One of the least likable traits of Young Sheldon amplified the more impactful resolution to The Big Bang Theory’s lead.
While Chuck Lorre’s spin-off to The Big Bang Theory isn’t immune to inconsistencies with the parent show, they did maintain it in the case of its lead, which proved to be a turn-off for many Young Sheldon fans. Although The Big Bang Theory‘s lead Sheldon Cooper starts out as an obnoxious man baby, he does eventually develop as the show progresses.
As for its spin-off, such development wasn’t on the cards for the writers, which contributed to fans’ distaste with Iain Armitage’s Sheldon Cooper.
The lack of character development in Young Sheldon elevated The Big Bang Theory
When it comes to spin-offs, especially prequels, writers are often expected to play within the limitations set by the original, as straying away too far could not only hinder the original but could also end up riling fans up. Considering Sheldon was the protagonist of the parent show, who is pretty unlikeable in the beginning, writers opted to stay consistent with TBBT, which meant Iain Armitage‘s Sheldon would be unlikeable too.
Although sticking with the idea meant that the main lead wouldn’t go through any substantial changes throughout the show, which was pretty bold on the writers’ part, it’s easy to see why they weren’t thrilled about him.
On the flip side, staying true to Sheldon’s obnoxious traits in the show further amplified his character development in the main show, thus increasing the parent show’s replayability. Moreover, keeping in mind that Young Sheldon still proved to be a hit among fans, thanks to the rest of the cast, it’s safe to say that sticking with an unlikeable Sheldon for the prequel was the right decision.
Playing one problematic character in the show took a toll on Zoe Perry
One of the major contributors to Sheldon’s problematic behavior is his mother Mary Cooper, who kept on enabling him throughout his childhood. As for Zoe Perry, who played the character exceptionally, the actress revealed (via Mashable) that the gig took a physical toll on her due to Cooper’s rigid structure, which required Cooper to be very stiff and stand upright.
Least favorite is probably her rigidity, because it is not only metaphorical but literal! I find that I am constantly tense when I am playing her. So at the end of the day, I’m a little sore!
In the end, the show did a great job of fleshing out the Sheldon family dynamics, and with the Georgie and Mandy spin-off proving to be a hit, we can brace ourselves for more potential TBBT spin-offs.
