'The Big Bang Theory' Gets Banned In China

'The Big Bang Theory' Banned!

Chinese fans of "The Big Bang Theory" are hoping there's a "Bazinga" coming.

AP reports that China has ordered online video streaming sites to remove four U.S. TV shows: "The Big Bang Theory," "The Good Wife," "NCIS" and "The Practice." The ban was issued by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

Reportedly, it is normal for the Chinese government to ban various shows online, but this usually occurs when programs are deemed too salacious, violent or infringe copyright laws, leaving many baffled as to why this ban occurred. Video site owners speculate that the ban is a one-time event and not a policy change.

Many of the privately owned video streaming websites effected started as sites solely focused on user uploaded clips, much like YouTube, but then expanded to show legally licensed programming including many U.S. TV shows.

"Give me back Sheldon," referring to "TBBT's" socially awkward physicist Sheldon Cooper became popular on Chinese social media sites as an outcry against the streaming ban. The ban was issued without any further details or reasoning.

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