Who directed both pilots made for The Big Bang Theory?

James Burrows directed both pilots made for The Big Bang Theory.

Burrows directed the original unaired pilot and then returned for the revised pilot that CBS broadcast as the series premiere. The two versions share Leonard and Sheldon, played by Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons, but differ substantially in tone, supporting characters, and the role of the female lead.

The unaired version featured Katie, played by Amanda Walsh, and Gilda, played by Iris Bahr. After that version failed to convince the network, creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady redesigned the premise, introducing Penny and adding Howard and Raj to the main group. Burrows directed the second pilot as well, helping establish the visual and performance style of the show that ultimately became a hit.

He did not remain the series’ regular director. The show’s long-running directing identity was instead associated with Mark Cendrowski, who directed most episodes after the pilot. Bill Prady and Chuck Lorre were writers and creators, not the directors of both pilots, which makes James Burrows the single canonical answer.