It's really him — again! CBS announced Wednesday that Bob Newhart will be returning to "The Big Bang Theory" to reprise his role as Professor Proton.
The professor, who is a children's TV personality and idolized by Sheldon (Jim Parsons) since childhood, was first introduced in season six, when Sheldon hired him to do a private performance. Newhart earned an Emmy for best guest actor in a comedy series for his performance.
In the episode set to air Nov. 7, Professor Proton requests Leonard's (Johnny Galecki) help on an experiment, enraging Sheldon in the process, according to the network. The theoretical physicist then tries to get revenge on his former childhood hero by trying to become friends with Proton's nemesis, Bill Nye the Science Guy, who will be starring as himself.
Nye was eliminated on "Dancing With the Stars" Monday after three subpar dances. The scientist had torn his quadriceps tendon during his Week 2 performance, which led to an even more problematic performance this week.
"The Big Bang Theory" airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on CBS.