Adam West Coming To ‘Big Bang Theory’ For 200th Episode

Adam West, the original Batman, will appear on the 200th episode of the Big Bang Theory. There are no details on how the nerd-culture icon will be worked into the plot, but he’ll join a host of other guests in ushering in the landmark episode.

According to Variety, other guest stars include Christine Baranski as Leonard’s mother, Dr. Beverly Hofstadter; Sara Gilbert as Leslie Winkle; John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke, and Wil Wheaton as himself (Wheaton is Sheldon’s long-time frenemy on the show).

Even though it’s Adam West’s first appearance, he’s been a frequent topic on the Big Bang Theory and will play himself in the episode. West played Batman from 1966 to 1968 on the original TV series on ABC and made subsequent appearances as the caped crusader in various spin offs and films. He now voices the character Adam West, the mayor of Quahog in the animated series Family Guy.

It’s not clear how Adam West will fit into the plot of the Big Bang Theory‘s 200th episode, but his cameo will be a one-time thing according to Polygon. Stan Lee, George Takei, and Leonard Nimoy are some of the other big names in nerddom that have made similar appearances.

Adam West’s presence will likely draw in the viewers, even though the show hardly needs it. According to Variety, the Big Bang Theory recently set a ratings record in time-shifted viewing for its season 9 premiere, reaffirming its place as the number one comedy on television (it was a particularly impressive recording considering it occurred during the holiday season).

Even though there is no shortage of viewers, the Big Bang Theory might be wrapping up after season 10 as the story comes to a natural conclusion.

Many of the long-term story-lines are already finishing up. Sheldon and Amy consummated their relationship during the premiere, and Leonard and Penny are already married. Even showrunner Steve Molaro told the Hollywood Reporter season 10 might be the end, but it’s still hard to see past the next episode for now.

“I think so. I can’t speak to the future or on behalf of the cast or where we’ll be then but it’s certainly possible that it could go past that. The reality is that maybe season 10 is the ending point. The real answer is I don’t know and all I can do right now is go episode to episode and try to make each one the best that we can. There’s still so many episodes to go. Even if hypothetically season 10 was the end, I wouldn’t be focusing on that yet. That seems like something that would be dealt with way down the line.”

Co-creator Chuck Lorre added that nine seasons of the Big Bang Theory is already more than what he could have expected.

“I never imagined nine [seasons] and here we are. I’m not going to presume to know how many years this has because it’s ridiculous for me to guess. It’s already gone beyond my wildest dreams so anything beyond this… as long as everybody is having a good time and we’re making a show we’re proud of… then it’s worth continuing.”

The Big Bang Theory will air its 200th episode, featuring Adam West, February 25th at 8 p.m. on CBS.

[Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]