‘The Big Bang Theory’ season 7: Bob Newhart’s return confirmed, but for how long?

The sheer news alone about Bob Newhart’s return to “The Big Bang Theory” may not come as a surprise. We’ve been reporting this ever since last spring when he first appeared on the show that his part as Professor Proton was going to be recurring for at least a few episodes, and now, there are some more details out there.

At a panel discussion last night on the show’s set moderated by TV Guide’s Rob Moynihan, it was confirmed that Newhart (who was in attendance for the event) will be around for at least two more episodes. Is it possible that he could do more down the road? Sure, but it depends on the material and his interest / availability.

Just seeing how the writers choose to include the Proton character is going to be interesting in itself, given that a former children’s TV show host does not seem to have much connection with Sheldon or the group, beyond the obsession that Sheldon has with him. The sitcom legend’s first appearance contained many funny quotes as Proton was given a pep talk that the work that he is doing right now is important to inspire young minds, even if much of it consists of traveling to various parties for kids hosted by parents that may have once watched his show.

This new season of “The Big Bang Theory” started production with the cast this week, and will premiere with two episodes on Thursday, September 26 at 8:00 p.m. to help launch the new series “The Crazy Ones” with Robin Williams. In addition to Newhart, we will also have a reprisal of Regina King’s role last season as the university’s human resources manager, who has her own history of run-ins with Dr. Cooper.

Photo: CBS