Why you should be watching Young Sheldon
Prequel to one of the most successful TV sitcoms of all time, the Big Bang Theory (2007 - 2019), Young Sheldon (2017 - 2024) recently premiered its seventh and final season. It shouldn’t be news that the CBS original is a massive success; millions of viewers tune in weekly to check in on their favorite characters and enjoy the comfort of a digestible story. If you’re wondering whether Young Sheldon’s popularity is warranted, I come to you as a hater of the Big Bang Theory to answer—absolutely.
Young Sheldon is a sitcom produced by Chuck Lorre that takes place in the late 1980s. It centers around kid-genius Sheldon Cooper as he grows up surrounded by his Texan family and blooms into the character we all know, for better or worse. Yet, unlike the Big Bang Theory—which relies on unfunny, millennial (and at worse, sexist) humor, the relatability of pretentious losers, and a distracting laugh track—Young Sheldon provides deadpan comedy, witty writing, endearing characters, and engrossing stories that significantly differ in terms of theme and mood.
It’s important to preface that Young Sheldon does not require any knowledge about its predecessor to be enjoyed. The story is extremely welcoming to newcomers because it understands that a completely different tone attracts an entirely different audience. Watching the hijinks and emotional turmoil that ensues when a family raises a child and struggles to understand one another evokes contrasting emotions than a sitcom based around socially awkward physicists learning to live independently. Not only that, but though Sheldon may be the main character of this sequel show, the ripple effect he has on his siblings and the relationship between his parents is where the heart of this sitcom lies.
Young Sheldon is the perfect candidate if you’re looking for a new comfort show. Speaking from experience—my roommate and I watched all six seasons in a semester—it’s a show to watch with a meal: For months, my roommate and I never ate without hearing funny monologues from the talented Ian Armitage, the actor who plays Sheldon, and sassy comments from Sheldon's grandmother, played by Annie Potts. To say there was ever a lull in the show’s entertainment would be a lie. Young Sheldon is a comedy throughout, but it’s never afraid to tap into serious discussions or present heartfelt moments; it’s impossible for episodes to feel stale when you’re unsure if you’ll laugh, tear up, or witness tender family moments.
Evidently, people shy away from Young Sheldon because of the notorious reputation of the Big Bang Theory, but the two couldn't be more night and day. I encourage those on the fence to give the show’s pilot a watch; it’s a great introduction to the style and humor of the show. As for me, I’m grateful that the Young Sheldon-sized hole in my heart is being filled once more, and the same can go for you, too!
While the new season is currently airing on CBS, past seasons of the show are available on a plethora of streaming services, including Netflix. Catch up to tune into the series finale in
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