Pilot (The Big Bang Theory)

"**Pilot**"
"Pilot"
The Big Bang Theory episode
Episode no.	Season 1; Episode 1
Directed by	James Burrows
Written by	Chuck Lorre; Bill Prady
Production code	276023
Original air date	September 24, 2007
Guest appearances
	Vernée Watson as Althea; Brian Patrick Wade as Kurt;
Episode chronology
← Previous; —	Next →; "The Big Bran Hypothesis"
	The Big Bang Theory season 1
	List of episodes

"Pilot" is the pilot episode, as well as the first episode of the first season, of the American television sitcom The Big Bang Theory. The episode originally aired on CBS in the United States on September 24, 2007. It was written by the show's creators, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, and directed by James Burrows. The pilot episode introduces the main characters in the series, and also guest stars Vernée Watson and Brian Patrick Wade as Althea and Kurt.

The pilot episode received mixed reviews from television critics, with praise for the premise, character development and performances, but criticism for the tone and rushed start of the season. However, according to Nielsen Ratings, the episode was viewed by 9.52 million viewers in its original airing.