Young Sheldon Development Discussion Thread

[vonmar]

 To prevent confusion, mphs95 started this thread.  I've combined the four different threads into this one.  The system puts the earliest timed post first.  Vonmar was the first to post, hence why her post is now first in this thread.  

From Variety

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Spinoff About Young Sheldon Eyed at CBS, Warner Bros. TV

Warner Bros. TV and CBS are in the early stages of developing a spinoff of “The Big Bang Theory” that would revolve around the Sheldon Cooper character as a youth.

The project is nearing a script deal, sources tell Variety.

Jim Parsons, who plays Sheldon on the flagship series, is attached to executive produce the spinoff along with Chuck Lorre and “Big Bang” showrunner Steve Molaro. “Big Bang” co-creator/exec producer Bill Prady is likely to be on board as an exec producer as well.

Molaro will write the script focusing on Sheldon, the idiosyncratic and neurotic genius, as a youth growing up in Texas. The character’s colorful family and formative years in the Lone Star state have often been referenced on “Big Bang Theory.” Laurie Metcalf earned an Emmy nomination this year for her recurring guest star role as Sheldon’s mother, Mary Cooper.

CBS and Warner Bros. TV declined to comment.

Molaro will write the script focusing on Sheldon, the idiosyncratic and neurotic genius, as a youth growing up in Texas. The character’s colorful family and formative years in the Lone Star state have often been referenced on “Big Bang Theory.” Laurie Metcalf earned an Emmy nomination this year for her recurring guest star role as Sheldon’s mother, Mary Cooper.

CBS and Warner Bros. TV declined to comment.

“Big Bang Theory” is television’s top comedy, a major feat for a show in its 10th season. Warner Bros. and CBS are expected to begin discussions soon about a renewal deal that is anticipated to take the show through another two or three seasons. A prequel spinoff would give CBS a shot at extending the valuable “Big Bang” franchise.

Renewing “Big Bang” is an expensive investment, as the core cast members — Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco — currently make $1 million per episode for their 24-episode seasons. A new series would come with a lower cost structure but capitalize on the built-in “Big Bang” fan base.

Sources caution, though, that the follow-up series is still in very early development, just at the script stage.

[Jonny]

1 hour ago, vonmar said:

From Variety

‘The Big Bang Theory’ Spinoff About Young Sheldon Eyed at CBS, Warner Bros. TV

Warner Bros. TV and CBS are in the early stages of developing a spinoff of “The Big Bang Theory” that would revolve around the Sheldon Cooper character as a youth.

The project is nearing a script deal, sources tell Variety.

Jim Parsons, who plays Sheldon on the flagship series, is attached to executive produce the spinoff along with Chuck Lorre and “Big Bang” showrunner Steve Molaro. “Big Bang” co-creator/exec producer Bill Prady is likely to be on board as an exec producer as well.

Molaro will write the script focusing on Sheldon, the idiosyncratic and neurotic genius, as a youth growing up in Texas. The character’s colorful family and formative years in the Lone Star state have often been referenced on “Big Bang Theory.” Laurie Metcalf earned an Emmy nomination this year for her recurring guest star role as Sheldon’s mother, Mary Cooper.

CBS and Warner Bros. TV declined to comment.

Molaro will write the script focusing on Sheldon, the idiosyncratic and neurotic genius, as a youth growing up in Texas. The character’s colorful family and formative years in the Lone Star state have often been referenced on “Big Bang Theory.” Laurie Metcalf earned an Emmy nomination this year for her recurring guest star role as Sheldon’s mother, Mary Cooper.

CBS and Warner Bros. TV declined to comment.

“Big Bang Theory” is television’s top comedy, a major feat for a show in its 10th season. Warner Bros. and CBS are expected to begin discussions soon about a renewal deal that is anticipated to take the show through another two or three seasons. A prequel spinoff would give CBS a shot at extending the valuable “Big Bang” franchise.

