I loved the Big Bang Theory but sometimes I feel like it was a double edged sword because that was when, at least in my memory, “nerd stuff” started being cool and mainstream. I always laugh at how people proudly call themselves nerds since it’s trendy or as a lifelong comic book reader someone who watches some MCU movies and thinks they are an expert in comic books.
I honestly miss the days when reading comic books, sci fi, or being a fan of Star Wars/Star Trek was something you got made fun of for.
Anyone think these hobbies will ever be niche again?
Edit: the more I think about the show, I’m reminded of someone who said that Big Bang Theory was a minstrel show for nerd culture.
I won't lie there's some scenes I laughed at. Then I tried to actually watch the whole show a few years ago. I had let my DVR record it and pretty much had the entire series. I couldn't get very far. It was just bad. I think by then I was starting to see it more as a trojan horse. I'd say not even for nerd culture, but for the religion of science.
I was much more of a social outcast and computer/business nerd than a DnD/comics/Pokemon nerd in school anyway. I also grew early so I was a pretty big guy until about 10th grade. Add that to my personality and the people that would make fun of me didn't really have much to get out of it.
I've gotten more into the entertainment media side over the years, and then aggressively less as it's gone woke, but to answer your question, no I think it's gone. It's just not even the same product anymore.