After 12 years of success, CBS’s high-rated sitcom ended in 2019. While the show could produce an emotionally satisfying finale, some aspects were divisive. Such as the revelation that the Hofstadters were expecting their first child. The biggest storyline issue between Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) would have been resolved.

The Big Bang Theory had ended on season 13.

The original romantic pairing on The Big Bang Theory had a rocky dating history. Leonard and Penny dated, broke up, saw each other, and eventually reconciled. Their collective arc became stagnant after tying the knot twice as the show focused on different characters, particularly Sheldon (Jim Parson) and his relationship with Amy (Mayim Bialik). The sitcom addressed this issue with a meta-episode in which the pair realized that while their friends’ lives were progressing, nothing was happening to them.

Season 12 of The Big Bang Theory unexpectedly introduced a problem to resolve this issue: apparently, Leonard and Penny had conflicting feelings about having children. He desired children, but she has opposed, especially since she started in the pharmaceutical industry. It became their entire story in the sitcom’s final season until it was shockingly revealed in the two-part series finale that Penny was pregnant, and for some reason, she’s okay with it. Fans had mixed feelings about this, as she was adamant about not having children. However, the main issue was not that she allegedly changed her mind. But that the series rushed this revelation to the point where it felt unearned and forced.

If The Big Bang Theory season 13 had occurred, CBS could have adequately addressed the plotline and gradually demonstrated that Penny was beginning to be open to the idea of having children.

The only other significant narrative that year was Leonard and Penny’s. While the plotline was important, especially since it was about Sheldon’s lifelong dream. The sitcom’s final episode was so focused on it that the rest of the characters were relegated to supporting roles. This would have been ideal because Sheldon and Amy would have already received the Nobel Prize in Physics, that The Big Bang Theory season 12 spent far too much time studying. The show spent far too much time focusing on the pair’s differences rather. Then showing them actively attempting to reconcile their differences. There was no indication that Penny was willing to change her mind. Which makes their seemingly happy ending quite unappealing to some. Raj (Kunal Nayyar) did begin dating Anu (Rati Gupta).

Who would have been his wife through an arranged marriage, but even that arc ended abruptly.

Although The Big Bang Theory ended on a happy note for Penny or Leonard. Their pregnancy was unintentional may portend an unhappy marriage in the future. As previously stated, there was no indication that she was warming to the idea of having children. There’s a chance she’ll eventually realize she doesn’t want to have children, which will make Penny and Leonard’s lives miserable.