We would be nowhere without Sheldon Cooper himself, but let's be honest here.

Given its iconic status nowadays, it's almost impossible to even think about how The Big Bang Theory was almost canceled by CBS back in the day. But yes, that's exactly what could have happened — if it wasn't for one particular cast member.

The only reason The Big Bang Theory was finally greenlit is... Kaley Cuoco. Only after she was cast as Penny did the studio allow the show to start — mainly due to the storytelling issues that were caused by Amanda Walsh's character Katie.

Oh yeah, it was Katie at first, not Penny. But the plot that involved the original character did not land with the test audiences very well; so the show's creators had to swiftly make some changes — or say goodbye to the show.

According to former CBS Entertainment chairwoman Nina Tassler, The Big Bang Theory was nothing but a huge problem in the beginning.

"There was so much about the pilot that did work. But there were parts of the script that didn't work, and we had to recast an actress. [Chuck Lorre] is such an extraordinary talent. He had a great concept and wonderful chemistry between the two leads, so I asked him if he would try again," Tassler told Emmy Magazine in a new interview.

The former CBS executive confirmed that it was Cuoco who was the show's "secret sauce" (not Jim Parsons, as many Sheldon fans may believe). Naturally, during the series' 12-season-run, many things have changed, and we now realize that every cast member was equally important for the sitcom's success.

But yes, it was Penny who kickstarted it all — or, if we're being precise, made sure that it could even lift off.

Feeling nostalgic for The Big Bang Theory? Binge it on HBO Max, Amazon Prime, TBS, and DIRECTV. Besides, the show has a massively successful spinoff titled Young Sheldon, currently heading into its seventh season.

Source: Emmy Magazine via The Direct