'The Big Bang Theory' season 10 news: Bob Newhart's character could return in S10
Prolific actor Bob Newhart, who plays the recurring role of Arthur Jeffries aka Professor Proton in "The Big Bang Theory," could make another appearance in the series' current season.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, "Big Bang Theory" executive producer Steve Molaro spoke about the possibility of having Newhart back in season 10 of the CBS sitcom, saying, "Any opportunity we can come up with for a good reason to have Bob back, we adore him."
"He is a treasure and we're very lucky to have him around, so it's just a question of a story that calls for it and makes sense," he added. "But if we can come up with one, that would be amazing. He is beloved here," Molaro continued.
Newhart won his first Primetime Emmy Award in 2013 for his role as Jeffries in "The Big Bang Theory."
In the comedy series, Jeffries was Sheldon's (Jim Parsons) and Leonard's (Johnny Galecki) childhood hero. Also known as Professor Proton, he was the star of a science show that the two watched religiously. After his show was taken off the air, Jeffries resorted to performing at children's parties.
In a season 6 episode, Sheldon hired Jeffries for a private party. After Jeffries suffered a heart attack from having to haul all his equipment up the apartment stairs, Sheldon had to take his place at another party. He did so under the moniker "Professor Proton, Jr."
Newhart's character was last seen on "The Big Bang Theory" in last season's "The Opening Night Excitation," in which he played a key role in Sheldon and Amy (Mayim Bialik) finally consummating their relationship after years of dating.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Glamour, Molaro hinted at the continuation of the potential love triangle involving Sheldon's mom Mary (Laurie Metcalf), Leonard's dad Alfred (Judd Hirsch), and Leonard's mom Beverly (Christine Baranski).
In the season 9 finale, it was teased that Mary and Leonard had spent the night together. But in the season 10 premiere, it was revealed that the two had merely spent the night talking.
According to Molaro, this isn't the end of the story. "It does not wrap up," he said. "Things are left off in a place where it could move forward."
"The Big Bang Theory" season 10 airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. EDT on CBS.