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CBS may be making a similar mistake in Young Sheldon season 7 as they did in the final season of The Big Bang Theory. Currently, Young Sheldon is the top comedy on TV and is derived from one of the most successful sitcoms in history. It tells the origin story of Jim Parsons' character, Sheldon Cooper, while he resides in Texas with his family. In an effort to capitalize on the popularity of The Big Bang Theory, CBS has included numerous references to the original show in Young Sheldon. However, even though several years have passed since the conclusion of The Big Bang Theory, it is evident that the spin-off has successfully established its own unique identity.
During its initial two seasons, Young Sheldon aired consecutively with The Big Bang Theory, creating a strong comedy block on Thursday nights for CBS. However, over the past four years since the original series ended in 2019, the prequel has gradually gained a wider audience. While initially, Young Sheldon's appeal relied heavily on its connection to its predecessor, it has managed to develop its own identity over time. Nonetheless, despite its current success, the comedy may be approaching its conclusion, and the way CBS is handling this potentially puts the show at risk of repeating the same mistake made in The Big Bang Theory season 12.
Why Young Sheldon Could End With Season 7
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Young Sheldon's greatest appeal lies in its exploration of the Cooper family dynamics, despite the show being named after Sheldon. Throughout the years, the storytelling has evolved to give more attention to the other members of the Cooper clan. This has resulted in a dynamic sixth season of Young Sheldon, featuring multiple plot lines. These include the complicated yet intriguing romance between Georgie and Mandy, Missy's rebellious phase, and the deteriorating marriage of Mary and George. Meanwhile, Sheldon's personal storylines primarily take place at East Texas Tech, focusing on his grant database and plots related to Germany. As a result, Sheldon has been somewhat isolated from the events unfolding at home.
Unfortunately, despite the potential for these story arcs to continue, Young Sheldon may be coming to an end after its seventh season. Although the show has introduced some inconsistencies in its plot, it remains tied to The Big Bang Theory canon. According to this canon, Sheldon eventually moves from Texas to Pasadena, California to pursue his postgraduate studies at Caltech. Currently, young Sheldon only has one year left in college, making the upcoming seventh season a natural conclusion to the prequel. It is also worth mentioning that the upcoming season will be the final one as part of CBS' three-year renewal.
Young Sheldon Season 7 May Copy TBBT's Rushed Ending Problem
Young Sheldon season 7's future remains uncertain, but producer Steve Holland has revealed that the first half of the season will proceed as planned regardless. However, the later storylines may be affected as they could potentially set up the show's final farewell. This approach is not without risk, as seen in the rushed storytelling of The Big Bang Theory's final season. The decision to end the popular sitcom was made just before filming began, leading to unearned moments and unresolved plot lines due to previously written storylines. CBS taking a similar approach with Young Sheldon's conclusion could result in a problematic finale.
What Still Needs To Happen Before Young Sheldon Ends
There are still several plot lines that need to unfold before the series concludes. Since Sheldon's father's infidelity storyline did not work out in Young Sheldon season 6, the tragic incident followed by the death of the Cooper patriarch will have to occur in what might be the prequel's final season. However, taking this route could potentially result in an unsatisfying ending for the show. Addressing George's affair and demise within a few months would be too dark for a comedy series.
On a more positive note, it would be a missed opportunity if Young Sheldon does not provide a satisfying resolution to Mandy and Georgie's romance. Despite knowing from The Big Bang Theory canon that they will eventually break up, it is crucial for the spin-off to leave them on a happy note. Additionally, it is important to establish Sheldon's future life in Pasadena after graduating from college at East Texas Tech in order to strengthen the narrative connections between Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory. Season 7 could serve as the show's finale and allow enough time for this to be a fitting conclusion.
How Young Sheldon Can Continue Beyond Season 7
Given Young Sheldon's immense popularity, the network will go to great lengths to ensure its continuation. However, the show's creators, including Chuck Lorre, Steven Molaro, and Jim Parsons, must carefully consider its connection to The Big Bang Theory's legacy. Thankfully, there is a simple solution to preserving the integrity of the parent series while allowing Young Sheldon to thrive. By diversifying its storyline, the show can shift its focus to the other beloved members of the Cooper family, such as Georgie and Missy. As Sheldon relocates to California, Young Sheldon can continue with these characters taking center stage.
Furthermore, there are numerous compelling personal story arcs for Sheldon's siblings that Young Sheldon is unable to explore due to the constraints of the current narrative. To address these intriguing plotlines, CBS could transform the show into a full ensemble comedy entitled The Coopers. This would provide an opportunity to delve deeper into Missy's rebellious journey without relying on Sheldon's experiences. Additionally, The Coopers could lay the foundation for Georgie's future as a successful entrepreneur while also navigating his role as a father. By taking this approach, the show can explore new and exciting storylines while preserving its connection to The Big Bang Theory universe.