"The Big Bang Theory" Chinese Version
We all know the Chinese have a reputation for copying. From knockoff electronics, social networks, or even entire cities (!), the Chinese don't hesitate to draw inspiration
We all know the Chinese have a reputation for copying. From knockoff electronics, social networks, or even entire cities (!), the Chinese don't hesitate to draw inspiration across all domains, often at the expense of quality. The entertainment industry is no exception, as we now find a pale imitation of the famous American TV series The Big Bang Theory !
For those who may have never heard of it, know only that the series has been broadcast since 2007 in the United States and is already in its 6th season.
It features two scientists in their thirties: Leonard, an experimental physicist whose shyness prevents him from finding true love, and Sheldon, a theoretical physicist who embodies social awkwardness and selfishness to their extreme. Their lives change the day Penny, a stunning young woman who dreams of becoming an actress, moves into the apartment across from theirs.
The episodes will serve as pretexts for outlandish, sometimes caricatured, scenes between the geeky and brilliant nature of the two men and Penny's sociable and party-loving temperament.
The series quickly became a real success worldwide, I think thanks to Sheldon's nerdy character, caricatured to extremes and failing to grasp the appeal of social relationships. The numerous references to Star Trek and comics also delight geeks, who sometimes see themselves in the dialogues and situations of the various protagonists.
Such enthusiasm around a TV series soon sparked desire and gave ideas to Chinese screenwriters...
Here's the result, judge for yourselves :
This remake is simply titled 生活大爆炸 (in other words... The Big Bang Theory !) or Come from Area 9.
It takes only a few seconds to spot the plagiarism. Fans will undoubtedly have found (very) striking similarities with the American series' opening theme, whether in terms of music or images (see earlier in the article). Except that photos of history's great builders are replaced here exclusively by those of pivotal periods in Chinese civilization.
As for the episode itself, it will be difficult for us to detail its content given our level of Chinese, but it appears this version revolves around two bespectacled characters (with empty frames, naturally...) and a sexy girl who comes to interview them and eventually move in with them. As is typical with Chinese sitcoms, the acting is painful to watch and seems exaggerated to the extreme. In short, nothing comparable to the original series... Bazinga!
Frequently asked questions
The Chinese remake of The Big Bang Theory is titled 生活大爆炸, which literally translates to 'The Big Bang Theory' in Chinese. It is also known by the alternative name 'Come from Area 9'.
The Chinese remake follows the basic premise of the American series: two bespectacled characters (similar to Leonard and Sheldon) and an attractive young woman who comes to live with them. The opening theme is also very similar in its music and imagery, except that photos of Western civilization are replaced by those of Chinese civilization.
The Chinese audiovisual market does indeed feature several adaptations of foreign formats, sometimes official and licensed, sometimes very close to the originals without formal agreement. The Big Bang Theory remake featured in this article, dating from 2012, is one example among others in the Chinese entertainment industry.
The availability of the Chinese remake 生活大爆炸 outside of China is limited. It is possible to find certain episodes on Asian streaming platforms or on YouTube, but access remains restricted and content is generally not subtitled in English.
