Talking as a dyed in the wool nerd I find this show hilarious. The science and technology they use are well researched and I know guys like almost every one of the group. Heck there's even a debate on who is the most like Sheldon among my friends! I have one friend who isn't as smart as him but is easily as funny, so he's fun just to be around. In small doses. 
I think the cast work well together and appear genuine friends who play off each other. I loved the episode where Penny gets sucked into WoW because it showed how easy it is for the non-geek to be drawn into those activities usually prescribed only to geeks. I don't agree it portrays nerds in a negative light because none of the characters are unlikeable, not even Sheldon, which I think is why he won the Oscar 'cos that can't have been easy! I think it shows that with great intelligence a price is usually paid, a sentiment I agree with. However, I think it also shows that there is a LOT more to nerds than the harsh stereotype often portrayed in media by showing four extreme examples of that sub-culture but making them human, like Sheldon's desire for approval, Leonard's search for female companionship and Raj's battle with shyness. Each have their reasons for being that way and episodes have been dedicated to each to show both how crippling it can be and how big a difference it can make to the person when they finally have a breakthrough, albeit always temporary as is the way of the sitcom.
I think the cast work well together and appear genuine friends who play off each other. I loved the episode where Penny gets sucked into WoW because it showed how easy it is for the non-geek to be drawn into those activities usually prescribed only to geeks. I don't agree it portrays nerds in a negative light because none of the characters are unlikeable, not even Sheldon, which I think is why he won the Oscar 'cos that can't have been easy! I think it shows that with great intelligence a price is usually paid, a sentiment I agree with. However, I think it also shows that there is a LOT more to nerds than the harsh stereotype often portrayed in media by showing four extreme examples of that sub-culture but making them human, like Sheldon's desire for approval, Leonard's search for female companionship and Raj's battle with shyness. Each have their reasons for being that way and episodes have been dedicated to each to show both how crippling it can be and how big a difference it can make to the person when they finally have a breakthrough, albeit always temporary as is the way of the sitcom.
