Young Sheldon has been a fan favorite for many years, and its lovable characters, quirky humor, and heartfelt moments have captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. But just how much do fans know about the making of this hit show? There’s more to Young Sheldon than meets the eye, from fun casting tidbits to surprising production secrets. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, here are 17 behind-the-scenes facts that even the most loyal Young Sheldon viewers might not know.
1. The Show Is a Prequel to The Big Bang Theory
At its core, Young Sheldon is a prequel to the iconic sitcom The Big Bang Theory. It explores Sheldon Cooper’s early years as a young genius growing up in Texas. The series delves into his family life, school challenges, and struggles with social situations—setting the stage for the adult Sheldon we all know and love from The Big Bang Theory.
While the show focuses on Sheldon’s childhood, it also provides insight into the supporting characters’ backstories, particularly his family members. Without The Big Bang Theory, there would be no Young Sheldon, and this connection between the two shows has kept fans hooked.
2. Jim Parsons Narrates the Show
Although Jim Parsons (the adult Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory) doesn’t appear on-screen in Young Sheldon, he still plays a vital role in the show. Parsons provides the voiceover narration for each episode, offering an adult perspective on Sheldon’s childhood and guiding the audience through his memories. Parsons’ familiar voice has helped tie the prequel to the original show, making Young Sheldon feel like an extension of The Big Bang Theory universe.
3. Sheldon’s Character Is Based on a Real Person
Sheldon Cooper, as both a child and an adult, was inspired by a real person in the life of The Big Bang Theory creator Chuck Lorre. Lorre’s friend, who was a child prodigy, served as a model for Sheldon’s character. This real-life inspiration helped shape Sheldon’s unique personality traits, including his intelligence, social awkwardness, and love of science.
4. Iain Armitage Was Cast Early, But He Wasn’t the First Choice
Iain Armitage, who plays young Sheldon, was actually cast in the role early in the show’s development. However, he wasn’t the first choice. The casting team had originally been looking for someone older to play Sheldon as a child, but after seeing Armitage’s audition, they realized he was perfect for the role. His ability to capture Sheldon’s eccentricities and mannerisms won over the producers.
Interestingly, Iain Armitage was already a fan of The Big Bang Theory before landing the role of young Sheldon. He knew the character well and was able to seamlessly bring Sheldon to life on-screen.
5. It Was a Struggle to Perfect Young Sheldon’s “Voice”
One of the most distinctive features of Sheldon’s character, both as a child and an adult, is his unique voice. The producers were determined to get Iain Armitage’s voice just right, ensuring that it matched Jim Parsons’ version of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. This required a lot of effort in terms of voice training and direction. Armitage worked closely with vocal coaches to perfect Sheldon’s high-pitched, specific intonation.
6. The Show Takes Place in Texas, But It’s Filmed in California
Young Sheldon is set in the fictional town of Medford, Texas, but all the filming takes place in Los Angeles, California. To capture the Southern charm and warmth of Texas, the show’s production team uses set designs, props, and filming techniques that evoke the feeling of small-town life in the Lone Star State. They also make use of certain visual effects to create the illusion of wide-open spaces, helping transport viewers to Sheldon’s hometown.
7. Lance Barber Was Cast as George Cooper Sr. for His Comedy Skills
Lance Barber, who plays Sheldon’s father George Cooper Sr., was specifically cast for his ability to bring humor and charm to the role. Although George is a relatively serious character in Young Sheldon, Barber’s comedic timing is essential to making George’s interactions with Sheldon and the rest of the family both funny and heartwarming. Barber’s portrayal of George brings a sense of relatability to the character, which is crucial for keeping the show grounded.
8. The Family Home Set Is a Replica of Chuck Lorre’s Childhood Home
In an interesting behind-the-scenes detail, the Cooper family’s home in Young Sheldon was actually inspired by the childhood home of Chuck Lorre, the creator of The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon. The home’s design and layout were heavily influenced by Lorre’s memories of growing up in a middle-class household in the 1960s. This personal touch helps make the home feel authentic and relatable.
