The Big Bang Theory franchise is expanding its reach with a new show, and I’m starting to warm up to its idea, even though I was initially skeptical about it. Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady’s sitcom was one of the defining shows of the 2010s. Despite its problematic sense of humor, especially in its earlier years, The Big Bang Theory became so popular that it dominated the ratings. By the time it wrapped up in 2019, it was the broadcast’s top comedy. CBS acknowledged its success by expanding the franchise with the launch of Young Sheldon in 2017.
Having covered both shows extensively for ScreenRant, I’ll say, however, that Young Sheldon was disappointing as a The Big Bang Theory offshoot. Despite sharing the same protagonist, the prequel constantly contradicted the existing canon. It was a good series, perhaps even better than its parent project, but it didn’t really serve the universe that it was a part of. I was happy to just follow the Cooper family instead via Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, and was dubious of Lorre’s next The Big Bang Theory spinoff. That said, the more I learn about it, the more interested I become.
I Was Initially Against Another Big Bang Theory Spinoff
Young Sheldon’s Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage Is Keeping The Franchise Alive
Unlike the majority of cancellations, both Young Sheldon and its parent series didn’t end because of the lack of interest from people. The nerd-centric sitcom wrapped up because Jim Parsons decided it was time for him to move on from the show. I fully understand why Lorre and the rest of the cast and crew decided that it was best to wrap the whole show up rather than continue without Sheldon. Admittedly, there were some conflicts about how this went down behind the scenes, but ultimately, The Big Bang Theory delivered a great finale.
The send-off to the Pasadena gang in The Big Bang Theory finale was done well, and it’s one of the reasons why I was lukewarm to the idea of doing a sequel series. Unless there’s a clear premise, such as tackling Leonard and Penny’s post-pregnancy arc or following Raj find love, leaving the friend group at such a high point in their collective and individual lives is such a perfect way to end their small-screen story. Beyond that, doing a new show with the Pasadena gang incomplete just wasn’t appealing to me.
I’m Coming Around To The Idea Of The Big Bang Theory’s Next Spinoff
The Big Bang Theory Spinoff’s New Cast Sounds Awesome
As someone who has been closely paying attention to The Big Bang Theory franchise, be it via Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage or news about the new spinoff, I’m surprised to say that I have more interest in Lorre’s upcoming show now after learning details about it. Plot specifics are still unclear, but the decision to bring back some of the nerd-centric sitcom’s most notable supporting characters is such a fun route. Kevin Sussman is coming back as Stuart, and he will be joined by John Ross Bowie as Bary Kripke, Lauren Lapkus as Denise, and Brian Posehn as Bert.
It’s an open secret that Sussman and Bowie were once in the running to play Sheldon and Leonard before the roles were awarded to Parsons and Johnny Galecki. Seeing them finally get their due as their respective characters in itself makes it easy for me to be more invested in the new The Big Bang Theory show. It also helps that all of these characters were quirky and fun enough in the main show, but because they weren’t the faces of the comedy, they were mostly cast to the side.
They are familiar enough to those who loved The Big Bag Theory, but there’s still a wealth of storylines for the left to tell.
As the franchise moves forward with this new series, choosing Stuart, Kripke, and the rest as the new leads of the sequel spinoff is arguably genius. They are familiar enough to those who loved The Big Bag Theory, but there’s still a wealth of storylines for the left to tell. I am looking forward to Lorre and his team taking advantage of their potential as individuals and as a group.
I Still Have Some Concerns About The Next Big Bang Theory Spinoff
The Big Bang Theory Spinoff Has Major Story Issues To Address
As excited as I am about the new The Big Bang Theory show now, there are still some things that I am concerned about. That’s primarily how the series will handle the absence of the Pasadea gang. Assuming that Stuart and his new friends are still in Pasadena, Lorre and his writers would have to justify not seeing Sheldon and the boys as frequently as before. Sheldon and the boys usually visited Stuart’s comic book shop while they also regularly ran in with Kripke and Bert back at Caltech. It will be very odd if suddenly none of them hangs out with these characters anymore in the upcoming series.
If they find a way to make anyone from the Pasadena gang at least a recurring character, the writers must make sure that the spinoff isn’t just The Big Bang Theory season 13 with the original cast. Not wanting to continue without Sheldo was the main reason that the flagship ended, so it’s important that the new endeavor honors that by making sure that it’s an entirely different project.
