The Mind-Blowing Secret Behind Young Sheldon's Unexpected Big Bang Theory Inconsistencies Revealed!

While Young Sheldon has often deviated from The Big Bang Theory's established storyline, the most peculiar inconsistency occurs three times throughout its six seasons. Like many sitcom spinoffs, Young Sheldon sometimes alters previous events to fit its own narrative. In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon frequently mentioned his father's alcoholism, whereas in Young Sheldon, George Sr. is portrayed as a loving, responsible individual who doesn't prioritize drinking. These changes can be understood since it wouldn't be enjoyable to witness a lighthearted sitcom centered around a child-genius grappling with his father's addiction.

Likewise, Young Sheldon's decision to exclude The Big Bang Theory's dark, recurring theme of Sheldon being bullied during his childhood makes sense. While Sheldon reminiscing about it was humorous in The Big Bang Theory, depicting a child enduring mistreatment from his peers in Young Sheldon would be depressing and devoid of humor. However, there are inconsistencies between the two shows that aren't easily explained. In Young Sheldon, Sheldon's adored Meemaw is a rebellious and outspoken individual, contrasting greatly with his conservative and religious mother. Yet, in The Big Bang Theory, Meemaw is portrayed as an older version of Mary. However, this isn't the most jarring inconsistency between the two shows.

3 Young Sheldon Recycled Leonard’s Bully As Sheldon’s Father

On three different occasions, Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory featured unrelated actors playing multiple roles. Despite the success of both shows, they chose to cast the same actors for different characters. Young Sheldon made the best decision by deviating from The Big Bang Theory's formula, but still ended up sharing three actors with its predecessor. This began with the pilot episode, where one of the main characters had appeared in the earlier show.

The most memorable instance of this actor sharing occurred with Lance Barber, who played George Sr. in Young Sheldon. Before landing the role of Sheldon's father, Barber gained recognition for his portrayal of Leonard's remorseful bully in The Big Bang Theory season 5, episode 11, titled "The Speckerman Recurrence." As Jimmy Speckerman, Barber played a tormentor from Leonard's childhood and adolescence. Despite initially evoking sympathy, Jimmy's true nature was revealed at the end of the episode when Leonard stood up to him and showed him the door. Seven years later, Young Sheldon expanded The Big Bang Theory's universe by bringing Barber back as the character George Sr.

2 The Big Bang Theory’s Mandy Chow Was Sheldon’s Teacher

Barber's appearance on both shows creates a paradox, but it wasn't the only time that an actor appeared on both The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon. Melissa Tang played Mandy Chow in The Big Bang Theory Season 9, Episode 1, "The Matrimonial Momentum." In this episode, Mandy shared a significant interaction with Leonard during his North Seas expedition that worried Penny and almost jeopardized their engagement. However, it was later revealed that the kiss meant little to Mandy. Mandy reappeared in the next episode, "The Separation Oscillation," before disappearing from the show.

But Tang's involvement with the sitcom franchise didn't end there. She also appeared in Young Sheldon Season 1, Episode 1, "Pilot," as the music teacher Ms. Fenley. In this episode, Ms. Fenley encouraged Sheldon to explore his musical talents due to his perfect pitch. This happened before Young Sheldon changed its original premise, so many of the jokes revolved around Sheldon's status as a child prodigy in a rural town. Ms. Fenley later reappeared in Season 2, Episode 17, "Albert Einstein and the Story of Another Mary," where Sheldon sought her out to learn the violin in emulation of Albert Einstein.

1 Teller Played Pus In Young Sheldon And TBBT’s Mr. Fowler

Penn and Teller's silent half made appearances on both The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon, with a more prominent role in the former. Penn portrayed Amy Farrah Fowler's mostly silent father, Larry Fowler, in multiple episodes of The Big Bang Theory. However, he also had a smaller role in the Young Sheldon season 5 finale. In the finale's 22nd episode, titled "A Clogged Pore, A Little Spanish, and the Future," Teller portrayed the pus in Sheldon's pimple while Penn played the pimple itself. This makes Teller the third actor to appear in different roles on both The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon, without any explanation.