The Big Bang Theory has a spinoff in the works — but has Mayim Bialik been offered a chance to reprise the role of Amy?
“I haven’t been contacted,” Bialik, 49, exclusively revealed to Us Weekly while promoting her guest spot on former costar Melissa Rauch‘s NBC show Night Court. “I’ve seen what’s been announced and I think that’s where a lot of people’s knowledge of it is right [now] — me being one of them.”
Bialik is excited to find out more, adding, “These characters were so iconic and so significant to people. [Creators] Chuck [Lorre] and Bill [Prady] really created a world of characters that people want to know about and follow up on. So, I’m very flattered and I would be very flattered if I am contacted.”
Despite not getting an offer yet, Bialik would jump at the chance to play Amy again.
What to Know About ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Spinoff — Including Who’s Returning
“I love being known as that character and I love what it means to people. So for me, it would be a thrill to be part of it in any way,” she noted. “It was a really, really fun experience to be part of that [during my guest appearance with Jim Parsons] on Young Sheldon. I also get to interact with [creators] Steven [Molaro] and Steve [Holland] and a lot of our writers and producers, so it’s a whole world that I still feel very connected to.”
The Big Bang Theory aired from 2007 to 2019 and starred Parsons, 51, Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Bialik and Rauch, 44, as a group of friends made up of scientists and their significant others. During its run, the CBS comedy won 10 Emmy Awards and spawned prequel shows Young Sheldon and Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage.
Warner Bros. Television currently has a spinoff in development that would air on their streaming service Max if picked up to series. Brian Posehn, Lauren Lapkus and Kevin Sussman have been tapped to headline the show, which would have them reprising their roles from the original series.
While fans wait for more news, they can see some Big Bang Theory reunions between the cast members on shows such as Night Court. During the Tuesday, January 14, episode of the NBC series, Bialik played an exaggerated version of herself.
Which ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Stars Have — and Haven’t — Made Spinoff Cameos?
“I left the creative [details] up to Melissa when she asked if I would be interested in coming on. I literally said to her, ‘Whatever you want, I’m happy to do it.’ That’s just out of a sense of comradery and support for her and our friendship,” Bialik told Us. “I am also just really proud of everything that she’s created. I just was happy to support — and I’m also a fan of Night Court. When I was little, I wasn’t allowed to watch it because it was naughty and had some racy language.”
Bialik got to have a lot of fun while sharing the screen with Rauch.
“Melissa asked how I feel about this notion of playing a twisted version of myself. I said I’ll be as silly as you want and as kooky as you want. Melissa was also drawing on some of our actual story where she was a Blossom fan, and when we started working together on The Big Bang Theory, she revealed it,” she recalled. “I liked the idea of toying with this and art imitating life.”
While discussing the opportunity, Bialik explained the benefits — and challenges — of playing herself.
‘The Big Bang Theory’ Cast: Where Are They Now?
“The advantage is there’s a certain amount of ease that comes with getting to play yourself. You’re not creating a character. I know the backstory because it’s mine,” she shared. “But in terms of the disadvantages, it’s hard — especially if you’re playing an exaggerated version. The producers have to wonder like, ‘Oh, is she afraid that people will think this is what she’s really like?’ Or like, ‘What’s that exaggerated version gonna be like?’”
She concluded: “But I don’t see it as a huge impediment. It’s definitely a challenge to try and stretch outside of playing yourself but also playing an exaggerated version of yourself.”
New episodes of Night Court air on NBC Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET and are available to stream on Peacock the next day.
