The hit TV show Young Sheldon has been a fan favorite ever since its debut, providing a fresh look at the childhood of the beloved character Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. However, like any spin-off show, Young Sheldon has faced some scrutiny from fans and critics alike, particularly regarding inconsistencies between the two series. From timeline issues to character discrepancies, Young Sheldon has occasionally contradicted elements established in The Big Bang Theory.
In this article, we’ll dive into 12 major inconsistencies between the two shows that have raised eyebrows and sparked debates among fans.
1. Sheldon’s Love for Star Trek
In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon’s obsession with Star Trek is well-known. His love for the show is one of his defining characteristics, and it’s regularly referenced throughout the series. However, in Young Sheldon, Sheldon doesn’t appear to have this particular passion—at least not in the same way.
Inconsistency:
In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon often quotes Star Trek and refers to it as his favorite show. But in Young Sheldon, there are no clear indications of this obsession, especially in his early years. This is a significant oversight, considering how much Star Trek is integrated into Sheldon’s character later on.
2. Sheldon’s Age at High School Graduation
One of the central aspects of Young Sheldon is that Sheldon is a child prodigy, starting college at the age of 11. However, in The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon tells his friends that he graduated from high school at the age of 14.
Inconsistency:
In Young Sheldon, we see Sheldon starting high school at a young age, but it doesn’t quite line up with his age when he eventually graduates. Fans have noticed that Sheldon’s age at high school graduation seems inconsistent with the timeline that The Big Bang Theory sets up for his life.
3. Sheldon’s Relationship with His Father
Sheldon’s relationship with his father, George Cooper Sr., is somewhat strained in Young Sheldon. However, in The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon rarely mentions his father and when he does, the tone is one of indifference, sometimes even bitterness.
Inconsistency:
While Young Sheldon presents George as a loving but flawed father who has moments of tenderness with his son, The Big Bang Theory often paints George in a more negative light. The contrast between these portrayals raises questions about the true nature of Sheldon’s relationship with his father.
4. Sheldon’s Sister, Missy, and Her Age
In Young Sheldon, Missy Cooper is depicted as Sheldon’s twin sister, and their relationship is an essential part of the show. However, in The Big Bang Theory, Missy’s age doesn’t seem to match Sheldon’s. For example, when Sheldon and Missy appear in flashbacks, there are inconsistencies regarding how old they should be in comparison to each other.
Inconsistency:
In The Big Bang Theory, Missy is sometimes portrayed as being a few years younger or older than Sheldon, despite the fact that they are twins in Young Sheldon. This has caused confusion about their ages and the timeline in both shows.
5. Sheldon’s Social Awkwardness
Sheldon is known for his extreme social awkwardness in The Big Bang Theory. His inability to understand social norms, sarcasm, and basic empathy is a core part of his character. However, in Young Sheldon, his social struggles seem less pronounced.
Inconsistency:
In Young Sheldon, we occasionally see Sheldon interact with his classmates and family with more ease than we see in The Big Bang Theory. This suggests that his social awkwardness developed over time, even though we are led to believe he has always struggled in these areas.
6. Sheldon’s Relationship with His Mother, Mary
Sheldon’s relationship with his mother, Mary, is a prominent focus in Young Sheldon. She’s portrayed as a deeply religious woman who supports Sheldon’s genius while also trying to provide him with a sense of normalcy. In The Big Bang Theory, however, Mary’s role in Sheldon’s life appears to be less central, and Sheldon’s connection to her seems more detached.
Inconsistency:
In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon’s mother is only seen occasionally, and the depth of their relationship is never fully explored. In Young Sheldon, Mary is one of the most significant figures in Sheldon’s life, and the dynamic between them seems far more nurturing than what we see in The Big Bang Theory.
7. Sheldon’s Fear of Driving
In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon famously states that he is afraid of driving and doesn’t drive for years. This becomes a point of humor in the series. However, in Young Sheldon, we see Sheldon learning to drive and exhibiting far less fear of the activity.
Inconsistency:
In Young Sheldon, Sheldon doesn’t seem to have the same fear of driving that he claims in The Big Bang Theory. This inconsistency regarding Sheldon’s fear of driving adds another layer of confusion for fans who are trying to reconcile the two shows.
