This chapter introduces the book Women Scientists in American Television Comedy: Beakers, Big Bangs and Broken Hearts, focusing on the representation of women scientists in popular media and the role of humor in shaping cultural perceptions of science. The chapter emphasizes how popular culture, including comedy shows, influences public attitudes toward science by constructing perceptions of scientists. Despite the increasing presence of women in STEM, their representation in media remains limited and stereotyped, often conforming to traditional gender roles. The chapter explores how humor and comedy have historically been male-dominated, with women marginalized in the production and consumption of public humor. It also discusses the “Matilda Effect”, where women’s scientific achievements are often ignored or miscredited to men. The chapter sets the stage for the book’s analysis of how TV comedies portray women scientists, focusing on series like Never Have I Ever, The Big Bang Theory and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. It outlines the research questions and methodologies used to examine the humor types characterizing these portrayals and their impact on cultural ideas of women in STEM. The chapter highlights the importance of understanding humor’s role in communicating science and shaping public perceptions of women scientists.