Renewing “Big Bang” is an expensive investment, as the core cast members — Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco — currently make $1 million per episode for their 24-episode seasons. A new series would come with a lower cost structure but capitalize on the built-in “Big Bang” fan base.

Sources caution, though, that the follow-up series is still in very early development, just at the script stage.

Sounds like an awful idea, hopefully it doesn't get past the planning stage.

I wouldn't watch it. I find very early season Sheldon painful to watch these days and I would imagine a young Sheldon would even be more robotic than Season 1 Sheldon as that was before he met his friends.

Edited November 7, 2016 by Jonny
Sounds even worse the more you think about it

[Guest]

25 minutes ago, vonmar said:

Warner Bros. TV and CBS are in the early stages of developing a spinoff of “The Big Bang Theory” that would revolve around the Sheldon Cooper character as a youth.

[April]

Yeah, I'm gonna be team "Do Not Want" on this. Some kid actor trying to imitate S1/2 Sheldon? All the potential pitfalls of screwing up the character's backstory? Having to see the sheer trainwreck of Sheldon's childhood full of tragedies and hurt??? Yeah, how about no!?

Though sure, yay for Jim getting some nice deals for this company and everything. But TBH I hope it's just a rumour.

Edited November 7, 2016 by April

[mirs1]

According to this article

http://deadline.com/2016/11/the-big-bang-theory-sheldon-spinoff-prequel-series-cbs-1201849838/

the project could be up for next season. On the brighter side, it should coexists with the original series and it seems to be part of the negotiations...

[Jonny]

20 minutes ago, mirs1 said:

According to this article

http://deadline.com/2016/11/the-big-bang-theory-sheldon-spinoff-prequel-series-cbs-1201849838/

the project could be up for next season. On the brighter side, it should coexists with the original series and it seems to be part of the negotiations...

So the only way we might get a season 11 and beyond is that they would also have to commit to making this?

Let them then, but I would expect it to flop. And like April alluded to everything we know about Sheldon's early life pointed to a pretty miserable existence. Which i assume now won't be the case as you couldn't do a show like that. All that canon lore gone?

Edited November 7, 2016 by Jonny

[Kev0821]

I'm so torn on this spin-off idea. My initial reaction is, "Hell no! I'm going to protest this so hard!" If I remember correctly, Chuck Lorre and co. were opposed to a spin-off around 2013. I wonder if the studio approached them, saying this would be a contributing factor to renewing the show, i.e. 2 series on the air to justify the cost of the flagship. To paraphrase Sheldon, "In a world that includes Malcolm in the Middle, why would I settle for something 'like' Malcolm in the Middle?" If this were to go to series, I would definitely watch, since the creators are attached to the project and because of my love for the original series. However, if Laurie Metcalf and June Squibb aren't attached to the series (and it doesn't sound like they are), I can't imagine moving forward with actors who are simply going through the motions and trying to channel the others. I guess we'll have to wait and see, but my gut is hoping that they don't go through with it.

[mirs1]

23 minutes ago, Jonny said:

So the only way we might get a season 11 and beyond is that they would also have to commit to making this?

Let them then, but I would expect it to flop. And like April alluded to everything we know about Sheldon's early life pointed to a pretty miserable existence. Which i assume now won't be the case as you couldn't do a show like that. All that canon lore gone?

That's my only problem with the project; regardless whether I'd watch it or not (probably I could even give it a shot, but generally speaking I don't like shows about kids\teens, so not sure I can go beyond the pilot)  I'd hate if for some reason the writers start messing up (more than they already do) with canon in the main show to provide some stories in the "new" one. That would be detrimental for TBBT, more than for "Sheldon".

