Young Sheldon Development Discussion Thread

[serena_1995]

Why is this prequel the only way to get a season 11 ? Sorry, I didn't understand the economics behind it Lol. Can anyone explain to me ?

[mirs1]

5 minutes ago, serena_1995 said:

Why is this prequel the only way to get a season 11 ? Sorry, I didn't understand the economics behind it Lol. Can anyone explain to me ?

In some articles it's written this project is tied with negotiations for Season 11+, it's not the only way, but makes them more likely.

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

The negotiations for Sheldon are said to be intertwined with the license fee talks between CBS and Warner Bros TV for future seasons of the original series. The two series are said to be designed in a way that allows them to co-exist.

 

Edited November 7, 2016 by mirs1

[boys3allc]

1 hour ago, Shelldon said:

http://www.spoilertv.com/2016/11/the-big-bang-theory-sheldon-centered.html

If it is young ! I'm talking like little kid Sheldon. I'm down. Having an child with Autism and one with more tics than a lyme disease factory I would relate to it. However I do not want a teen Sheldon. I think it would be to hard for them to resist giving him a love interest. Or a girl who is unrequitedly in love with him. 
Really it all comes down to casting for me. If they can get a brilliant young Sheldon then I amy very excited.

[vonmar]

16 minutes ago, mirs1 said:

In some articles it's written this project is tied with negotiations for Season 11+, it's not the only way, but makes them more likely.

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

The negotiations for Sheldon are said to be intertwined with the license fee talks between CBS and Warner Bros TV for future seasons of the original series. The two series are said to be designed in a way that allows them to co-exist.

 

My first thought when I read this was that Jim might be offering to pass on future TBBT season salary increases to get the other project on the air.  That would tie Jim's part of TBBT renewal negotiations to his new project.

He'd still be making be making his current salary for TBBT and pulling in a EP salary for the other project. 

Edited November 7, 2016 by vonmar

[Kathy2611]

I'd rather have a Shamy spin-off

[3ku11]

Wow i am sorry but if TPTB think anyone well watch a Sheldon spinoff, they well get a rude awakening. The ratings won't be anywhere near where they want them to be. Just tells me they do not understand their audience. Hardly anyone would watch a Sheldon centric show. Have they forgot. The fact Sheldon/Jim only got where he is today, because of the cast supporting him lol? Without Johnny and Kaley, Sheldon/Jim would of been nothing. So apart from making the show Sheldon Centric for the past 3-4 years. They are now deciding to revolve a show around him. Yeah because it is not like we haven't seen enough of him already lol. It is fine for people who got into the show because of Sheldon or Amy. That is great. But the majority of ppl have been watching since Day One. And this is not the show ppl signed up for. The show never revolved around Sheldon, he was just this one great unique character. He is now this character who just takes up alot of room. And dominates screen time, even forced and uneccessary screen time. I am sure everyones expereinces is different. But I have problems with defining the main character, or who gets a spinoff. Simply on based on why would became a fan, or why you watched the show.

Sure for me it was The Pants Alternative in Season 3, Leonard and Penny are the ones who drawed me in. But I also watched since the pilot. i loved the SHOW, not one character. I was into the Four Geeky guys, and the hot girl. And loved how the show has evolved since then. But if they are really in Season 11, going to  do a Sheldon cnetric show. I am done, and I am betting half of the audience well be too. They jsut don't get it, people are over Sheldon. And if they really beleive they are going to get a profit out of a Sheldon Prequel Show, they have another thing coming, JMO. And that does not mean I want a Lenny spinoff too. It woulden't be fair. I get Sheldon is the breakoutstar of the show, but as I said that is only because the cast around him made him that way, and vice versa. I just don't beleive even casuals would tune in for a Sheldon only show. It is madness. It has been Sheldon centric the past four years, but because  the audience love the show. How would this be any different to current show lol? In any case show could easily write out Amy. Shamy is not important to the show. Leonard and Penny are based on the inital premise. Amy is a supporter. 

