Bold Move: How Young Sheldon Successfully Ditched the Laugh Track and Avoided a Sitcom Spinoff Blunder

Summary

Young Sheldon managed to steer clear of the typical issues faced by sitcom spinoffs by eliminating The Big Bang Theory's laughter track, resulting in a refreshing and distinctive atmosphere.

The creators of the show accomplished the task of giving Young Sheldon a completely distinct feel from The Big Bang Theory by fundamentally changing its style and tone.

Young Sheldon stood out among other spinoffs by incorporating a voiceover and exploring different genres, resulting in a more successful and enjoyable show. Unlike many sitcom spinoffs that closely replicate their predecessors, Young Sheldon managed to avoid this by eliminating The Big Bang Theory's laugh track. Sitcom spinoffs can be challenging to execute effectively. If the new series is too similar to the original, it can be perceived as redundant and unoriginal, as evidenced by the unsuccessful Friends follow-up, Joey. On the other hand, if the spinoff deviates too much from the style of the original series, it can feel jarring and unwelcome. While other genres of television can thrive in this unpredictable space, sitcoms are often preferred for their comfort and familiarity. Therefore, daring experimentation may not always be embraced in this genre.

Young Sheldon Changed TBBT’s Style More Than Most Spinoffs

The creators of sitcom spinoffs face a common challenge: how to maintain a similar experience while giving the show its own distinctiveness. Young Sheldon accomplished this by following the story of George Sr., Mary, and the rest of the Cooper family. Unlike other sitcom spinoffs that struggled to live up to the critical acclaim of their predecessors, Young Sheldon sidestepped comparisons with The Big Bang Theory by fundamentally changing the tone of the series. The show felt completely different, which contributed to its success.

Critics argued that even successful spinoffs like That '90s Show and How I Met Your Father faced backlash for their striking similarities to the original series. This issue often arises when follow-ups fail to modernize or reinvent the franchise. A major contributing factor was the complete replication of their predecessors' style. In a smart move, Young Sheldon introduced narration and eliminated The Big Bang Theory's laugh track, allowing the spinoff to transition from a hang-out show to a family sitcom.

Young Sheldon’s New Tone Made TBBT’s Spinoff Feel Fresh

In contrast, both How I Met Your Father and That '90s Show preserved the style of their predecessors, which ultimately hindered their ability to distinguish themselves. The striking resemblance between How I Met Your Father and How I Met Your Mother made it nearly impossible to watch the series without recalling Ted Mosby and his friends. Similarly, That '90s Show's utilization of a laugh track and recognizable kitschy editing, akin to That '70s Show, resulted in the show feeling like a mere replica, even during its most impressive moments. Meanwhile, Young Sheldon deviated significantly from The Big Bang Theory in terms of both appearance and the overall experience it offered.

Young Sheldon's decision to incorporate voiceover narration was not the boldest stylistic choice ever made by a sitcom. However, the spinoff's setting in the early '90s tapped into audience nostalgia, resulting in a feeling of freshness compared to other sitcom spinoffs. While it would have been effortless for the creators to replicate The Big Bang Theory's formula with a new cast, Young Sheldon took a different approach by putting a new spin on the show's central character. Ultimately, this leap proved to be advantageous.