The Big Bang Theory ended on May 16, 2019, after 12 seasons and 279 episodes. The show concluded because Jim Parsons, who played Sheldon Cooper, decided not to renew his contract. The series finale wrapped up the stories of the main characters with a heartfelt sendoff, including Sheldon and Amy winning the Nobel Prize in Physics. The final season aired from September 24, 2018, to May 16, 2019, and the last taping took place on April 30, 2019.