Stereotyping on The big bang theory: blondes versus brunettes

This thesis examined five episodes of the CBS situation comedy, The Big Bang Theory, to examine the portrayal of blonde and brunette stereotypes. Framing analysis was used in conjunction with cultivation theory to analyze conversations of the three female lead characters, Penny, Bernadette, and Amy to see if the blonde and brunette stereotypes were reinforced or changed over time. Findings of this thesis include the changing of the blonde stereotype as well as the changing and reinforcement of the brunette stereotype.