You take away The Big Bang Theory, you take away the otehr character's. And it is just Sheldon left, those ratings well drop like flies. I mean look at the Joey spinoff from Friends. Oh Joey is a very popular character, lets revolve a show around him. What happened? Oh that's right, it tanked, just like this well. And yeah I know that happened after th ashow ended. But its owrser, attempting to have this Sheldon idea co-exist along side The Big Bang Theory LOL. Well let's see if this thery works huh. Let's see if BBT can exist without Sheldon. Yeah Sheldon well still be in TBBT Season 11. But al this is wasted money, and ratings donw the toilet. Stupid Stupid idea. JMO.  Are the show saying the only reason this show become popular, is because of Sheldon. And screw the rest of the characcters, and the cast lol? Message received. 

Edited November 8, 2016 by 3ku11

[shamyyellow]

1 hour ago, Kathy2611 said:

I'd rather have a Shamy spin-off

Then you'd have to cancel TBBT.

[mphs95]

Caught this on Twitter. I go back and forth on it. What do you all think?

http://tvline.com/2016/11/07/the-big-bang-theory-prequel-spinoff-young-sheldon-cooper/

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[Kev0821]

On the topic of the potential prequel, can we talk about the fact that it's going to need to be a period piece? I don't think we were ever given the year Sheldon was born, but pre-teen/teen Sheldon would have grown-up in the '90s. The thing about the original show is that pop culture icons can pop-up and make appearances in the present day. However, creatively that could pose a problem, unless the series takes a cue from The Goldbergs and still casts those people, regardless of their ages. I suppose they could also use stock footage, if they really wanted to do an episode centered on a particular TV series/movie of the time. As others have said, I keep going back-and-forth on this. I guess I just need to wait and see if it actually comes to fruition. However, the fact that Jim Parsons has already been named an executive producer (and one of the articles mentions a penalty on CBS' part), it makes me wonder if it's further along than they're currently letting on.

[camelliayao]

Sounds like it's gonna flop big time...

[3ku11]

LOL it well be officially The Sheldon Cooper show now. Talk about milking a good thing. Overkill, over exposure. Shoving Sheldon down the audience's throat e.t.c. Spinoff ideas, in any form are always a bad idea. This well flop big time for TBBT and Warner Studios, big big mistake. JMO. And OP it is not a TBBT Prequel, it is a Sheldon Prequel. 

Edited November 8, 2016 by 3ku11

[Lady in Red]

Perhaps the SHELDON prequel would be aimed at the younger demographic.  There are lots of kids that love Sheldon in TBBT, and I think if the right young actor is chosen, it could be quite popular.

I am willing to wait and see what happens.

[3ku11]

7 minutes ago, Lady in Red said:

Perhaps the SHELDON prequel would be aimed at the younger demographic.  There are lots of kids that love Sheldon in TBBT, and I think if the right young actor is chosen, it could be quite popular.

I am willing to wait and see what happens.

Kaley, even Johnny are very popular with the younger demo too. I don't see them getting a prequel show lol. So don't think that is why the prequel is happening. 

[Joyzeefan23]

17 minutes ago, 3ku11 said:

Kaley, even Johnny are very popular with the younger demo too. I don't see them getting a prequel show lol. So don't think that is why the prequel is happening. 

Irrelevant. It's the character not the actor.  That was the previous point.

Sheldon has been the most popular for a while this isn't new.  It's fact. They went with a storyline they could sell. 

 

 

 

Edited November 8, 2016 by Joyzeefan23

[Judith]

Jim Parsons being a part of this surprises me. I would think he would want nothing to do with TBBT after it was over. Anyway, this ssounds like it's going to flop.

[djsurrey]

Since the ideas are vague I'd suggest it is to early to judge.

 

[shamymania]

1 hour ago, Judith said:

Jim Parsons being a part of this surprises me. I would think he would want nothing to do with TBBT after it was over. Anyway, this sounds like it's going to flop.

Actually, I think Jim is a pretty smart, business savy guy (most here would agree). I doubt he would consider being involved with this project if he hadn't first given some serious thought.  Perhaps, he wants to expand the projects for his production company.  Or, most importantly,  Jim wants to have a say in how the character develops (even in retrospect), because, as most have mentioned, he created this character into what it is today.

