‘Big Bang Theory’ Xmas Episode Airs Tonight, But Leonard Nimoy’s Cameo Ranks As Holiday Favorite [Video]

For fans of The Big Bang Theory, solving the traditional puzzle of what to do on Christmas night just got easier. CBS has chosen to repeat the Big Bang Theory holiday show on Dec. 25. Using the beloved holiday classic It’s A Wonderful Life as a take-off point, the episode entitled “The Cooper Extraction” envisions what life would be like without Sheldon Cooper, reported the AV Club.

Played by Jim Parsons, Sheldon has flown to Texas to help his sister. With Dr. Cooper famed for his strict rules about every aspect of life, the gang decides to toss out all his rules. And that leads to imagining life without their brilliant pal.

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As the Inquisitr reported, Sheldon Cooper hates change. His Big Bang Theory buddies, although sometimes reluctant, obediently follow his rules, from what to eat on certain nights to where to sit. That’s how the producers came up with the idea of showing what life would be like without the fictional famous theoretical physicist at Caltech.

But when it comes to memorable Christmas episodes of The Big Bang Theory, the show’s first Christmas episode ranks as one of its most highly regarded, reported the Hollywood Reporter.

“The [Leonard Nimoy] DNA napkin is such a hugely iconic moment in the show,” admitted executive producer Steve Molaro. “It’s hard to think about topping it.”

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One challenge for producers of Christmas shows watched by the family is dealing with the Santa Claus issue. Even when interviewed, they don’t want to even hint at the possibility that the jolly dude in the red suit might be (shhhhh!) a myth.

“I’m always mindful about moments relating to the existence of Santa because my kids watch the show,” explained The Big Bang Theory producer Molaro, with a prompt clarification. “We all know he exists.”

Relationships on The Big Bang Theory also can pose interesting dilemmas for the holidays. Because Penny, played by Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, and Sheldon alternate between bickering and bonding, the issue of Christmas gifts can present a quandary. Watch one solution below.

But the producers admit that Christmas shows also can be fun for the writers as well as the viewers.

Dan Goor, executive producer of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, says all he wants for Christmas are more holiday shows.

“In the writer’s room, there’s a bunch of cards that say [episode] 201, 202, 203, 204, all the way out to 223, so anytime you can put a card above one of those numbers that says something like Christmas or Thanksgiving, even though that’s not actually a story, you feel like ‘Ah, well, we got those.’ I wish there were holidays every week of the year.”

As for how Leonard Nimoy felt about his famous Big Bang Theory episode? He answers that question below.

[Photo By Frazer Harrison/Getty Images]