Summary
Young Sheldon is currently missing out on two crucial Big Bang Theory cameos: Leonard and Penny, despite their undeniable importance in Sheldon's life.It is absolutely essential that the upcoming season 7 of Young Sheldon incorporates the Hofstadters, as they wielded immense influence on Sheldon's life as an adult.
The rushed and divisive Hofstadter pregnancy plotline in The Big Bang Theory can be improved with the inclusion of Leonard and Penny in Young Sheldon. Despite being the number 1 comedy on TV, Young Sheldon has neglected the important cameos from The Big Bang Theory, and season 7 should address this issue. As a prequel to an iconic sitcom, Young Sheldon primarily focuses on Sheldon Cooper's childhood in Texas. However, it also makes efforts to incorporate elements from its parent series, occasionally featuring characters from the Pasadena gang to assist with adult Sheldon's narration in the prequel.
Over the years, Young Sheldon has introduced Howard and Amy as guest characters. In Amy's first appearance, it is revealed through a voice cameo that she and Sheldon will have a son named Leonard in the future. In her second guesting stint, the couple discusses various topics that are typically talked about by married individuals, including their approach to handling finances. On the other hand, CBS enlists the help of Howard, the resident engineer of the Pasadena gang, to assist Sheldon in recalling the challenges he faced during his college engineering course. At this point, however, Young Sheldon has yet to bring in two of the most significant The Big Bang Theory cameos into the series.
Young Sheldon Hasn’t Featured Penny & Leonard Yet
The return of Amy and Howard on Young Sheldon was undoubtedly exciting for numerous fans of The Big Bang Theory, given that the show continues to have a dedicated following long after its conclusion. In both instances, their voice appearances were seamlessly integrated into the spin-off's storyline, adding an extra layer of enjoyment, albeit temporarily. However, it is intriguing to note that the CBS prequel curiously disregards two significant cameos from The Big Bang Theory—those of Leonard and Penny. Surprisingly, Parsons' voiceover barely acknowledges their presence, which is odd considering that they hold immense importance in his life, arguably even surpassing that of his own spouse.
Why It’s Imperative That Young Sheldon Season 7 Features The Hofstadters
For what it's worth, Kaley Cuoco had already made an appearance in the spin-off, but not as her much-loved character from The Big Bang Theory. In Young Sheldon season 3, she provided the voice for the pool water in Sheldon's dream. Despite fans' suspicions, her casting was confirmed only later on. Interestingly, there has been no mention of Leonard so far. Even when Sheldon and Amy discussed naming their son Leonard Cooper, paying tribute to Sheldon's favorite Star Trek character and his best friend, there was no acknowledgement of his roommate in Apartment 4A. It wouldn't have been difficult to mention Hofstadter at that point, but it simply didn't happen.
Initially planned as Sheldon's origins story, Young Sheldon has since evolved beyond its original premise. While Sheldon is no longer the central focus, the show now explores the individual storylines of the other Cooper family members, adding diversity to its plots. In its sixth season, Young Sheldon reaches its culmination as the brilliant young prodigy spends most of his time away from his family at East Texas Tech. This shift ensures the show's longevity by expanding beyond Sheldon's narrative, but CBS must still prioritize and remember its titular character.
With this in mind, it is imperative that Young Sheldon includes the Hoftstadters before the series concludes. As previously stated, Leonard and Penny hold significant influence over Sheldon's adult life. Prior to meeting Amy in The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon received love and care from his roommate, albeit sometimes begrudgingly. Speculation circulates that Young Sheldon season 7 will mark its final installment, making this upcoming year its last opportunity to do so. Even if that is not the case, Sheldon's impending move to Pasadena ensures that there will be no chance for Young Sheldon to bring them into his life beyond his transfer.
What Young Sheldon Has Revealed About Penny & Leonard’s Post-TBBT Life
To update fans on the Pasadena gang's life post-the conclusion of The Big Bang Theory in 2019, CBS has cleverly utilized Young Sheldon. It is widely known that the broadcasting network was keen on extending the popular nerd-centric sitcom beyond its twelfth season. Nevertheless, it was the cast members themselves who decided to bring it to a close when Parsons expressed his wish to depart from the show. Until now, Young Sheldon has disclosed that Sheldon and Amy have expanded their family, following Leonard, and that the socially awkward genius proudly adorns his Nobel Prize medal every day. On the other hand, Howard's cameo confirms that the Coopers and Wolowitzes are still the best of friends.
How Young Sheldon Fix TBBT’s Big Penny & Leonard Mistake
However, it is unfortunate that Young Sheldon has barely mentioned the Hofstadters, leaving us with no insights into Penny and Leonard's life after The Big Bang Theory. This omission is quite concerning, especially considering that adult Sheldon's narration in the prequel supposedly serves as his autobiography. If Young Sheldon concludes without a cameo from The Big Bang Theory's main couple, it implies a possible disagreement or falling out between them and Sheldon. Without clarification, one can only speculate.Bringing Sheldon and Penny into the mix not only benefits Young Sheldon but also has significant advantages for The Big Bang Theory. The show's finale received mixed reviews, with one of the most divisive storylines being the Hofstadters' pregnancy. After keeping the couple on the sidelines for years, CBS tried to rectify their mistake by introducing a plot centered around their conflicting views on having children. While Leonard expressed a desire to start a family, Penny did not share the same sentiment. However, despite her initial opposition, the finale of The Big Bang Theory surprised viewers by revealing that she was pregnant. What made this twist even more puzzling was that Penny seemed suddenly content with the idea, even though the series had not previously hinted at her considering it.
Due to The Big Bang Theory's emphasis on Sheldon and Amy's Nobel Prize bid, the show did not adequately develop the Hofstadters' story, making it a weak point in the finale. However, CBS could rectify this by providing an update on their lives years after their unexpected pregnancy. If they are content and have found that having a child was a positive decision, fans may be more receptive to the rushed plot in The Big Bang Theory season 12. This information can be revealed through Young Sheldon's adult narration or by the couple themselves if they make an appearance.