 I agree with a prior post that casting would be key to the success of a prequel.  It could work if they get an young actor who is as compelling as Jim is at playing  a character like Sheldon.  As a producer, Jim could even be a coach/mentor to this actor.   I think a young Sheldon could be endearing and funny. Think about  the story about how Sheldon wanted to provide free electricity to the neighborhood, or Sheldon being chased by chicken, or Sheldon taking a bus to meet Will Wheaton.

I would be great if the producers gave us glimpse of this prequel in the cannon show.   Kind of what Arrow did with the Flash.  They could do a flashback episode featuring a young Sheldon and could even introduce his dad and/or brother.  If it plays well with audiences, the network/studio can order a full pilot.          

 

Edited November 8, 2016 by shamymania

[No Regrets]

Well, this finally gives the writers the opportunity to write for their favorite character without having to write for the annoying supporting characters. Must be a dream come true for them. 

Good news for Sheldon fans, though. 

[mirs1]

1 hour ago, Judith said:

Jim Parsons being a part of this surprises me. I would think he would want nothing to do with TBBT after it was over. Anyway, this ssounds like it's going to flop.

I think it would have been difficult for a small production company like Jim's one to give up to a Chuck Lorre's project  which airs on CBS and can have all the publicity attached to TBBT's name available; plus, as @vonmar noticed, maybe all of this is connected with the negotiations for his own salary on the main show. I agree it might be a flop, as most new TV shows, but he and That's Wonderful Production have everything to gain in producing this one rather than another new project without CBS and TBBT behind that.

Edited November 8, 2016 by mirs1

[veejay]

The only interest I have in the Sheldon character, is the fact that he is part of the group. Without the group, why would I even care? Sheldon does not make TBBT, the entire ensemble does. The show works because everyone plays so well off each other, not because of a particular individual.

[shamyyellow]

53 minutes ago, veejay said:

The only interest I have in the Sheldon character, is the fact that he is part of the group. Without the group, why would I even care? Sheldon does not make TBBT, the entire ensemble does. The show works because everyone plays so well off each other, not because of a particular individual.

But it's a prequel, so it's not going to be a show about Sheldon as he is now without the ensemble. If it were, I wouldn't watch it either. Even the idea of Shamy getting a spin-off never sat well. I like these characters all together and in the environment I'm used to. 

To see this character as a child sounds like an adventure you can either take or leave, but one that has almost nothing to do with the show as it is today. I think it sounds like a show that could exist without TBBT... it just so happens that the young genius growing up as an outcast in east Texas is Sheldon and not some random child.

I read a book when I was young and it was formatted in a way that didn't allude to the fact that it was a prequel until the end. It's amazing how easily different chapters of the same story can sometimes exist independently from each other and together only if one so chooses. 

I may be one of the only optimists here, but I still think it sounds like fun.

Edited November 8, 2016 by shamyyellow

[April]

The problem I have with this kind of spin off idea is...

... they'd need a casting miracle. Sheldon as a character works because of Jim. Finding a kid actor who can bring the same magic to the role will be tough. Not to mention Sheldon has a rather distinctive look so they'd need to fit that as well.

... non of the actors we actually love would be involved in this. I mean, maybe they can get a lead in like "Sheldon tells Amy stories about his childhood" or something but that's about it. Laurie wouldn't be in it as Mary and that would require some more casting magic to replace her with a younger actress.

... the idea is apparently about Sheldon's early teenage years which makes it probably difficult to work around with the family idea. Like, Sheldon entered university at 11 and graduated at the age of 14. He went to Germany shortly after and worked on his doctorate. So how is that going to work with the stories? Little Shelly as a college freshman among young adults!??? Where did he go to university anyway? Is he living at home for that or on campus? Cause the reports sure sound more like a family sitcom to me which makes it hard to connect to the things we know from canon and I have not desire to see more inconsistencies.

... it would be an 90s period show which... ugh good lord... I guess maybe we get jokes like Missy being totally into Blossom or Shelly eagerly awaiting each new Star Trek episode on telly or something.

... while I like to hear about Sheldon's past in TBBT and find out how he became the guy he is today I have no desire to see all those terrible things that happened to him first hand. Like, do we actually need to see Shelly come home for spring break early to catch his dad in bed with another woman!???

