If you’re a fan of The Big Bang Theory, you might have noticed something odd while rewatching Season 4: Kaley Cuoco’s beloved character Penny was missing from a couple of episodes. For a show so tightly centered on its quirky ensemble cast, her sudden disappearance sparked curiosity and speculation among fans.

Was she written out? Was there behind-the-scenes drama? The good news is — none of those theories are true. Kaley Cuoco’s brief absence from the sitcom was not due to any contract disputes or creative disagreements. In fact, the explanation is refreshingly straightforward and grounded in real-life circumstances.

Here’s the full story behind Kaley Cuoco’s Season 4 absence — from an unexpected accident to how the show’s writers adjusted to support her recovery.