Simon Helberg

CHICAGO – For nine seasons, Simon Helberg has graced the television screen as Howard, on the number one comedy hit “The Big Bang Theory.” As the show nears the end of its run, Helberg is breaking out a bit, starting with a vital supporting role opposite Meryl Streep in the new film, “Florence Foster Jenkins.”

CHICAGO – I don’t think even the people who made it thought that “The Big Bang Theory,” which recently had its fifth season released on Blu-ray and DVD, would be such a massive success. And it shows no signs of slowing down. Since the comedy debuted in 2007, it has doubled its viewership, averaging almost 16 million viewers a week in its fifth season, making it easily one of the top ten shows of the year. And Jim Parsons is the odds-on favorite to win a third straight Emmy for Best Actor in a Comedy Series next weekend.

CHICAGO – If “The Big Bang Theory” is truly among the better sitcoms in prime-time, that’s saying a great deal about the current state of television comedy. I was genuinely interested in checking out this show after hearing the rapturous response from viewers and critics, and especially after seeing co-star Jim Parsons snag the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series away from Alec Baldwin.

CHICAGO – Now that CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory” has broken through as one of the most popular shows currently on the air and has won its star Jim Parsons an Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series could Warner Brothers begin producing more-enhanced Blu-ray releases for the fans? The third season of this excellent comedy features less than thirty minutes of special features.

CHICAGO – CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory” had a good first season but, like a lot of sitcoms, it became much more confident in season two and really developed a rhythm that I expect will carry it for years to come. Don’t believe me? Check out the nearly-perfect and Emmy-nominated second season of “The Big Bang Theory,” now available on DVD.

CHICAGO – I know I’m the last person with internet access to catch up with “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” but I am now officially one of the converted masses. Joss Whedon’s incredibly clever, award-winning internet phenomenon starring Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”) and Nathan Fillion (“Firefly,” “Castle”) has now been widely released on DVD.