TV audiences are expressing their disappointment at the announcement of yet another Big Bang Theory spin-off, following the release of new details about the project.
On October 10, it was reported that this new series, which was first announced in 2023, will center on three characters from the original sitcom: comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, his girlfriend Denise, and recurring character Bert Kibbler. Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, and Brian Posehn are set to reprise their roles, and the series is currently being written, with an anticipated green light from Max.
Chuck Lorre, co-creator of the original Big Bang Theory and executive producer of the spin-off Young Sheldon (which concluded earlier this year), is returning to helm the new project.
However, as details emerged, many viewers quickly questioned the necessity of adding another show to the Big Bang Theory franchise, which originally aired for 12 seasons from 2007 to 2020. The original series was a cultural phenomenon for CBS, elevating its lead actors—such as Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, and Johnny Galecki—to some of the highest-paid positions in television.
Young Sheldon also enjoyed considerable success, running for seven seasons from 2017 to 2024. As it wrapped up, executive producer Steve Holland noted, “This is the right time for this story to come to an end.” Despite this sentiment, viewers appear to have grown weary of the franchise.
In response to the announcement of the new spin-off, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have been flooded with comments urging creators to move on from the Big Bang Theory and focus on developing original content. One user wrote, “That’s going to be a hard pass from me,” while another suggested, “OR… and hear me out… we green light or revive more original sitcoms that had original characters and an original plot line that haven’t gotten to see the light of day instead of making constant revivals and reboots and spin-offs.”
Others echoed this frustration, with one user pleading, “Cancel it, I’m begging,” and another asking, “Why? Literally why?”
The current television landscape is rife with spin-offs, with new series emerging from established franchises like Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings, The Walking Dead, and The Boys. This trend has prompted many to call for more innovative storytelling rather than revisiting familiar characters and narratives.
As the response to the new Big Bang Theory spin-off continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the franchise can recapture the magic of its original run or if it will ultimately face a backlash from viewers seeking fresh and original content.
