The Surprising Twist In Young Sheldon Season 7 Could Change the Cooper Family Forever

Summary

Young Sheldon season 7 is officially delayed indefinitely due to ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA.

If the show comes back in the middle of the season, there may be fewer episodes, which could result in a hurried ending for the series. However, the delay significantly enhances the likelihood of a season 8 renewal. This would give the opportunity to tie up ongoing storylines and deliver a gratifying conclusion for the Coopers.

CBS has officially announced the delay of Young Sheldon season 7, but there is a silver lining to the extended hiatus. After four years since the conclusion of The Big Bang Theory, the spin-off series has finally established its own unique identity. Initially centered around the origins of Sheldon Cooper portrayed by Jim Parsons, Young Sheldon has successfully transformed into a family comedy, shifting its focus to the entire Cooper family. Season 6 of the show proved to be a positive change, as it garnered high ratings. Fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for Sheldon and his family. Unfortunately, it will be some time before Young Sheldon season 7 premieres.

Season 6 of Young Sheldon brought significant events for the Coopers. After a tumultuous conclusion to season 5, where Mary and George both lost their jobs upon learning about Mandy and Georgie's unexpected pregnancy, the family slowly started to rebuild their lives the following year. However, it wasn't without its challenges. Mary and George's marriage faced difficulties after discovering each other's infidelity tendencies, Sheldon experienced struggles at East Texas Tech, and Missy went through a rebellious phase. Although the season 6 finale did not end with a cliffhanger, there are still unresolved plotlines. Despite the delay of season 7, the extended wait offers some advantages.

Young Sheldon Season 7 Delay Explained

CBS remained hopeful about maintaining their fall TV schedule even after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) initiated a strike in early May. They even released a timetable reaffirming their usual programming layout, including the anticipated release of Young Sheldon season 7 in late September. However, when SAG-AFTRA also joined the strike in July, the outlook for the 203 fall TV season became extremely grim. As a result, CBS had to retract their initial press release and remove all scripted series from their confirmed lineup. Consequently, the premiere of Young Sheldon season 7 has been officially postponed indefinitely.

Due to the reliance of Young Sheldon season 7's premiere on external factors, it is challenging to predict its release date. The negotiations between the writers/actors and studios are ongoing with no clear resolution in sight. If a fair deal regarding wages and working conditions for the WGA and SAG-AFTRA is not reached, the strikes may persist for an extended period. Notably, cast members of Young Sheldon such as Lance Barber, Zoe Perry, Raegan Revord, Iain Armitage, and Wallace Shawn have actively participated in these protests, underscoring their strong stance on the matter.

Young Sheldon Season 7 Midseason Return Isn’t Exactly A Good Thing

Predicting the exact arrival of Young Sheldon season 7 on CBS is tricky, but based on typical production timelines, it is likely to debut during the mid-season. If the industry-wide work stoppage is resolved before early September, there may still be a chance to salvage the year by allowing enough time for the writers, cast, and crew to prepare episodes for an early to mid-January premiere. This would be the best-case scenario, as it is the earliest possible return. However, returning during the mid-season means that Young Sheldon season 7 will have fewer episodes.

Having fewer episodes may not be significant for shows with several more guaranteed years, but for Young Sheldon, it could result in an unsatisfying ending to The Big Bang Theory prequel. Despite the family comedy's popularity, it is bound by the continuity of its parent series and has a pre-determined conclusion. Unless CBS extends the storytelling or deviates from canon, season 7 of Young Sheldon is the ideal time to wrap up the spin-off. With various lingering plot lines, having fewer episodes in its potential final year risks a rushed ending that could tarnish the show's otherwise impressive run.

Young Sheldon Season 7 Delay Increases The Chances Of Season 8 Renewal

If Young Sheldon season 7 premieres during the mid-season with a reduced number of episodes, CBS may have to renew the show for at least one more year. This would enable the prequel to The Big Bang Theory to properly conclude the Coopers' story. Additionally, it would give the network more time to strategize for the future of the series once Sheldon finishes his undergraduate studies at East Texas Tech and moves to Caltech for post-graduate studies. With just one more year left at his current college, Sheldon's eventual relocation to California will mark a long-term settlement.

By returning to the small screen in January with a 13-episode season 7, Young Sheldon can effectively address ongoing storylines in the series. This would encompass the aftermath of Meemaw's house being destroyed by a tornado, Mandy and Georgie beginning their wedding plans, and Sheldon's summer abroad in Germany. Renewing Young Sheldon for an eighth season would allow the family comedy to focus on these ongoing plotlines in season 7 and begin setting up the show's eventual conclusion when it returns in the fall of 2024.

How Young Sheldon Season 8 Can Fully Complete The Coopers’ Story

Young Sheldon has surpassed its initial premise as a mere extension of The Big Bang Theory's popularity. The focus of the prequel has shifted, showcasing a more diverse and intricate storyline. Consequently, Sheldon is no longer the central figure in Young Sheldon. With this transformation, it is no longer feasible to conclude the series with just 13 episodes in season 7. This is because the show must now dedicate ample time to crafting a satisfying finale that properly tackles the storylines of each Cooper family member. It would be highly disappointing if Georgie and Mandy's wedding, Missy's redemption arc, and George's cheating and subsequent death were not portrayed on screen. Despite the sensitivity surrounding these events, they hold significant importance in Sheldon's life and the overall history of the Cooper family.