Straying From TBBT Canon is the Only Way for Young Sheldon to Survive

It's been four years since The Big Bang Theory concluded, yet its popularity endures.

Undeniably, the spinoff, Young Sheldon, contributes to this ongoing appeal. Intriguingly, it significantly diverges from the tone and style of its parent show.

Over the course of its six-year run, Young Sheldon has succeeded in the nuanced development of its characters, from central figures to supporting roles. With its subtle humour, devoid of canned laughter and trite punchlines, the series interweaves elements of drama, enhancing its richness and viewer appeal. Until now, the prequel has predominantly adhered to the original plotlines established in The Big Bang Theory while also successfully crafting unique characters and narratives, endearing itself to its audience.

As the sixth season draws to a close, viewers are left to speculate about the show's future, given that the source material has largely been exhausted. Could it be that if the showrunners were to deviate from the canon of The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon might continue and, indeed, flourish?

Consider this: the spinoff is constrained by the parent show's plotlines, which drastically curtail opportunities for the characters' further evolution. Additionally, the weight of fan expectation constrains the writers' creativity, compelling them to shoehorn certain events into the lives of our beloved Young Sheldon characters.

One Redditor succinctly encapsulated this sentiment: 'I hate that the BBT is forcing an ending to Young Sheldon (George cheating, George dying, Sheldon leaving) that is so unsatisfying to what has been built over the past six seasons.'

It's no overstatement to suggest that Sheldon is not the show's most captivating or beloved character. On the contrary, the other Cooper family members have been rendered so multifaceted over six seasons that it would be regrettable if they were ultimately subsumed by the original plot and relegated to mere supporting roles in Sheldon's narrative.

Perhaps there is a feasible strategy. Since Sheldon is the only character profoundly tethered to The Big Bang Theory's canon, the writers could maintain his arc while reimagining the other characters' plotlines. This would allow them to continue as the compelling figures we've come to appreciate, potentially enabling Young Sheldon to persevere beyond its titular character after the seventh season.

Season 6's grand finale airs on 18 May.

Source: Reddit.