| "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 | |
| |
"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. According to Nielsen Ratings, the episode was viewed by 9.52 million viewers on its original airing.