The Unforgettable Brilliance of Young Sheldon: Why It Outshines The Big Bang Theory

Summary

Young Sheldon has found its own identity and has become TV's number 1 comedy, surpassing The Big Bang Theory.

The characterization of the Coopers in Young Sheldon surpasses their limited portrayal in The Big Bang Theory. Young Sheldon showcases a more cohesive storyline, serialized format, and superior comedic style compared to its predecessor.

Young Sheldon surpasses The Big Bang Theory in numerous aspects as a spin-off series. CBS introduced Young Sheldon in 2017, capitalizing on the popularity of its predecessor. By delving into the origins of Sheldon Cooper, the show unveiled Iain Armitage's portrayal while Jim Parsons lent his voice as the adult Sheldon. Together, these back-to-back comedies dominated the ratings until The Big Bang Theory's conclusion in 2019.

Since then, Young Sheldon has carried the franchise forward. Initially, it relied heavily on its connection to The Big Bang Theory, understandably leveraging the more established brand. However, over time, it has developed its own distinct identity, gradually distancing itself from the traditional nerd-centric sitcom. Consequently, it has risen to the top spot as TV's current number one comedy, surpassing The Big Bang Theory in terms of quality.

10 Young Sheldon Is A True Ensemble Unlike The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory was originally intended to be an ensemble show, and it stayed true to that concept during its first few seasons. However, as the series progressed, its inconsistent storytelling became more prevalent, resulting in a significant focus on Sheldon's personal journey in its final season. Young Sheldon, on the other hand, successfully addresses this issue by giving ample screen time to all the members of the Cooper family, despite the titular character being Sheldon. The sixth season of Young Sheldon exemplifies this approach, as it presents individual and captivating storylines for Sheldon and his clan. These narratives effectively showcase the fascinating dynamics within the Cooper family.

9 Young Sheldon Is More Heartwarming Than The Big Bang Theory

When Young Sheldon premiered, Sheldon was merely nine years old and on the cusp of embarking on his high school journey. This led to an abundance of delightful and amusing scenes, while also incorporating moving moments as he navigated through his newfound life. The endearing exchanges between Sheldon and his affectionate Meemaw, alongside the unexpectedly emotional interactions with George, have consistently stood out as defining highlights of the show. In contrast, while The Big Bang Theory also possessed heartwarming instances, they were not as plentiful as those in its precursor. The emphasis in The Big Bang Theory leaned more towards prioritizing humor, occasionally overlooking the inclusion of poignant narratives.

8 Young Sheldon Is More Appealing Than The Big Bang Theory

The Coopers in Young Sheldon offer a more universal appeal compared to the socially awkward adults in The Big Bang Theory. While both shows navigate professional and personal careers, Young Sheldon's focus on a family allows them to address a wider range of universal issues. This offers something different to individuals with varying preferences.

7 The Coopers Are So Much Better In Young Sheldon Than The Big Bang Theory

Based on Sheldon and Mary's stories in The Big Bang Theory, George was portrayed as a neglectful and alcoholic father, but Young Sheldon challenges this characterization. This discrepancy remains the most notable inconsistency between the two shows. However, as time goes on, it becomes evident that the Cooper patriarch is not the only flawed member of Sheldon's family on the nerd-centric sitcom. Young Sheldon provides a more nuanced and detailed portrayal of the Coopers, moving away from using them solely as punchline characters, as seen in their limited involvement in The Big Bang Theory.

6 Young Sheldon Has A More Consistent Plot Progression Than The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory had overarching narratives, but its plots were mostly episodic, making it challenging to maintain a coherent story through line. Moreover, certain story arcs, such as Leonard and Penny's marriage and Raj's overall development, tended to be overlooked. In contrast, Young Sheldon adopts a more serialized approach, allowing for a better understanding and appreciation of the characters' growth and development.

5 Young Sheldon Has A Better Brand Of Humor Than The Big Bang Theory

After taking some time to find its audience, The Big Bang Theory rose to the top ranks of ratings, ultimately claiming the number 1 spot in the 2017 season 11. However, despite its widespread popularity, the show faced constant criticism for its humor, which often relied on racist, sexist, and offensive jokes and actions. In an effort to address this issue, CBS introduced Young Sheldon, a series that embraces a more thoughtful and considerate type of comedy. While the young genius still occasionally indulges in rudeness for comedic effect, the overall tone of the show is carefully crafted to be more respectful.

4 Young Sheldon Tackles Real-World Problems Better Than The Big Bang Theory

While the scientific storylines in The Big Bang Theory were meticulously fact-checked by real scientists, they may have failed to captivate those who lacked interest in the subject matter. At times, the show delved into complex concepts that were sometimess difficult to comprehend, yet it managed to infuse humor that even non-experts could appreciate. However, Young Sheldon takes a different approach by primarily focusing on Sheldon's family life, making it more accessible to viewers. Although the young genius's scientific pursuits still play a role, they take a backseat to exploring the dynamics of the relationships within the show.

3 Young Sheldon Is More Nostalgic Than The Big Bang Theory

With its focus on pop culture, The Big Bang Theory made numerous references to movies, TV shows, and games that could stir up feelings of nostalgia. As a prequel set in the late '80s to early '90s, Young Sheldon naturally indulges in nostalgia. Rather than having Armitage directly discuss his childhood interests, the family series showcases him watching the premiere of Professor Proton or Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

2 Young Sheldon Doesn't Have The Big Bang Theory's Distracting Laughtrack

1 Young Sheldon Has A More Diverse Storytelling Than The Big Bang Theory

Young Sheldon differentiates itself from its predecessor, The Big Bang Theory, by adopting a single-cam format instead of the traditional multi-cam setup. As a result, the absence of a laugh track, which some find intrusive, becomes evident. However, this decision aligns with the storytelling style of Young Sheldon, transforming it into more of a comedy-drama centered on family dynamics rather than a conventional sitcom.

Blending elements of popular culture with scientific concepts, The Big Bang Theory garnered a formidable fan base throughout its 12-year tenure. However, towards its conclusion, the show seemed to struggle with generating fresh and innovative storylines. In contrast, Young Sheldon has not yet encountered the same hurdle, evident from its more diverse range of plots. While it remains true to its predecessor by delving into Sheldon's scientific pursuits, Young Sheldon also explores conventional familial narratives through the lenses of Mary and George's extended family. Moreover, the series incorporates Meemaw's dating experiences and entrepreneurial endeavors, offering Young Sheldon an array of captivating storylines.