Game Changer: How Young Sheldon Revolutionizes the Big Bang Theory

Despite existing in the same reality, Young Sheldon brings about several changes to The Big Bang Theory. After a decade-long run, CBS made the decision to expand the universe of The Big Bang Theory in 2017 by introducing its first spin-off. Drawing inspiration from Sheldon Cooper's tales of his prodigious childhood in Texas, Young Sheldon serves as an origin story for the character. However, it has also taken the opportunity to diversify its storytelling in recent years, transforming into more of an ensemble series. This shift has led to a greater focus on the rest of the Cooper family, which became particularly evident in season 6.

Young Sheldon has faced constant criticism for its relaxed approach to preserving established continuity. While it is unable to adhere to every detail that Sheldon mentioned about his childhood in The Big Bang Theory, given that some were simply too outlandish, the prequel could have easily avoided many plot holes if it had been more careful with its storytelling. As Young Sheldon continues with its more varied narrative, it not only provides additional context for some of Sheldon's peculiarities, but also alters some of the key aspects of the character in this sitcom centered around nerds.

8 Young Sheldon Changes The Big Bang Theory's George

In the original CBS sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, both Sheldon and Mary portrayed George, the Cooper patriarch, in a negative light. They depicted him as lazy, stupid, and constantly intoxicated, painting him as a bad father and husband. Since Sheldon and Mary supported each other's stories and George was absent to defend himself, this negative image of him went unchallenged. However, all of this changed when Lance Barber took on the role of Sheldon's dad in Young Sheldon. In the prequel, George retains some of his characteristics, such as being a sports enthusiast and enjoying beer. Yet, he is markedly different from the neglectful family man described by Sheldon and Mary. While he may not possess the same level of intellect as the young prodigy, he is a devoted family man who goes above and beyond for his loved ones. In fact, Young Sheldon highlights how George is undervalued by his own family.

7 Young Sheldon Makes Mary The Big Bang Theory Complicated

In The Big Bang Theory, Mary's love for Sheldon is evident, but her character is portrayed as judgmental and rude, often using her faith to justify her behavior. However, in Young Sheldon, Mary becomes a more complex character, showing a softer and more subdued side. The prequel series depicts her struggling with her faith and constantly worrying about Sheldon, which adds a humanizing element to her character.

Additionally, Young Sheldon uncovers some previously undisclosed aspects of Mary's past that were not mentioned in The Big Bang Theory. This includes her own history of infidelity with Pastor Rob. While the spin-off series has addressed and resolved George and Brenda's inappropriate relationship, the outcome of Mary's connection with Pastor Rob remains uncertain.

6 Young Sheldon Makes Missy's The Big Bang Theory Story A Tragedy

While Missy may not possess the same level of intellectual prowess as her brother, she stands out as the most well-rounded individual in the entire family. Alongside her quick wit, she also exhibits emotional maturity and a captivating charm. It is perplexing to comprehend why she never achieved her full potential, ultimately becoming the least successful among the Cooper siblings. The sixth season of Young Sheldon delves deeper into Missy's poignant narrative, shedding light on the tragic nature of her debut in The Big Bang Theory. Not only does she bear the weight of serving as the family's emotional pillar, but she also endures consistent neglect from her own parents as they prioritize their attention on Sheldon.

5 Young Sheldon Shows A Different Side Of Big Bang Theory's Georgie

Georgie's portrayal in The Big Bang Theory depicted him as arrogant, vengeful, and somewhat of a womanizer, having been married multiple times and prioritizing his business, Mr. Tire. However, Young Sheldon presents a contrasting version of the character – one that is committed, responsible, and even displays romantic tendencies. The relationship between Georgie and Mandy can be considered as one of the most compelling original storylines introduced in Young Sheldon. With no mention of it in The Big Bang Theory, CBS has the opportunity to further develop their narrative with greater creative freedom – as long as they eventually end their relationship.

4 Young Sheldon Proves Sheldon Is A Pathological Liar In The Big Bang Theory

In The Big Bang Theory, there were certain stories that Young Sheldon chose to omit. However, there were others that revealed Sheldon's tendency to fabricate the truth in the series centered around nerds. It is difficult to fathom that someone with an eidetic memory would overlook important details about his childhood stories, unless he purposely altered them to portray himself in a better light. This becomes evident when Sheldon falsely portrays Billy Sparks as a big bully in The Big Bang Theory, despite Brenda's kid actually being kind, albeit not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Similarly, Sheldon's tale about his pact with Tam seems highly unlikely now, considering they hardly spend any time together anymore. However, perhaps the most significant falsehood that Sheldon may have uttered in The Big Bang Theory was his claim of catching his father cheating during his spring break at the age of 13. In Young Sheldon, the timeline has already surpassed this event, and nothing remotely resembling what he shared with Penny has transpired.

3 Young Sheldon Cheapens Sheldon & Amy's The Big Bang Theory Romance

Paige's introduction in Young Sheldon has raised numerous questions about Sheldon's childhood. While her impact on Sheldon's academic journey is significant, her influence on Sheldon and Amy's love story in The Big Bang Theory is even more remarkable. What made their romantic relationship particularly special was the fact that Sheldon had never been attracted to anyone before meeting Amy. However, this was not entirely true, as he had once developed a crush on Paige. In Young Sheldon season 6, he went as far as allowing her to sleep on his dorm bed, a privilege that he had denied Amy during the early stages of their relationship in The Big Bang Theory.

2 Sheldon's Relationship With Meemaw Isn't That Special

Sheldon's special bond with Meemaw was a focal point in The Big Bang Theory. However, Young Sheldon has shifted its focus away from their relationship and has instead chosen to explore the heartwarming connections between Connie and Missy and Georgie. In the sixth season of Young Sheldon, Connie forms a close relationship with the oldest Cooper sibling as she supports him and Mandy throughout their pregnancy journey.

1 Young Sheldon Cheapens Its The Big Bang Theory Crossover

Sheldon and Amy encountered a significant obstacle in their pursuit of the Nobel Prize in Physics, which deeply affected the socially-awkward genius. The portrayal of this setback in The Big Bang Theory suggested it was Sheldon's first major failure, contradicting the experiences depicted in Young Sheldon with his grant database project. Interestingly, George's motivational speech lost its impact, as Sheldon managed to bounce back relatively swiftly from his frustration at East Texas Tech, even without any words of encouragement from him.