Ending The Big Bang Theory after 12 seasons was not easy for the cast to deal with, while it was a completely different beast to deal with for the writers. Given the way final episodes have gone in the past, there was a lot of pressure among those behind the scenes.

The final episode did not disappoint, and it turned out to be the highest rated of the entire series. We'll take a look back at the strong viewership numbers and critical scores. In addition, we'll take a look back at the emotional table read that went with it, featuring the like of Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco completely breaking down.

Both the table read and shooting the finale were tough moments for the cast but ultimately, they got through it while leaving their fanbase completely satisfied.

The Final Big Bang Theory Table Read Was An Emotional Day For The Cast

As expected, shooting the finale of The Big Bang Theory was no easy task for the cast. In some ways, the table read was more difficult than the actual shoot, given that during the filming, a lot of the cast was still able to delve into character.

However, during the final table read, a lot of the cast completely broke down during the show's closing moments.

Johnny Galecki wept, while the same held true for co-stars Kaley Cuoco, Mayim Bialik, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyer and many others who were emotional during the moment.

Fans picked up on some neat little moments, including Bialik consoling Cuoco during the final table read. The moment posted to YouTube almost has 1 million views. As expected, fans have nothing but praise for not only the emotions shown by the cast, but the way the finale went.

One fan writes, "This is the strongest finale of every show I ever watched. It's perfect. The last speech, the end with them sitting together, the song. You can't do any better.

"

Another fan claims the table read was more emotional than the actual ending.

"This was more emotional than the actual ending 😥😥 Almost as emotional as the final episode of Friends."

Certainly an emotional moment, but a great finale and one that soared with the fans and ratings.

The Big Bang Theory's Finale Soared In Both The Ratings And Reviews

According to Variety, The Big Bang Theory ended with exactly that, a big bang, earning a huge rating for its final episode.

The publication details the viewership for its last episode, "The hourlong airing of back to back episodes garnered a substantial 3.

1 rating in the key 18-49 demographic and was watched by just under 18 million total viewers. For comparison, the "Big Bang" spinoff "Young Sheldon" came in second on Thursday night with a 2.2 rating and 13.7 million viewers for its season finale, followed by a large drop-off to the "Grey's Anatomy" season finale, which drew just under 6 million total viewers and a 1.3 rating."

It was the show's highest rated episode in terms of viewership since 2018, while it was also the first series to end its run on top since Seinfeld came to an end.

IMDb also had high praise for the show's finale, giving The Stockholm Syndrome a rating of 9.

5 on 10. Not only the highest for the entire series, but a tremendous number for a finale, an episode that usually falls short with the fans.

Shooting The Final Episode Of The Big Bang Theory On-Set Was Just As Difficult

Shooting the actual episode itself was another tough moment for the cast. Speaking alongside TV Insider, the main stars detailed what their final experience was like on the set. Johnny Galecki knew well before it was going to be difficult, and things took an emotional twist quickly.

"I knew it was going to be moving. And I'm quick to cry to be honest with you," he said. "I'm very sentimental. So, nights like last night really got the water-works going, but I'm also a professional and so I had to do my damn job and wipe the tears away, for a couple hours at least."

Kaley Cuoco was also devastated over the decision to end the show. However, she was proud of the final product that the series put forward.

"These last few days have been very cathartic," she said in 2019, "That we've tied a bow on so many different moments and I feel like we've left no stone unturned," she said. "I can walk away from this going, we did it all. … It was a spectacular night. Every moment of it."

Kaley continues, "I have to say this finale is one of the most beautiful finales, as you know, I've ever seen."

The actress wasn't wrong as fans and media strong agree.