9. The Character of Mary Cooper Is Based on Chuck Lorre’s Own Mother
Much like Sheldon’s character was inspired by a real person, Mary Cooper (Sheldon’s mother) is also based on someone from Chuck Lorre’s life—his own mother. Lorre’s mother was known for her strong religious beliefs, warmth, and nurturing personality. These traits were infused into the character of Mary, who is portrayed as a devout Christian and a fiercely protective mother in the show.
10. A Lot of Research Went Into Sheldon’s Scientific Knowledge
In order to accurately portray a child prodigy like Sheldon, the creators of Young Sheldon worked with a team of scientists and academic experts. This research was crucial to ensuring that Sheldon’s scientific knowledge and vocabulary were accurate and believable for his age. The team of experts helped writers develop storylines that involved real scientific principles, making Sheldon’s character more authentic.
11. Zoe Perry, Who Plays Mary Cooper, Is the Real-Life Daughter of Laurie Metcalf
In a fun behind-the-scenes fact, Zoe Perry, who plays Mary Cooper in Young Sheldon, is actually the real-life daughter of Laurie Metcalf, who portrays Mary Cooper’s adult counterpart in The Big Bang Theory. Perry’s performance as Mary has earned her rave reviews, and it’s interesting to see how she’s able to channel her mother’s performance while also making the character her own.
12. The Show’s Theme Song Is Actually a Classic Song from the 1960s
The Young Sheldon theme song is a classic tune from the 1960s called “Evolution” by The Turtles. This upbeat song perfectly complements the lighthearted and nostalgic tone of the show, and its use sets the stage for the era the show takes place in. It also helps evoke the idea of growth and change, mirroring Sheldon’s journey from a child prodigy to a brilliant adult.
13. Sheldon’s Favorite Superhero Changed for the Show
In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon Cooper’s favorite superhero is known to be The Flash. However, in Young Sheldon, there was a slight twist: Sheldon’s favorite superhero in his childhood was originally Superman. This change was made to align with Sheldon’s early years, as his obsession with superheroes was a key part of his childhood personality.
14. The Show Has Received Several Nods to The Big Bang Theory
Fans of The Big Bang Theory will notice a few Easter eggs and references scattered throughout Young Sheldon. From familiar quotes to callbacks to characters from the original show, these subtle nods help connect the two series. One of the most notable examples is the appearance of adult Sheldon’s iconic catchphrase: “I’m not crazy, my mother had me tested.”
15. The Show Has a Huge Fanbase Across the Globe
While Young Sheldon may have started as a U.S.-based sitcom, it has garnered a massive following worldwide. The relatable family dynamics and humor transcend borders, making the show beloved by viewers in multiple countries. From Europe to Asia, Young Sheldon’s international fanbase continues to grow, proving that Sheldon’s unique brand of intelligence and humor resonates with people from all walks of life.
16. Iain Armitage’s Connection with Jim Parsons
Iain Armitage, the actor behind young Sheldon, has a close connection with Jim Parsons. Armitage has said that he often watched The Big Bang Theory growing up and admired Parsons’ portrayal of Sheldon. The relationship between the two actors has been key to ensuring the continuity of Sheldon’s character, with Armitage often seeking Parsons’ guidance and feedback on his performance.
17. The Show Could Have Had a Different Tone
In its early development stages, Young Sheldon could have taken a very different direction. Some early drafts of the script leaned heavily into more slapstick humor and exaggeration of Sheldon’s quirks. However, the final version of the show decided to go for a more grounded approach, focusing on Sheldon’s relationships with his family and the emotional challenges of growing up as a child prodigy. This shift in tone has made the show more relatable and emotionally resonant for its audience.
Conclusion: The Magic Behind Young Sheldon
Young Sheldon has undoubtedly become a beloved part of television history. Behind its charming performances, clever writing, and heartwarming moments lies a team of dedicated creators and cast members working hard to bring Sheldon’s childhood to life. From Jim Parsons’ narration to the personal influences of Chuck Lorre, there’s a wealth of history and detail behind every episode of Young Sheldon. Now that you know these behind-the-scenes facts, you can watch the show with an even greater appreciation for all the hard work and passion that goes into it!
