The Big Bang Theory is finally set to have a proper spinoff after Young Sheldon failed to live up to its original premise. Back in 2017, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady introduced the first expansion of the sitcom, focusing on Sheldon Cooper’s childhood. The idea stemmed from Sheldon’s frequent anecdotes about growing up in Texas, and Young Sheldon introduced Iain Armitage as the younger version of the character alongside the rest of the Cooper family. While the show wasn’t as popular as its parent series, it managed to extend the franchise for five years after The Big Bang Theory ended.
To capitalize on The Big Bang Theory’s popularity, CBS launched Young Sheldon as an origin story for the socially awkward genius. The early seasons centered on Sheldon’s childhood in Medford, Texas, showcasing his school life, family dynamics, and community interactions. Jim Parsons narrated each episode, tying the show to its predecessor. However, despite these efforts, there was a clear disconnect between Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory. Now, Chuck Lorre is preparing a new spinoff that promises to better align with the spirit of the original show.
Chuck Lorre Develops a Stuart-Centric Spinoff
A new spinoff focusing on Stuart Bloom is in development, set after The Big Bang Theory’s finale. In late 2024, reports emerged that Lorre was working on a new project, which will feature Kevin Sussman reprising his role as Stuart. While it might seem ideal to have a main cast member lead the new show, Stuart’s connection to the Pasadena gang and his relatively unexplored backstory make him a strong candidate to front this new series.
Interestingly, Kevin Sussman was originally considered for two roles in The Big Bang Theory. He initially auditioned for Sheldon but lost the role to Jim Parsons. Later, he was briefly cast as Howard, though he had to drop out due to a prior commitment, which was later canceled. Simon Helberg eventually took over the role. Despite these setbacks, Sussman carved out a memorable place in the series as Stuart, the comic book store owner who became a part of the Pasadena gang.
Why Young Sheldon Didn’t Work as a Proper Spinoff
Although Young Sheldon initially seemed like a perfect way to expand The Big Bang Theory’s universe, it quickly outgrew its original premise. While the prequel focused on Sheldon’s childhood, it gradually evolved into an ensemble show, giving significant arcs to other members of the Cooper family. Some of the best episodes were those that explored the dynamics of the entire family.
However, this shift also created a disconnect between Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory. Over time, the prequel drifted so far from its parent series that it felt like a completely separate show. Fans even petitioned for Young Sheldon to abandon The Big Bang Theory’s established continuity, including major events like George Cooper’s death. Although this didn’t happen, the inconsistencies made it seem as though Young Sheldon was set in an alternate universe.
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage Continues Young Sheldon’s Legacy
Despite its shortcomings, CBS found a way to leverage Young Sheldon’s popularity by launching Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. While this new series is still in its early days, it has managed to maintain decent viewership and continues to build on Young Sheldon’s legacy. However, the fact that Sheldon and the events of The Big Bang Theory are largely irrelevant to the new show highlights how far the franchise has drifted from its original roots.
Stuart’s Spinoff Could Preserve The Big Bang Theory’s Legacy
Stuart’s spinoff is better positioned to honor The Big Bang Theory’s legacy for several reasons. Unlike Young Sheldon, which was bound by the continuity of the original show, the new series will be set after The Big Bang Theory’s finale. This gives it more freedom to tell fresh stories without being constrained by pre-existing canon.
Additionally, Stuart is a well-known character among fans, which increases the chances of the spinoff’s success. His ties to the Pasadena gang and his personal growth throughout the original series make him an intriguing lead for the new show.
Challenges Facing Stuart’s Spinoff
Despite its potential, the Stuart-centric spinoff faces several challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is finding the right story to tell. When fans last saw Stuart, he was turning his life around with a successful comic book shop and a budding romantic relationship. However, significant changes will need to occur in his life to justify a new series.
Another challenge is the limited involvement of The Big Bang Theory’s original cast. While cameo appearances by Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, and others would be welcomed by fans, their busy schedules make regular appearances unlikely. The show will need to stand on its own without relying too heavily on connections to the original series.
Why Young Sheldon Struggled to Stay True to Canon
On paper, Young Sheldon had the potential to expand The Big Bang Theory’s lore in meaningful ways. Fans were already familiar with the Coopers through Sheldon’s stories, and the prequel could have explored untold aspects of his childhood. However, translating Sheldon’s exaggerated childhood anecdotes into a single-camera comedy proved difficult. As a result, the show created numerous inconsistencies in its effort to remain engaging.
By contrast, Stuart’s spinoff has the advantage of starting fresh. Since it takes place after The Big Bang Theory’s conclusion, it isn’t tied to the existing canon in the same way Young Sheldon was. This flexibility gives the new series a better chance of preserving the original show’s legacy while also telling compelling stories.
Final Thoughts
The Big Bang Theory remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, and its universe continues to captivate audiences. While Young Sheldon struggled to fully connect with its predecessor, it still managed to extend the franchise’s legacy. With the upcoming Stuart-centric spinoff, Chuck Lorre has an opportunity to create a series that stays true to the spirit of The Big Bang Theory while exploring new stories and characters.
By focusing on Stuart’s journey after the original show’s finale, the new spinoff has the potential to honor The Big Bang Theory’s legacy and give fans a fresh perspective on the beloved franchise. As details about the series emerge, it will be exciting to see how Lorre and his team bring this new chapter to life.
