A returning murder mystery show seems to have the potential to become the perfect Big Bang Theory replacement for Kaley Cuoco. In a career spanning over 30 years, Kaley Cuoco has starred in a diverse set of movies and TV shows. From portraying Harley Quinn in the DC TV show to portraying the relatively smaller role of Sasha in Prison Break, the actress has displayed remarkable versatility throughout her career. However, despite having so many roles in her acting portfolio, she is best known for playing Penny in The Big Bang Theory.
The Big Bang Theory ended its long run in 2019 after 12 seasons. Since then, Kaley Cuoco has stayed fairly active as an actor and has starred in several movies and shows, like Curd Your Enthusiasm, The Man From Toronto, and Role Play. However, none of these have given her the long-running highs of success that she achieved with The Big Bang Theory. Fortunately, it looks like this is about to change with her returning murder mystery show.
Based On A True Story Can Become Kaley Cuoco's Big Bang Theory Replacement Show
The Show Has Already Been Renewed For Another Season
Created by Craig Rosenberg, Based on a True Story features Kaley Cuoco as its leading character, who is a pregnant real estate agent named Ava. The show's entire first season unfolds as a compelling comedy thriller that walks through how Ava puts her obsession with true crime to good use to find the truth about a mysterious murderer. When it comes to story developments and themes, Based on a True Story is almost nothing like The Big Bang Theory.
However, the show's comical aspects and Cuoco's ability to balance humor with intensity in both shows make it hard not to see Based on a True Story as her potential Big Bang Theory replacement. Following its first season, Based on a True Story also received favorable reviews from most viewers and critics. The show has also been renewed for another season, which paves the way for it to have as epic of a long-term run as The Big Bang Theory. Although it may be too soon to compare the Based on a True Story with The Big Bang Theory, it could eventually become equally successful.
The Flight Attendant Was Supposed To Be Kaley Cuoco's Big Bang Theory Replacement – Why It Ended After 2 Seasons
The Flight Attendant Was Canceled By HBO Max
|
Kaley Cuoco Shows |
Avg. Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score Across All Seasons |
|
Based On A True Story |
76% |
|
The Big Bang Theory |
81% |
|
The Flight Attendant |
91% |
Before Kaley Cuoco took on the role of the true-crime enthusiast in Based on a True Story, she portrayed the titular character in the dark comedy series The Flight Attendant. Following its release in November 2020, The Flight Attendant was received incredibly well by critics and its first season still boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%. Its success encouraged HBO Max to renew it for another season a month after season 1's release.
Although The Flight Attendant's season 2 was considered a relatively inferior installment compared to season 2 by many, the show still earned an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Unfortunately, despite the positive critical reception, The Flight Attendant was canceled after season 2. What made its cancelation even more disappointing is that it allowed Kaley Cuoco to leverage her strengths with her comic timing and dramatic depth. However, the actress had already predicted the show's end, saying (via TV Line) that season 3 should only happen if it promises to be better than the first two.
How Based On A True Story Can Continue For A Bigger Future Beyond Season 2
The Show Has Immense Scope For Growth
Although Based on a True Story's season 1 final arc provides some concrete answers surrounding its overarching mysteries, many of its story developments remain unresolved. With so many loose threads after its first season, Based on a True Story has the potential to scale its storyline to new heights in subsequent seasons. By expanding on its established plotlines, the series can maintain viewer engagement and even have a long, solid run. Based on a True Story may be able to last as long as The Big Bang Theory, but it certainly can etch its own identity in the thriller comedy genre and give Kaley Cuoco another memorable signature role.
