The Big Bang Theory has been a staple of CBS programming for nine seasons, but the show has taken its time in revealing much about leading lady Penny. Her maiden name was never even revealed; the only reason she has a surname now is that she married Leonard and became Penny Hofstadter. Now, it looks like Season 10 will be giving us much more in the way of Penny's history. Big Bang head honcho Steve Molaro has revealed that another one of her relatives will show up when the series returns from hiatus. Here's what he had to say about Penny's new relative:
He's a drug dealer, and has just gotten out of prison and we needed to find the right person we could get for this. You might also know him as Kenneth the Page from 30 Rock, Jack McBrayer.
Steve Molaro teased Penny's next family member when he spoke at San Diego Comic-Con. I can't speak for anybody else, but I'm more excited than ever for Season 10. Jack McBrayer was one of the most consistently hilarious actors of 30 Rock, and he tackled everything from his role as an earnest NBC page to a bumpkin who may or may not be immortal. He's not who I would have imagined as a drug dealer, but he really could be perfect. Penny's family has always been fairy whacky; of course she would be related to a convicted drug dealer played by one of the least intimidating actors in showbiz.
Jack McBrayer has been pretty busy over the past couple of years, so it's a lucky break that The Big Bang Theory has been able to sign him on to appear as Penny's relative. He had a recurring role on The Middle, joined the cast of The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret for Season 3, and has lent his voice to the Wander Over Yonder animated series. McBrayer has proved that he can handle just about every kind of comedy; The Big Bang Theory should be no exception.
Penny's family will be even larger in addition to her new drug dealer relative in Season 10. Katey Sagal will show up as Penny's mom, which will actually mark the second series on which Sagal and Kaley Cuoco have played mother and daughter. All we need is for Keith Carradine to reprise his role as Penny's dad in just the right episode and we could have a whole family reunion, even if we never find out the last name of that family.
The Big Bang Theory will return to the airwaves on Monday, September 19 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Some big changes are in store for all of the characters, so hopefully the sitcom still has a long future ahead of it to explore what new twists are on the way in the near future.