8. Sheldon’s Relationship with Leonard’s Mother
One of the most enduring relationships in The Big Bang Theory is Sheldon’s dynamic with Leonard’s mother, Beverly Hofstadter. While Sheldon is initially resistant to her, over time, they develop a unique bond. In Young Sheldon, however, there is no mention of Beverly, and Sheldon’s relationship with Leonard doesn’t seem as developed.
Inconsistency:
The lack of reference to Beverly in Young Sheldon raises some questions, considering how significant her interactions with Sheldon were in The Big Bang Theory. The inconsistency regarding Sheldon’s relationship with Leonard and his mother feels like an oversight.
9. Sheldon’s Friendships in Young Sheldon
In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon’s friendship with Leonard, Howard, and Raj is central to the show. However, in Young Sheldon, Sheldon’s interactions with his peers seem more centered around his academic pursuits and family dynamics, with less emphasis on developing strong friendships.
Inconsistency:
In Young Sheldon, Sheldon doesn’t appear to have the same kind of deep friendships that he develops with his adult colleagues in The Big Bang Theory. His social circle is very different, which makes it harder to believe that he would eventually form such tight bonds later on.
10. Sheldon’s Work in Theoretical Physics
In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon is a highly successful theoretical physicist, known for his groundbreaking work in string theory. However, in Young Sheldon, Sheldon is still very much a child prodigy, and his research into physics hasn’t fully developed.
Inconsistency:
Young Sheldon often focuses on Sheldon’s academic achievements in his early years, but there’s a significant gap between the childhood genius shown in the spin-off and the fully-fledged physicist seen in The Big Bang Theory. The transition from one to the other isn’t always clear.
11. The Absence of Bernadette and Amy in Sheldon’s Early Life
In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon eventually forms romantic relationships with Amy and Bernadette. However, in Young Sheldon, there is no mention of these two important characters. Given that Sheldon’s relationship with Amy is such a crucial part of The Big Bang Theory, the absence of Amy and Bernadette in his early life feels like a missed opportunity.
Inconsistency:
Fans expected to see hints of Sheldon’s future relationships in Young Sheldon, but neither Amy nor Bernadette appears in any significant way. This omission makes it difficult to reconcile Sheldon’s character arc between the two shows.
12. Sheldon’s Sense of Humor
Sheldon’s humor is one of the defining aspects of his character in The Big Bang Theory. His dry wit, awkward jokes, and occasional sarcasm are central to the show’s comedy. In Young Sheldon, however, Sheldon’s sense of humor is far more childlike and naïve.
Inconsistency:
While Young Sheldon portrays Sheldon as highly intelligent, his sense of humor doesn’t seem to match the sarcastic, deadpan humor he exhibits in The Big Bang Theory. This shift in Sheldon’s comedic style further emphasizes the differences between the two versions of the character.
Conclusion: Navigating the Inconsistencies
While Young Sheldon provides a fascinating look at the childhood of Sheldon Cooper, the show does not always align perfectly with the continuity established in The Big Bang Theory. From Sheldon’s social interactions to his age and relationships, there are several notable inconsistencies that fans have picked up on over the years. Nevertheless, both shows offer unique insights into Sheldon’s character, and these discrepancies are part of what makes the Big Bang Theory universe so intriguing to explore.
FAQs
1. Why do Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory have so many inconsistencies? The two shows were developed with different creative directions, and Young Sheldon is a prequel, meaning some aspects of Sheldon’s backstory had to be adapted for storytelling purposes.
2. Do the inconsistencies between the shows impact the overall storyline? While the inconsistencies may confuse some fans, they do not significantly impact the overall enjoyment or central storylines of either show.
3. Will future Young Sheldon episodes address these inconsistencies? It’s unlikely that Young Sheldon will fully address every inconsistency with The Big Bang Theory, as it is a separate series with its own narrative focus.
4. How does Sheldon’s relationship with his family differ in Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory? In Young Sheldon, his relationships with his family, particularly his mother, are more central to his development, while in The Big Bang Theory, these relationships are less prominently explored.
5. Are there any character developments that are better explained in Young Sheldon than in The Big Bang Theory? Yes, Young Sheldon gives viewers a deeper understanding of Sheldon’s childhood and how his genius and social struggles developed, offering more context for his adult behavior in The Big Bang Theory.