2 minutes ago, Kev0821 said:

I'm so torn on this spin-off idea. My initial reaction is, "Hell no! I'm going to protest this so hard!" If I remember correctly, Chuck Lorre and co. were opposed to a spin-off around 2013. I wonder if the studio approached them, saying this would be a contributing factor to renewing the show, i.e. 2 series on the air to justify the cost of the flagship. To paraphrase Sheldon, "In a world that includes Malcolm in the Middle, why would I settle for something 'like' Malcolm in the Middle?" If this were to go to series, I would definitely watch, since the creators are attached to the project and because of my love for the original series. However, if Laurie Metcalf and June Squibb aren't attached to the series (and it doesn't sound like they are), I can't imagine moving forward with actors who are simply going through the motions and trying to channel the others. I guess we'll have to wait and see, but my gut is hoping that they don't go through with it.

Sheldon should be 12 in this show, I can't see Laurie Matcalf as the mother of a 12 years old...

Edited November 7, 2016 by mirs1

[Shelldon]

Whose excited for the new Sheldon spinoff that will air during Season 11?

[shamyyellow]

5 minutes ago, Shelldon said:

Whose excited for the new Sheldon spinoff that will air during Season 11?

Me!

[April]

13 minutes ago, Shelldon said:

Whose excited for the new Sheldon spinoff that will air during Season 11?

It's one of those things that the more I think about it the less I want it. Ugh. Granted, available information are mostly speculation anyway at this early stage but...

[Kev0821]

13 minutes ago, mirs1 said:

That's my only problem with the project; regardless whether I'd watch it or not (probably I could even give it a shot, but generally speaking I don't like shows about kids\teens, so not sure I can go beyond the pilot)  I'd hate if for some reason the writers start messing up (more than they already do) with canon in the main show to provide some stories in the "new" one. That would be detrimental for TBBT, more than for "Sheldon".

Sheldon should be 12 in this show, I can't see Laurie Matcalf as the mother of a 12 years old...

While I understand your point, a part of me thinks that, given a dye-job and short haircut a la season 1, Laurie could pull it off. Her energy is very vibrant! However, that begs the question: Will Sheldon's father be a part of this series? If it begins with Sheldon at 12, it's entirely possible. Sheldon originally said that his father died, when he was 13. However, in more recent years, it was changed to 14. As others have said, Sheldon's stories always paint a colorful picture... Do we really need to see what he referred to as "hell" growing up in Texas? And, would that mean changes to the character's backstory to allow for some comedy?

[jenafan]

Whose excited for the new Sheldon spinoff that will air during Season 11?

Me, too. Definately. Like Amy, I love me some Sheldon; quirks, annoyances, and all.

That is why when people call TBBT the Sheldon show. I chuckle. He and Amy are the reason I got into it in the first place. I had the belief, that the premise of the show was how everyone's lives revolves around Sheldon. So, I expected him to be the main character.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Lenny and the rest of the gang. Sheldon would not be who he is or nearly as funny without them. JMO

Now, perhaps if I had begun watching the show since S1, I'd feel differently. My bias comes from falling in love with Shamy after being introduced to the show while Amy was already on the scene.

I just hope the spin-off is in addition to more seasons of TBBT and not a replacement.

What would be nice is if the spin off were about 12 year old Sheldon Jr. rather than a prequel.

[spidergirl]

About the spin off, I dont know..

For me, what I know about young Sheldon is enough and really what has been amazing,imo, it has been watching the character's growth through the seasons.

Besides I am not much into kids tv shows ( I was when I was a teen,lol) and what could be new about this? To see Sheldon's father, his brother, his experiements at home?

Hum I dont say I would not give a try if this is not a rumour and cant say it would be bad but maybe it 's me, I dont believe much in spin offs...

Edited November 7, 2016 by spidergirl

[Kathy2611]

Nope, don't want this spin-off.  

If a spin-off happens, I want either a Shamy spin-off or Lenny spin-off (but since I'm a Shamy, I'd rather have the Shamy spin-off).  

Not interested in Sheldon's life before Big Bang. I want to see what happens in his future, not what his life (as miserable as they've portrayed it) was like in the past.

[shamyyellow]

2 minutes ago, April said:

It's one of those things that the more I think about it the less I want it. Ugh. Granted, available information are mostly speculation anyway at this early stage but...

