I came across the pilot for the Big Bang Theory.

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2 ... net_111470

What strikes me is how much better and polished the show is then this pilot. The story is that they made the pilot and then pitched it to the networks and it was rejected. They were then asked to make another one based on audience feedback and came up with the series as we know it. I was pretty impressed with what they came up with relative to what they had.

nice find. many shows change from the pilot to what ends up being the first ep (sometimes not too!) for many reasons: actors' commitments, chemistry, a big star wants in/out plus others. imo, sheldon is that show. i think the other parts work (i love tbbt) but they could be anyone. As long as they have Sheldon, they have a show.