For years, Montana Jordan grew up in front of millions of viewers as the lovable, plainspoken Georgie Cooper on Young Sheldon. His performance captured the heart of fans, turning him from a Texas teenager into a familiar face in households around the world. But as the franchise expands into a new spinoff centered on Georgie and Mandy, Jordan is learning that fame — and fandom — comes with a complicated emotional cost.
In a rare moment of candor, Jordan has opened up about the challenges of stepping into the spinoff era and the sting of toxic fan reactions that followed the announcement. While excitement has been high for the next chapter of the Young Sheldon universe, not all responses have been positive — and some have cut deeper than expected.
“I knew not everyone would like it,” Jordan admits. “But reading some of the things people say online… yeah, that’s been hard.”
The spinoff marks a major transition for Jordan, both professionally and personally. No longer the kid brother reacting to Sheldon’s genius, Georgie is now at the center of the story — navigating adulthood, responsibility, and fatherhood. For Jordan, the role demands a different kind of performance and a new level of scrutiny. “This is the first time I’ve really felt the pressure,” he says. “People have very strong opinions about where these characters should go.”
That pressure has been amplified by social media, where passionate fandom can quickly turn hostile. Jordan says some fans have criticized everything from the spinoff’s premise to his character’s evolution, often comparing it relentlessly to The Big Bang Theory or the original Young Sheldon. “It stops being about the show and starts feeling personal,” he explains. “Like they’re not just judging the character — they’re judging you.”
What hurts most, Jordan says, is the sense that some fans forget there are real people behind the screen. “I’ve been playing Georgie since I was a kid,” he says. “I grew up with this character. I care about him. So when people say really harsh things, it sticks with you.”
Still, Jordan is quick to point out that the majority of fans have been supportive and encouraging. Messages from viewers who say Georgie’s story resonates with their own lives have helped him stay grounded. “Those are the ones I try to hold onto,” he says. “They remind me why we’re doing this in the first place.”
The actor also acknowledges that change is always difficult for long-running franchises. “People get attached to what they know,” Jordan reflects. “I get that. I’m a fan of shows too. But growth means taking risks, and this spinoff is definitely a risk.”
Behind the scenes, Jordan says he’s leaning on family, castmates, and mentors who understand the pressures of growing up in the spotlight. Having entered Hollywood at such a young age, he’s learned coping strategies that help him separate online noise from real life. “You have to remind yourself that comments don’t define you,” he says. “But that doesn’t mean they don’t hurt.”
Despite the emotional toll, Jordan remains proud of the work he’s done and optimistic about what’s ahead. He believes the spinoff has heart, humor, and stories worth telling — especially for fans willing to give it a chance. “We’re not trying to replace anything,” he says. “We’re just continuing the story.”
As he steps into this new chapter, Montana Jordan is doing so with honesty, vulnerability, and resilience. His message to fans is simple but powerful: “You don’t have to love everything. Just remember there’s a human being on the other side of the screen.”
For a young actor who grew up alongside his audience, that reminder may be the most important role he plays yet.