If it means more TBBT with a renewed sense of excitement in the way of promo and opportunities, I'm on board.

I think it sounds like a better idea than waiting 10 years to bring Sheldon back to television or airing the prequel right after the letdown of a TBBT cancellation. Nobody has to watch it to enjoy the show as is, but it may give TBBT a stronger presence and a few more years.

I also think it would be kind of cool if the prequel aired before TBBT so those who choose to watch it may see parallels or growth between young Sheldon and who he is today. An episode about young Sheldon's views on life partners airing before a Shamy wedding would be cute, IMO.

[spidergirl]

6 minutes ago, April said:

It's one of those things that the more I think about it the less I want it. Ugh. Granted, available information are mostly speculation anyway at this early stage but...

Yeah, more I think about this , more I have sure that could ruin some Sheldon classical quirks scenes of his past. Because there are things that  are better to be told than to be seen....

[vonmar]

TV Critic for The Hollywood Reporter...

 

[camelliayao]

10 minutes ago, April said:

It's one of those things that the more I think about it the less I want it. Ugh. Granted, available information are mostly speculation anyway at this early stage but...

Agree. But if they want to tell the story of a younger version of Sheldon, does it mean JP won't be playing Sheldon? I'm not a fan of JP but I think it's safe to say he's the key why the character Sheldon is so successful. I doubt people would still watch if Sheldon is played by someone else.

[shamyyellow]

1 minute ago, camelliayao said:

Agree. But if they want to tell the story of a younger version of Sheldon, does it mean JP won't be playing Sheldon? I'm not a fan of JP but I think it's safe to say he's the key why the character Sheldon is so successful. I doubt people would still watch if Sheldon is played by someone else.

I'm guessing Sheldon will be relatively young in the prequel. He was in college by the time he was 11, so he'd have to be if the show is about his childhood.

[Jonny]

I wouldn't watch it, I have no desire to see an even more robotic Sheldon than we saw in season 1-2 on this show. I think it will flop big time.

But if this is the only way to guarantee that they commit also to a season 11 and beyond then so be it, I can focus on this show and ignore the spinoff entirely.

Getting more seasons of this show is all I care about.

[spidergirl]

7 minutes ago, Jonny said:

I wouldn't watch it, I have no desire to see an even more robotic Sheldon than we saw in season 1-2 on this show. I think it will flop big time.

But if this is the only way to guarantee that they commit also to a season 11 and beyond then so be it, I can focus on this show and ignore the spinoff entirely.

Getting more seasons of this show is all I care about.

Same here.As I said, I would give a try but I dont think I would like it.However if it means a season 11 or more to come,  it would make everyone happy and I would have more seasons to watch

Edited November 7, 2016 by spidergirl

[Shelldon]

Once the Sheldon spinoff is a hit,  CBS will cancel TBBT at Season 11.

It's a win-win.

[Jonny]

A reduced cast to reduce costs and get a few more seasons might actually be a better idea than this spinoff and that is saying something...

 

 

[mirs1]

23 minutes ago, spidergirl said:

Same here.As I said, I would give a try but I dont think I would like it.However if it means a season 11 or more to come,  it would make everyone happy and I would have more seasons to watch

More or less my thought...I don't like shows about kids in general, so I don't expect to like this one in particular, but I would give it a try. I hope the writers are smart enough to understand that, if this project makes it to an actual show, they have to be very careful with their fan-base. We remember almost everything, so every deviation from TBBT canon in the new show or any change in TBBT canon to provide plots for the new one, will be noticed and hated. For example, I know I would quit to watch this "Sheldon", if this is the real name of the project,  immediately if something like that happens. For the rest, it should mean more seasons for "our" show (the one I will never quit watching....), so that's good news; plus, if I really have to choose, better a prequel which runs together with TBBT than a sequel about  secondary characters (pretty sure none of the main ones will be up for a sequel) after the show ends. The best choice would be no spin-offs at all, though.

Edited November 7, 2016 by mirs1