Anticipate a 50% Reduction in Episode Count for Young Sheldon Season 7

Article Overview

Young Sheldon's seventh season will have only 50% of its usual episode count, with about 10-13 episodes instead of the usual 20+.

The shorter season presents storytelling challenges due to multiple plot lines and character arcs that require satisfactory resolution. CBS might have to commission another season to ensure sufficient time to wrap up all loose ends and preserve the show's overall legacy.

Young Sheldon season 7 is expected to have only half of its usual episode count due to production delays caused by the recent strikes. Despite the strikes being resolved, the show has yet to start filming new episodes, which were originally planned to air in mid-September. According to a report from TV Line, CBS may be able to produce around 10-13 episodes for the season, compared to the usual 20 or more episodes. This would make it the shortest season for the prequel to The Big Bang Theory, surpassing the previous shortest season during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic with 18 episodes in season 4.

Why A Shorter Young Sheldon Season 7 Is Concerning

CBS, the current home of the number one comedy on TV, Young Sheldon, is understandably determined to keep the show on the air for as long as possible. Unlike its predecessor, The Big Bang Theory, where major actors expressed their desire to end the series, all key cast members of this prequel have shown interest in continuing. However, the main reason behind the notion that Young Sheldon should conclude with its seventh season is its adherence to The Big Bang Theory canon. According to this canon, Sheldon should have already completed college and relocated to Pasadena to pursue post-graduate studies at Caltech within a year.

Ultimately, the fate of Young Sheldon lies in the hands of the writers. If indeed the seventh season is its last, a shortened time period presents significant challenges for the show. Firstly, there are multiple ongoing storylines that must be addressed in order to conclude the series satisfactorily. Over the years, the show has expanded its storytelling to include captivating arcs for not only Sheldon but also his family members. Cutting the number of episodes in half would force CBS to truncate certain plots or hastily wrap them up, potentially compromising the comedy's lasting impact.

With the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike, the production of Young Sheldon is anticipated to commence sooner rather than later, particularly if CBS wishes to release episodes by the midseason. Prior to that, an official announcement is likely to be made regarding the show's future. Taking everything into account, it might be in CBS's best interest to renew the show for another year to ensure sufficient time to resolve all narrative strands.

Editor's P/S

As a fan of Young Sheldon, I am concerned about the potential reduction in episode count for season 7. The show has been a consistent source of entertainment and laughter for me, and I would hate to see it end prematurely. I understand that the strikes have caused production delays, but I hope that CBS can find a way to work around them and give the show the full season it deserves.

I am also concerned about the impact that a shorter season could have on the storytelling. Young Sheldon has a lot of ongoing storylines and character arcs that need to be resolved, and I worry that a shorter season will not give the writers enough time to do them justice. I would much rather see the show take its time and wrap up the stories in a satisfying way, even if that means waiting a little longer for new episodes.