The Big Bang Theory season 3

The third season of The Big Bang Theory ran on CBS from September 2009 through May 2010. Its audience grew to over 15 million viewers, surpassing the first two seasons. This season marked the debut of Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik as Bernadette Rostenkowski and Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler, who later became regular cast members. Christine Baranski earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in "The Maternal Congruence," while Jim Parsons won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for "The Pants Alternative." Critics praised the season, with Maureen Ryan, Alan Sepinwall, and Ken Tucker highlighting the show's strengths and Jim Parsons's performance. The American Film Institute named it one of the ten best television seasons of 2009.