@Knixon said:

In the Relaxation episode, Amy says that Sheldon was 16 in 1996. That would make him at least 37 now. I didn't think he was supposed to be that young at this point. But then, the show is into year 11 now. Just more proof that just about everything that's happened in the show would more realistically have happened within maybe 5 years, not 10.

Yeah but based on the cultural and entertainment references they make, it's in real time. They couldn't realistically have up to date Game of Thrones references if the show took place in a five year time span, nor could they reference new movies coming out.

There's an argument to be made that it's an alternate timeline to our own, which is very "fan-theory " ish but falls in line on a show about Physicists who take interest in that sort of thing.

Yes of course it's really taking place in real time, even allowing for the 3-month skips that basically account for summer hiatus. But the development they've had over 10 years would more realistically happen over 5 years or maybe less. Including/especially the various relationships. Stretching it out over 10 makes them all seem a bit stunted.

Perhaps unavoidable for a TV show - or at least a TV show about people at that stage of life, versus something like The Odd Couple (original version) - but it's also another example of the problems that can arise with a long-running sitcom especially one involving couple-type relationships (and having kids and stuff) not just jokes.