Lance Barber, best known as George Cooper Sr. on Young Sheldon, has officially done it again. After wrapping up his seven-season run as Sheldon’s lovable-yet-flawed dad, Barber jumped straight into a new role—one that’s not only flourished over five hit seasons, but now has Disney greenlighting a full-blown spinoff.
Yeah, you read that right. The guy who once anchored Sheldon’s chaotic household is now leading a comedy empireof his own.
What’s the Show That Sparked the Spinoff?
Meet Backyard Dads — The Sleeper Hit That Took Off
Barber’s breakout post-Young Sheldon role came in the form of Doug “Dozer” Mitchell, a single dad navigating suburban chaos with his three best friends in Disney Television’s sleeper comedy Backyard Dads.
Think:
“Modern Family” meets “The Middle” with a sprinkle of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” energy.
Over five seasons, Backyard Dads built a cult following thanks to its:
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Relatable parenting humor
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Tight-knit cast chemistry
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Surprising emotional moments
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Barber’s flawless comedic timing
What started as a small streaming comedy quickly climbed the charts on Disney+ and Hulu, pulling in both family audiences and sitcom lovers.
Why Is Disney Betting Big on a Spinoff?
The Numbers Don’t Lie
According to internal reports and streaming analytics:
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Season 4 of Backyard Dads was the most-watched comedy premiere on Disney+ that year
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Viewer retention remained over 78% across seasons (that’s huge)
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Barber’s character ranked #1 in audience polls for “Favorite TV Dad” two years in a row
Disney saw the writing on the wall. The demand for more Doug Mitchell content was impossible to ignore.
What’s the Spinoff About?
Introducing Backyard Moms – Same World, New Perspective
The new spinoff—Backyard Moms—will flip the script and focus on the wives, ex-wives, and girlfriends of the original crew. Described as:
“A sharp, heart-forward comedy exploring the chaos of modern motherhood—from wine nights to wild PTA meetings.”
Lance Barber will recur as Doug, but the show will primarily star:
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Chandra Wilson (as Doug’s new fiancée)
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Anna Camp (as the no-nonsense neighbor mom)
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Retta (as the chaotic-yet-wise group leader)
It’s not just a cash-in. The creative team wants to build an interconnected sitcom universe—think Abbott Elementarymeets Parenthood with a streaming-age twist.
When Does the Spinoff Premiere?
Mark Your Calendars—Fall 2026 on Hulu and Disney+
Production for Backyard Moms is slated to begin in early 2026, with the premiere landing that Fall, just in time for network season launches.
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📅 Filming Start: February 2026
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📍 Location: Atlanta, GA
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📺 Platform: Hulu (U.S.), Disney+ (International)
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🧡 Season 1 Order: 10 episodes
Lance Barber’s Reaction to the Spinoff News
“I Guess They’re Stuck With Me”
Barber, never one to take himself too seriously, shared a heartfelt and hilarious reaction on Instagram:
“Guess the dad jokes worked. Five seasons later, they still haven’t killed me off. I guess they’re stuck with me.”
He also teased that Doug’s arc in Backyard Moms will go deeper into his second-chance romance and blended family chaos—territory he’s ready to explore with both comedy and sincerity.
Why Audiences Love Lance Barber Post-Young Sheldon
A New Era for the Lovable Everyman
While Barber nailed the grounded complexity of George Cooper, his role in Backyard Dads allowed him to stretch his comedy chops and embrace the goofy, awkward, and warm-hearted energy of a sitcom dad who’s trying—but not always succeeding.
Audiences have responded to that authenticity. He’s relatable, ridiculous, and real—all at once.
The Power of Barber’s Career Evolution
From Character Actor to Sitcom Anchor
Barber spent years as a scene-stealer in supporting roles—appearing in The Comeback, It’s Always Sunny, Californication, and of course, Young Sheldon.
But now? He’s leading his own show. And soon, two.
This spinoff confirmation marks his official elevation to sitcom royalty—a title fans agree he’s more than earned.
Disney’s Strategy: Building a Comedy Universe
The “Backyard” Brand Might Be Just the Beginning
Insiders say Disney is exploring:
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Crossovers between Backyard Dads and Backyard Moms
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Holiday specials featuring both casts
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A potential third series focused on the kids as teenagers
The tone, vibe, and themes have connected across demographics, giving Disney something rare: a multi-generational comedy franchise with room to grow.
Critical Acclaim Meets Fan Obsession
What the Critics Say
Reviewers have consistently praised Backyard Dads for its:
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“Surprising emotional range”
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“Effortless chemistry”
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“Smart, family-first writing that doesn’t feel forced”
Many credit Barber’s grounded performance for keeping the show anchored, even when the hijinks fly.
Final Thoughts – Barber’s Second Act Is Just Getting Started
Lance Barber may have become a household name as George Cooper Sr., but his real career triumph might just be happening now.
With five successful seasons under his belt and a Disney-backed spinoff on the way, Barber is doing what few TV dads ever manage:
He’s turned a legacy role into the launchpad for an entire comedic universe.
And fans? They’re here for every minute of it.
FAQs
1. What is Lance Barber’s new show after Young Sheldon?
It’s called Backyard Dads, a hit Disney comedy where he plays Doug Mitchell, a chaotic but lovable single dad.
2. Is Backyard Dads connected to Young Sheldon?
No, it’s a completely separate show and character, but it showcases Barber in a similarly heartfelt comedic role.
3. What is the new spinoff Backyard Moms about?
It focuses on the women of the Backyard Dads universe and their friendships, parenting chaos, and personal lives, with Barber appearing in a recurring role.
4. When will the spinoff premiere?
Disney has set Backyard Moms to premiere in Fall 2026 on Hulu and Disney+.
5. Will there be more spinoffs in the “Backyard” universe?
Possibly! Disney is exploring crossovers and a potential third series following the kids as teens.
From George Cooper to Doug Mitchell—Lance Barber proves that good dads make great television. And this time, Disney’s making sure the whole backyard’s watching.
