The Unexpected Thing Young Sheldon and Twilight Have in Common

Summary

• Twilight and Young Sheldon are too different to compare.
• But both productions used a reference to a 1990s cult movie.
• Young Sheldon makes frequent use of pop culture Easter eggs.

At first glance, there would seem to be no similarities between the hit CBS sitcom and the fan-favorite Summit Entertainment saga. In fact, the two productions couldn't be more different. Young Sheldon is a family-oriented comedy show set in the real world, albeit in the fictional town of Medford, and intended to authentically portray life in Texas in the 1980-1990s. Based on Stephenie Meyer's novels, Twilight is a supernatural romance drama movie series that follows Bella Swan who is caught in a love triangle with a 104-year-old vampire and a 16-year-old werewolf.

Obviously, there's a difference in tone, storytelling, tropes, and other artistic devices between Young Sheldon and Twilight. However, the two seem to have one thing in common. And that is the masterful use of references to classic movies.

Thelma & Louise

Ridley Scott's iconic 1991 movie, which earned six Oscar nominations and a win in the Best Original Screenplay category, is one of the most culturally significant films ever made. Following the titular best friends, portrayed by Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, on a vacation that turns into a series of crimes and tragedies, Thelma & Louise tells the story of a friendship that conquers all and touches even the most callous of hearts. Perhaps for this reason, it has become an integral part of contemporary pop culture and a source of many references.

Apparently, both Young Sheldon and Twilight had a little nod to Thelma & Louise. In Episode 16, Season 5, Meemaw, wearing a headscarf, takes Dale for a ride in her new convertible, and the two race through the streets of Texas. In Twilight: New Moon, Alice, also wearing a colorful headscarf, takes Bella for a ride. And even though Alice's car isn't a convertible, both scenes are incredibly reminiscent of Louise and Thelma's iconic ride.

Young Sheldon's Easter Eggs

As a spin-off of The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon obviously has a lot of references to the mothership series. But it also alludes to other pop culture giants, just like TBBT does. In particular, YS has references to DC Comics, of which Shelly is a fan. The prequel also features J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy saga The Lord of the Rings, which Sheldon reads as a boy.

Still, these are too obvious Easter eggs, while the Thelma & Louise-inspired car ride sequence was fine and almost undetectable if you haven't seen the movie. Hopefully, Young Sheldon will treat us to more such references in the rest of Season 7. Episode 6 premieres tonight, April 6.