5 Reasons Young Sheldon Would Be Better Off as a Standalone Show

5 Reasons Young Sheldon Would Be Better Off as a Standalone Show
Image credit: CBS

Which way would you prefer your Young Sheldon?

Few spinoffs achieve the popularity of their parent shows, but Young Sheldon has pulled it off. The prequel is just as popular as The Big Bang Theory, on which it's based. However, the two shows are quite different, so much so that many people wish Young Sheldon were a standalone show as they believe it would be better off that way. Here are just five of the reasons why.

  1. Sheldon's character development is limited.

Since the story revolves around TBBT's genius character Sheldon Cooper, we already know the person he becomes. Young Sheldon provides a glimpse of who he was, but it seems he hasn't changed much over time.

Fans of the spinoff, who may hope for Sheldon's growth, are often disappointed. Perhaps if the original show didn't preordain the characters' fates, things might turn out better for them.

  1. Other characters often take a backseat.

While later seasons of Young Sheldon focus more on the Coopers in general, the spinoff still struggles to develop all characters equally as it tries to follow storylines established in TBBT. If Young Sheldon were a standalone show, it could be an entirely different story (pun intended).

  1. George Sr. infidelity seems out of character.

For those who have watched episode 18 of season 6, you likely know that George's cheating plotline didn't happen in Young Sheldon; at least, it didn't happen the way it does in TBBT's canon. Many fans are relieved it never took place, as George's infidelity has been debated for years. The consensus is that it would have been out of character for him. This question wouldn't have been an issue if Young Sheldon was a standalone show.

  1. Inconsistencies are everywhere.

While some viewers are happy to overlook certain storylines, others are frustrated by the inconsistencies in the plot. In fact, Young Sheldon is filled with inconsistencies that wouldn't be an issue if it were an original show, free from the shackles of its predecessor's concepts and canons.

  1. New characters are underdeveloped.

Concerning inconsistencies, the writers are so cautious about creating them that they avoid introducing and developing new characters, fearing questions about their absence in the parent show. At the same time, new characters could add flavour and dynamics to Young Sheldon, making it more engaging to watch.

Unfortunately, Young Sheldon remains a spinoff. Its next episode will arrive on CBS on 4 May, so may the fourth be with you to help you love this brilliant show despite all its flaws...