It's not so bad. 99% of sitcoms are somewhat formulaic and resort to derivative premises and setups now and then, but I wouldn't put Big Bang Theory on the same level as, say, Friends or anything. That being said, it is definitely overrated and nowhere near the level of awesome to be seen on 30 Rock or Always Sunny.

How I Met Your Mother is solid. A couple steps up from Big Bang, but still well short of Always Sunny awesomeness.

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