William Shatner Finally Agrees to Appear on ‘The Big Bang Theory’

LOS ANGELES, CA — William Shatner, famed for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in “Star Trek,” made a memorable guest appearance on CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory” during its final season. His appearance was a culmination of years of discussions with the show’s creators, who had previously pitched several ideas to him.

The road to Shatner’s cameo was not straightforward. He initially turned down opportunities to appear on the sitcom due to creative concerns. Shatner wanted to ensure that any portrayal of himself would not be an exaggerated caricature, requiring reassurance from co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady.

Steve Holland, one of the series co-creators, revealed that Shatner’s connections with co-star Kaley Cuoco played a significant role in his decision. Holland recalled a conversation where Shatner asked, “Will I get to play a scene with Kaley?” This friendly rapport, developed from their work on Priceline commercials, helped sway Shatner to eventually join the cast.

Ultimately, Shatner appeared in the episode titled “The D&D Vortex” in season 12. His role featured an over-the-top version of himself, a stark contrast from his initial reservations. The collaboration brought laughter and nostalgia to fans of both franchises, highlighting the show’s love for science fiction.

In reflecting on his experience, Shatner noted that he felt comfortable and respected working with the talented team behind “The Big Bang Theory.” His participation not only provided a comedic twist but also celebrated the enduring legacy of both the sitcom and “Star Trek.”