4:24 PM PDT 10/19/2014 by Ryan Gajewski
Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Jim Parsons & Kunal Nayyar from The Big Bang Theory Photo: cbs.com
There’s no denying that Chuck Lorre is one extremely successful guy.
The man behind a number of popular sitcoms, including Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, Mike and Molly and Mom, clearly knows what he’s doing when it comes to pinning down the building blocks for a hit series.
But does he have the formula down too well? Here are five surefire signs that you’re watching one of his many, many shows.
1. Cramped living situations
Sure, a sitcom needs to have a reason for its characters to come together. But Lorre certainly likes forcing his characters to share a roof, whether it’s Alan and Jake crashing at Charlie’s beachside pad, or Leonard and Sheldon living across the hall from Penny, or Mike and Molly’s humble abode.
2. Family members brought together beyond their control
Lorre’s take on family members: Can’t live without them — but one can dream. Alan wants to be rid of Charlie, but can’t, which is how they both feel about their mother. Mom and Mike & Molly feature similar familial bonds.
3. Everyone has a drinking problem
Charlie drinks too much, Penny drinks too much, Molly’s mom drinks too much, Bonnie and Christy used to drink too much. Lorre’s shows are like one long ad for O’Doul’s.