A large part of The Big Bang Theory’s comedy style relies on what some viewers perceive to be harmful stereotypes. But despite the criticisms, CBS was happy to greelight spinoff series Young Sheldon.
Speaking at the Banff World Media Festival, series creator Chuck Lorrre explained why the studio was eager to go ahead with Young Sheldon. “I walked in [former CBS chairman and CEO] Les Moonves’ office about 10 years ago and said, ‘I have an idea for a show about Sheldon when he’s 10 years old in East Texas.’ And he went, ‘Go do it, now,'” he said via The Hollywood Reporter.
According to Lorre, that was when he learned that the real value of a spinoff was about money and less about the story. “You never get a green light because it’s deep,” he explained. “You get a greenlight because [the studios] think they can make a profit.” Still Lorre, believes that getting real laughter is the most important thing. “What I want to do is make a good show, you know, and there’s a good show to be made that is exciting and fun to work on, and will provide laughter,” he added.
Lorre, whose credits also include The Kominsky Method, Mom, and Two and a Half Men, doesn’t stick to a specific camera style when filming his sitcoms. “I don’t think the audience cares how many cameras are being used,” he explained. “You want to feel that you care about the characters, and you’re truly laughing at the comedy. When a joke dies, you can hear the 134 freeway. It’s right there,” he added, referring to the distance between the Warner Bros. lot and the highway.
The Big Bang Theory Spawned A Franchise
Despite some misgivings, The Big Bang Theory eventually became a massive hit for CBS, reaching the number one spot in the ratings during its eleventh season. The show, which followed the everyday antics of Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Raj, Howard, Bernadette and Amy, was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series at the Emmy Awards from 2011 to 2014. Jim Parsons took home the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series four times for his portrayal of Sheldon.
When Young Sheldon hit screens in 2017, it was met with a much more positive response than the flagship show. Season 1 earned 76% approval rating from critics on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, with the overall consensus crediting the “appealing cast and relatable themes” with bringing “a fresh and overall enjoyable perspective to its central character’s familiar story.” After the show ended, another spinoff, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, became an instant fan-favorite.
Lorre is currently developing Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, which will focus on Big Bang Theory characters Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman), Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie), Denise (Lauren Lapkus), and Bert Kibbler (Brian Posehn). Lorre recently confirmed that 10 episodes have been written, while stating that the show will use “a lot of CGI” to add elements of science fiction and fantasy.
