Why Young Sheldon Is a Much Stronger Sitcom Than The Big Bang Theory
Young Sheldon is not just an extension of The Big Bang Theory, it’s a fantastic sitcom. But what makes this show more inviting than its predecessor?
When Young Sheldon first appeared back in 2017, many viewers thought that the show would be a simple spin-off of The Big Bang Theory, complete with the same one-liners and character profiles. Yet, this sitcom has completely transformed the protagonist and has grown into an iconic show in its own right. Though The Big Bang Theory ran for 12 seasons and was crowned one of the most popular sitcoms of the 21st century, Young Sheldon has garnered the same level of acclaim in just a few seasons.
Whether it’s Mary’s overbearing traditional manners or Missy’s sassy attitude, every character within Young Sheldon has something to show for themselves and no longer has to hide in the shadow of Sheldon’s intelligence, like his peers in The Big Bang Theory. Plus, these storylines transport viewers back to a much simpler time and offer them a charming sense of nostalgia. But what exactly makes Young Sheldon superior to its original show?
How Are Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory Linked?
Sheldon Cooper’s Notable Family Members
Relative
Name
Wife
Amy Farrah Fowler
Son
Leonard Cooper
Mother
Mary Cooper
Father
George Cooper
Twin Sister
Missy Cooper
Older Brother
Georgie Cooper
Grandmother
Connie Tucker
Niece
Constance Cooper
The Big Bang Theory introduced viewers to renowned physicist Dr. Sheldon Cooper and his group of friends, Leonard, Howard, Raj, and Penny. The show focused on the group’s ups and downs and how they learned to cope with Sheldon’s obsessive quirks. Over time, the show welcomed a ton of memorable secondary characters, including Sheldon’s wife, Amy, and Howard’s partner Bernadette. Alongside their love of science, the group shared tender moments together and learned to spend quality time as a unit and bond over key aspects of nerd culture.
Despite its complex themes and scientific humor, The Big Bang Theory became an instant hit, even creating a number of iconic catchphrases, such as “bazinga.” The show also scooped up a ton of awards, including a People’s Choice Award as well as an Emmy. When the show concluded in 2019, fans celebrated a series of happy endings, like Penny’s pregnancy and Stuart moving in with his girlfriend. Yet, many viewers felt that the ending left a lot to be desired and were keen to see their favorite group of geeks blossom once again.
Instead of extending The Big Bang Theory into the future, the writers felt it was best to take viewers back to Sheldon’s childhood to uncover how he became the man they know and love. Thus, Young Sheldon takes place between 1989 and 1994 and showcases how this tender and sensitive little boy grew to become one of the world’s greatest scientists. But this show doesn’t just focus on Sheldon and offers fans the chance to fall in love with his parents and siblings.
Young Sheldon Is a Lot More Relatable to the Average Viewer
Awards for Young Sheldon
Awarding Body
Title
Recipient
Family Film Awards
Outstanding Young Actor (TV/Film) (2023)
Raegan Revord
Golden Trailer Awards
Best Comedy Poster for a TV/Streaming Series (2019)
Young Sheldon
Young Entertainer Awards
Best Supporting Young Actor- TV Series (2019)
Ryan Phuogn
ReFrame
IMDbPro Top 200 Most Popular TV Titles 2020-2021
Young Sheldon
Though The Big Bang Theory was teeming with humorous moments, some of its jokes were a bit too clever for the average viewer. Thus, characters were sometimes forced to explain the scientific principles behind the punchlines. Fortunately, Young Sheldon doesn’t feel the need to mimic this strategy and can present jokes that are funny to the average viewer. Take, for example, Season 5, Episode 6, “Money Laundering and a Cascade of Hormones,” where Missy has a ton of questions about sex after hearing about it at Sunday School. While many viewers may not have a broad understanding of quantum physics, a lot of fans will relate to Missy’s constant questioning and find it quite entertaining. This is especially true for those who grew up in very religious households, like the Coopers. Thus, Young Sheldon seems to focus on the funny side of childhood and doesn’t hesitate to show Missy’s innocence as a normal part of growing up.
In Season 3, Episode 6, “A Parasol and a Hell of an Arm,” Missy expresses her frustration about not being allowed on the baseball team because she’s a girl. Every girl has experienced this type of sexism at some point in their life, so it is a relatable concept for most fans. Plus, The Big Bang Theory was a very male-dominated sitcom, with women rarely being the center of attention unless it’s via the male gaze. So, by giving Missy her own character arc, fans of the show can experience a different perspective without feeling disillusioned.
Young Sheldon is not just an extension of The Big Bang Theory, it’s a fantastic sitcom. But what makes this show more inviting than its predecessor?