... I love Sheldon's evolution on TBBT and turning the clock back to someone who doesn't have friends or love in his life like he does now is just sad. Sheldon works on TBBT because of the other characters as they ground him. So what would you do with little Shelly alone at university?? They can't really let his character evolve like they do on TBBT cause they somehow need to end up with him how he was when TBBT started. Would the writers resist the opportunity to give him some friends cause he needs to talk to someone after all? Or even do some nonsense like "Sheldon Cooper's secret first love!" Goodness please no!

So yeah... Ugh.

[Jonny]

So many ugh's! the more you think about it. @April pretty much nailed it with her post with all the little bits of lore that would likely have to be changed and the difficulties in casting.

They are going to have to completely change his backstory to make a show like this even remotely watchable. Having a boy genius loner with bullies for siblings growing up in a bible bashing household with a drunk philandering father is really that watchable?. I can't see how that show would have lots of appeal so they would have to change it with him having friends, perhaps a love interest etc. Just UGH!

I just think his backstory is too well established and quite frankly too miserable and a lonely existence for them to pull something like this off. And if they change it radically then it impacts on the canon of the adult character too much.

If they had kept the Season 1-3 Sheldon as is then the show likely would have got cancelled well before Season 10. These characters are all very popular because we have seen them evolve and grow and they are characters you just want to root for. Seems to me like they are forgetting why in this instance Sheldon is so popular.

Ugh!

[A Shamy gal]

1 hour ago, April said:

The problem I have with this kind of spin off idea is...

... they'd need a casting miracle. Sheldon as a character works because of Jim. Finding a kid actor who can bring the same magic to the role will be tough. Not to mention Sheldon has a rather distinctive look so they'd need to fit that as well.

... non of the actors we actually love would be involved in this. I mean, maybe they can get a lead in like "Sheldon tells Amy stories about his childhood" or something but that's about it. Laurie wouldn't be in it as Mary and that would require some more casting magic to replace her with a younger actress.

... the idea is apparently about Sheldon's early teenage years which makes it probably difficult to work around with the family idea. Like, Sheldon entered university at 11 and graduated at the age of 14. He went to Germany shortly after and worked on his doctorate. So how is that going to work with the stories? Little Shelly as a college freshman among young adults!??? Where did he go to university anyway? Is he living at home for that or on campus? Cause the reports sure sound more like a family sitcom to me which makes it hard to connect to the things we know from canon and I have not desire to see more inconsistencies.

... it would be an 90s period show which... ugh good lord... I guess maybe we get jokes like Missy being totally into Blossom or Shelly eagerly awaiting each new Star Trek episode on telly or something.

... while I like to hear about Sheldon's past in TBBT and find out how he became the guy he is today I have no desire to see all those terrible things that happened to him first hand. Like, do we actually need to see Shelly come home for spring break early to catch his dad in bed with another woman!???

... I love Sheldon's evolution on TBBT and turning the clock back to someone who doesn't have friends or love in his life like he does now is just sad. Sheldon works on TBBT because of the other characters as they ground him. So what would you do with little Shelly alone at university?? They can't really let his character evolve like they do on TBBT cause they somehow need to end up with him how he was when TBBT started. Would the writers resist the opportunity to give him some friends cause he needs to talk to someone after all? Or even do some nonsense like "Sheldon Cooper's secret first love!" Goodness please no!

So yeah... Ugh.

Sums what I think of the idea too.

[April]

Creative issues aside it also strikes me as a bit too desperate in terms of "Whatever shall we do without TBBT!?!???" cause they can't for the life of them come up with a sitcom that could take TBBT's ratings throne once the show is done. They try every year but so far nothing really sticks. So it sounds like some higher up thinking "Hey, I heard that Sheldon fellow is popular! Let's give him another show!!"

I mean, if this spin off is somehow a way to get S11+ for TBBT then by all means do it. I have now idea how or why that would work but whatever. However, I can't see it become a hit cause right now the general reaction to the news seems to be a resounding "Meh." Then again, it's not like CBS' other sitcom ideas have been particularly stellar in recent years... so who knows, maybe it might just provide good enough numbers.

But as said earlier, the creative concerns are just too big for me personally.