Shocking Revelation: Young Sheldon Axes The Big Bang Theory’s Most Controversial Running Joke!

Summary

Young Sheldon wisely dropped The Big Bang Theory's bleak running gag of Sheldon's childhood bullying, opting for a lighter approach.

The spinoff incorporated essential modifications to establish its unique narrative, diverging from The Big Bang Theory's portrayal of Sheldon's backstory.

Due to Young Sheldon's emphasis on a heartwarming atmosphere and a family sitcom setup, it was deemed inappropriate to illustrate Sheldon's previous experiences of bullying, thereby avoiding a potentially emotionally distressing plotline.

While The Big Bang Theory could include darker jokes, Young Sheldon smartly abandoned one of the show's bleakest ongoing jokes. Young Sheldon made significant changes to The Big Bang Theory's format, allowing the spinoff to step out of its predecessor's shadow and become a popular and distinct original show. Young Sheldon replaced The Big Bang Theory's multi-camera setup with a single-camera approach, introduced a nostalgic 90s setting, and shifted from a hang-out show narrative to a family sitcom format.

However, not all changes came easily, like Young Sheldon dropping The Big Bang Theory's laugh track. In the beginning, Young Sheldon tried to adhere to The Big Bang Theory's canon, even though occasional contradictions were necessary. However, as time went on, Young Sheldon began establishing its own storyline that deviated more and more from The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon backstory. For instance, The Big Bang Theory's somber jokes about Sheldon's childhood bullying do not align with Young Sheldon's narrative, but this does not necessarily negatively impact either show.

Young Sheldon Tones Down Sheldon’s Bullying

Young Sheldon mostly avoided addressing Sheldon's childhood bullying, as making throwaway jokes about bullying is not equivalent to depicting the personal suffering of the show's young protagonist. When the show does touch upon bullying, it generally adds a whimsical twist, such as Sheldon befriending Georgie's bully and using it to his advantage. The ongoing storyline featuring Georgie and Mandy in Young Sheldon already incorporates several melancholic turns that are part of the show's established history. Fans familiar with The Big Bang Theory are aware that George Sr. passes away when Sheldon is very young, Georgie and Mandy's relationship ends, and George Sr. cheats on Mary.

Why Young Sheldon Couldn’t Keep TBBT’s Bullying Jokes

Therefore, removing more distressing anecdotes like Sheldon's childhood bullying is reasonable. In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon occasionally mentioned being bullied and described the humiliating experiences he endured at the hands of his tormentors. Jim Parsons' impeccable comedic timing made these jokes darkly amusing. However, Young Sheldon did not need to depict Sheldon being bullied during his younger years. Unlike Young Sheldon's warmer tone, The Big Bang Theory took a colder and more distant approach to its characters starting from the pilot episode. This allowed the show to humorously address Sheldon's past bullying, something the prequel series cannot do.

Listening to Sheldon and Leonard recall their incredibly sad childhood experiences was entertaining, but witnessing their bullying would have been truly heart-wrenching. Young Sheldon frequently involves storylines that are unexpectedly depressing, like Mary being excommunicated from the church due to Mandy's pregnancy. The spinoff wouldn't have been successful if it also portrayed the most challenging aspects of Sheldon's childhood, even though omitting his bullying might make his claims in The Big Bang Theory appear exaggerated or made up. Nevertheless, this inconsistency in The Big Bang Theory's canon was justified to prevent Young Sheldon from becoming one of the most depressing family comedies on television.