Why Raj Being Single at the End of The Big Bang Theory Surprisingly Gained Massive Fan Support – Here's Why!

The decision to keep Raj single in The Big Bang Theory finale received criticism, but it was ultimately the right choice for the popular sitcom. Ending a hangout sitcom perfectly is nearly impossible since viewers watch these shows to witness the interactions of a group of friends. Typically, for these friends to have a happy ending, they end up going their separate ways in life. A well-known example of this is the Friends finale, which left Joey single and resulted in a widely disliked spinoff. In a similar fashion, The Big Bang Theory finale concluded with everyone except Raj finding a romantic happily ever after.

This choice left some fans unimpressed. Throughout The Big Bang Theory, Raj had faced challenges in the romance department. In the early seasons, he struggled to even talk to women. In one instance, he became speechless when he "met" Siri, though it turned out to be a dream. Consequently, some viewers were disappointed to see that Raj did not receive a traditional happy ending given the hurdles he overcame in his love life. However, his story was not solely focused on romance, and keeping Raj single arguably served the best interests of The Big Bang Theory.

The Big Bang Theory Kept Raj Single So Not Every Character Ended Up In A Relationship

The decision to keep Raj single in The Big Bang Theory was defended by the creators, who argued that not all of the characters needed a romantic relationship to achieve their happy endings. It was pointed out that many sitcoms tend to portray committed relationships as the only satisfactory conclusion. Given Raj's unsuccessful experiences in past romances due to his lack of experience, it made more sense for him to remain single in the finale. In contrast, Leonard and Penny were always destined to end up together, as their unlikely romance was a central focus of the series. Howard and Bernadette had been in a stable relationship for a significant period of time, which had improved Howard's less favorable traits. Consequently, their continued relationship was predictable. Lastly, Sheldon had invested a considerable amount of effort into his relationship with Amy Farrah-Fowler, thus ending the series with their breakup would have been unkind. Raj, being the only character who could feasibly stay single, was the character to whom Holland's comments most notably apply.

Why Raj Being Single Was So Divisive Among The Big Bang Theory Fans

While it might have made sense, Raj's single status continued to be a point of contention within The Big Bang Theory fan community. Throughout much of the show's run, he struggled to communicate with women and experienced relationships marked by infidelity, heartbreak, and an unnecessary breakup with Anu. Following Sheldon's enlightening speech in the series finale, which showcased his significant personal growth, some viewers believed that Raj also deserved a clear testament to his own progression. While Sheldon's growth was depicted through increased humility and recognition of the value of his friendships, for certain fans, Raj finding a partner would symbolize his own growth.

Why Raj Being Single Was The Right Choice For The Big Bang Theory

However, this assumption was not necessarily true. If anything, staying single demonstrated Raj's personal growth. In the finale of The Big Bang Theory, Raj's journey in romantic relationships was evident, despite his single status. His sudden and unexplored breakup with Anu highlighted the fact that he still needed to gain more experience before settling down. Nevertheless, this setback did not negate the progress he had made throughout the series. Raj's ability to persuade Sarah Michelle Gellar to be his date for the Nobel Prize awards ceremony illustrated his significant improvement in conversing with women. His romantic future remained promising, even in the absence of a current relationship.

The Big Bang Theory creators made a wise decision by avoiding the overused trope of pairing off every character before the ending. Some fans may have felt that Raj's finale ending in The Big Bang Theory betrayed his character's journey. However, Raj's ending was far from disappointing as he had shown growth by being able to communicate with women and being open to new experiences and adventures. In fact, it would have been challenging for The Big Bang Theory to provide Raj with a more suitable final appearance, even if he had a love interest.