original video interview. The “Big Bang Theory” theme song has become more than just an intro; it’s an integral part of the show’s identity and a beloved tune for millions of viewers worldwide.
