When The Big Bang Theory wrapped up its legendary 12-season run, one of its most emotional moments came when Sheldon Cooper stood on stage, receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics alongside Amy Farrah Fowler. In a rare moment of self-awareness and humility, Sheldon used his acceptance speech to thank his friends—acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his journey.
However, one glaring omission left Young Sheldon fans scratching their heads: Dr. Grant Linkletter, one of Sheldon’s earliest mentors, was completely erased from the narrative.
Dr. Linkletter’s Pivotal Role in Young Sheldon’s Life
In Young Sheldon, Dr. Grant Linkletter is introduced as a physics professor at East Texas Tech, where young Sheldon, a child prodigy, begins his college journey at just 11 years old. Played by Ed Begley Jr., Linkletter isn’t just another academic figure—he is one of the few characters who truly challenges Sheldon while also recognizing his genius.
Despite Sheldon’s arrogance and often insufferable demeanor, Dr. Linkletter serves as a reluctant mentor, offering guidance while keeping the boy wonder’s ego in check. He plays a crucial role in facilitating Sheldon’s research and even helps him secure an academic opportunity in Germany—an experience that undeniably shaped his future career in physics.
Why Didn’t The Big Bang Theory Acknowledge Dr. Linkletter?
Given his influence, many fans expected that when Sheldon gave his heartfelt Nobel speech, he would acknowledge figures from his past who played a role in his journey. While he thanked Leonard, Penny, and his other friends, there was no mention of Dr. Linkletter—or even Dr. Sturgis, another mentor from Young Sheldon.
This omission raises an interesting question: Did The Big Bang Theory’s writers simply overlook Linkletter’s contributions, or was it an intentional decision?
One possible reason is that Young Sheldon was still in its early seasons when The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019. At the time, Dr. Linkletter had not yet been fully developed as a character. His mentorship of Sheldon was still unfolding, and the connection between the two series hadn’t been fully solidified.
Another explanation is that Sheldon’s Nobel speech was more about his personal relationships rather than his academic influences. The emotional weight of that scene revolved around his character growth—acknowledging the friends he once dismissed rather than his intellectual mentors.
A Missed Opportunity for Continuity?
Despite these potential explanations, the absence of Dr. Linkletter in The Big Bang Theory feels like a missed opportunity to bridge the two shows more seamlessly.
Young Sheldon has gone to great lengths to flesh out Sheldon’s backstory, filling in details that The Big Bang Theory only hinted at. If the spinoff continues to influence the broader Big Bang universe, future episodes might retroactively address this inconsistency.
Would Sheldon ever reach out to Dr. Linkletter in the present day? Could we see a future Young Sheldon episode where an older Sheldon reflects on the mentors he never properly acknowledged? These are questions that fans would love to see answered.
Final Thoughts
While The Big Bang Theory wrapped up its story in a satisfying way for most fans, its failure to acknowledge Dr. Linkletter feels like an oversight—one that Young Sheldon has since highlighted.
Dr. Linkletter wasn’t just another professor—he was one of the first people to recognize and nurture Sheldon’s potential. And while his name may not have been spoken during Sheldon’s Nobel speech, his impact on Sheldon’s journey is undeniable.
FAQs
1. Who is Dr. Linkletter in Young Sheldon?
Dr. Grant Linkletter is a physics professor at East Texas Tech who mentors young Sheldon during his early college years.
2. Why didn’t Sheldon mention Dr. Linkletter in his Nobel speech?
The Big Bang Theory likely didn’t acknowledge Dr. Linkletter because his character wasn’t fully developed in Young Sheldon when the original show ended.
3. Did Dr. Linkletter play a big role in Sheldon’s academic career?
Yes, he helped shape Sheldon’s early experiences in academia and even facilitated an important research opportunity in Germany.
4. Could Young Sheldon address this omission in the future?
It’s possible. Future episodes might retroactively highlight Linkletter’s impact or show an older Sheldon reflecting on his past mentors.
5. Will Dr. Linkletter appear in later seasons of Young Sheldon?
As Young Sheldon continues, Dr. Linkletter may have more screen time, further cementing his role in Sheldon’s story.
