Thanksgiving is a time for family to come together, no matter the distance, making it the perfect occasion for reunions—especially in the world of television. This year, Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage, a spin-off of Young Sheldon, promises a special Thanksgiving episode that will feature almost all the beloved characters celebrating the holiday with the McAllisters—except for one major absence: Sheldon himself.
Annie Potts, who portrays Connie/Meemaw, shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the festivities, showcasing her alongside Zoe Perry as Mary, Raegan Revord as Missy, and Craig T. Nelson as Dale, all gathered in the McAllister home. They’re joined by Will Sasso as Jim, Rachel Bay Jones as Audrey, Dougie Baldwin as Mandy’s brother Connor, and Jessie Prez as tire store employee Ruben. Of course, the titular characters, Emily Osment and Montana Jordan, are also part of the fun!
According to TVLine, this much-anticipated Thanksgiving episode will be the fifth installment of Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage. While the exact air date hasn’t been announced, it’s likely to land around the holiday or on Thanksgiving itself, given the show’s Thursday premiere. Don’t forget, the new series kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, on CBS!
We already know Meemaw and Mary will be appearing in the premiere (yay!), with Missy showing up in Episode 2. It’s thrilling to see these beloved characters returning for more than just one episode. However, it’s a bittersweet moment knowing that Iain Armitage, who plays Sheldon, won’t be present for Thanksgiving.
Given Sheldon’s intense focus on his studies, especially during this time in his life, it makes sense that he would prioritize his academic pursuits over family gatherings. Even if he’s on break from Caltech in Pasadena, California, the distance from Texas makes a visit unlikely.
While his absence will be felt, fans are hopeful for Sheldon’s eventual return. Armitage has expressed interest in reprising his role whenever possible, and we’d love to see that happen! For now, though, let’s celebrate the return of most main characters—though we still feel the ache of George’s loss.