Who directed the first aired episode of The Big Bang Theory?

James Burrows directed the first aired episode of The Big Bang Theory.

That episode is the reworked pilot, titled “Pilot,” which premiered on CBS on September 24, 2007. It introduces Leonard Hofstadter, Sheldon Cooper and Penny, establishes the apartment setting, and presents the central contrast between the scientists’ intellectual confidence and their social awkwardness.

The production history can cause confusion. The series had an earlier pilot that was not broadcast, and Burrows directed both the unaired version and the revised pilot that became the first episode viewers saw. He did not continue directing the series after that beginning. Mark Cendrowski later became strongly associated with the show’s regular production, but he did not direct the first aired episode.

Peter Chakos is credited as the pilot’s editor, not its director, while Chuck Lorre was a creator and writer. The episode’s official director credit therefore points specifically to James Burrows.