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.

The Accident That Took Kaley Cuoco Off-Screen

In September 2010, during a production break between episodes, Kaley Cuoco suffered a serious injury while horseback riding — a hobby she deeply enjoys outside of acting. The accident resulted in a fractured leg and required immediate medical attention, including surgery.

The injury was significant enough that Cuoco needed time away from filming to properly heal. Naturally, this raised challenges for the show’s production schedule, which was already mapped out for Season 4.