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In 2014, The Big Bang Theory suddenly got the boot in China. It was huge there, pulling in over 1.3B views, making it one of the most-watched American shows in the country. But out of nowhere, TBBT vanished from streaming platforms like Sohu TV, iQiyi, and Youku. Why? It wasn’t because Sheldon’s sarcasm was too much for them (though, maybe it was), but rather because of a little thing called “nerd culture” that didn’t sit well with the Chinese government.
The official excuse? “Violations of content rules” involving “pornography, violence, and content that violates China’s constitution.” What? But here’s where it gets spicy: According to Collider, some believe the real reason was far more strategic. China didn’t want to see their youth embracing The Big Bang Theory’s nerdy charm, especially the “diaosi” (the “loser” geeks). In 2013, a Sohu survey revealed that 80% of Chinese men aged 24 to 34 identified as diaosi—geeks, misfits, and proud of it. Among college students? That number jumped to 90%. And where did they find their geeky role models? The Big Bang Theory.
It wasn’t just about Sheldon and the crew being awkwardly hilarious; it was about what they represented. They were the outsiders who didn’t quite fit the mold but thrived anyway. And for China, that became a problem. Why? Because many of those self-proclaimed diaosi found validation and pride through TBBT’s portrayal of “losers” who were winning in their own way. It gave them a voice and a sense of identity.
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