Let’s be real—when Young Sheldon debuted, it wasn’t just a spin-off. It was a time machine that took us deep into the quirky, chaotic childhood of The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper. And while the show gave us some heartfelt backstory and filled in a lot of blanks, it also did something unexpected: introduced us to characters who arguably became just as lovable as Sheldon himself.
But here’s the thing—some of these unforgettable faces never made it to The Big Bang Theory. So today, we’re shining a spotlight on the 6 best Young Sheldon characters who never got a moment in the original series, and frankly, it’s a crime against TV.
Why Young Sheldon Had to Create New Characters
Expanding the Cooper Universe
When you dive into someone’s childhood, especially someone as “extra” as Sheldon, you can’t just stick with the same people we saw in TBBT. Young Sheldon had to flesh out his world with teachers, friends, family, and even foes—all of which gave us more insight into how Sheldon became… well, Sheldon.
Why They Never Appeared in TBBT
The timeline of The Big Bang Theory is decades later. Some characters wouldn’t have been relevant, some wouldn’t have realistically crossed paths, and others were possibly… just forgotten by the time TBBT was written. But that doesn’t mean they weren’t essential.
The 6 Best Young Sheldon Characters Not in The Big Bang Theory
#1 – Missy Cooper (Young Version)
We know Missy exists in TBBT, but the grown-up version barely scratched the surface. In Young Sheldon, young Missy is a scene-stealer. Sassy, grounded, and surprisingly wise, she provides a perfect foil to Sheldon’s over-the-top intellect.Why We Missed Her in TBBT
The adult Missy only appears in a few short scenes, and she never really got the arc she deserved. The Young Sheldonversion showed depth, humor, and heart that could’ve added serious value to The Big Bang Theory.
#2 – George Cooper Sr.
Talk about a character who got a redemption arc. In TBBT, Sheldon only mentioned his dad as a lazy, alcoholic, cheating slob. But Young Sheldon blew that stereotype to pieces by giving us a complex, often endearing father figure.
The Tragic Absence
We never saw George Sr. in TBBT because he died before the events of the show. Still, the layers Young Sheldon gave him—his struggles, love for his kids, and fierce loyalty—made us wish we could’ve had even one flashback or emotional moment in the original series.
#3 – Meemaw (Young Version)
Let’s just say it: Young Meemaw is an absolute legend. Played by Annie Potts, she’s feisty, funny, and full of wisdom delivered with a martini in hand.
Meemaw’s Influence on Sheldon
Sheldon adored her, and you can see why. She treated him like a person, not just a genius, and brought a sense of real-world grounding to his upbringing. Adult Sheldon mentioned her a few times, but we never got to meet her in TBBT. That’s a missed opportunity.
#4 – Dr. John Sturgis
If you think Sheldon’s awkward, wait until you meet Dr. Sturgis. As Meemaw’s eccentric, super-genius boyfriend and one of Sheldon’s first real intellectual mentors, Dr. Sturgis is pure comedy gold.
A Mentor Sheldon Never Forgot—But We Never Met Again
In Young Sheldon, Dr. Sturgis inspires Sheldon to embrace academia and offers him genuine friendship. Why he was never referenced (beyond subtle nods) in TBBT is a mystery we’ll never solve.
#5 – Billy Sparks
Sheldon’s childhood “enemy” and the neighbor kid who bullied him—but in the Young Sheldon universe, Billy is more misunderstood than malicious. His slow wit, pure heart, and random moments of wisdom make him unforgettable.
Comic Relief with Hidden Depths
Imagine adult Sheldon running into Billy Sparks again. The comedic potential was endless. Sadly, TBBT never explored that path.
#6 – Principal Tom Petersen
Principal Petersen walks a fine line between trying to keep order and not losing his mind in a school that houses Sheldon Cooper. His sarcastic commentary and dry humor often made scenes pop.
A Minor Character Who Left a Major Impression
While not a central figure, his interactions with both Sheldon and his parents showed how the world saw Sheldon—and how administrators struggled to support a genius in a traditional setting.
Why These Characters Mattered So Much
Each of these characters brought something special to Young Sheldon—they helped shape Sheldon’s worldview, taught him lessons, challenged his thinking, and gave the show emotional richness and dimension that we never quite got from The Big Bang Theory alone.
Filling In the Blanks of Sheldon’s Backstory
Without these supporting roles, Young Sheldon would’ve felt flat
