TVLine is taking stock of the many nods, cameos and crossovers linking “Young Sheldon” to its predecessor, “The Big Bang Theory.”
First launched in September 2017, the long-running prequel filled in the details of Dr. Sheldon Cooper’s upbringing in Medford, Texas. The story begins in 1989 and is told from the point of view of a more mature Sheldon, “who is older now and seeing his parents in a different light for the first time,” according to series co-creator Steve Molaro. That altered perspective allowed the spinoff to chart its own path, occasionally diverging from “Big Bang” canon without ever disrespecting what came before.
Whether you’re familiar with the prequel or simply curious, the following guide offers a robust rundown of all the ways the single-camera offshoot paid homage to “The Big Bang Theory,” answered lingering questions (for starters: what is a Bazinga?!), and painted a clearer picture of Sheldon’s relationship with his family — including his ill-fated father.
You’ll also find a wealth of Easter eggs, post-finale crossovers that unfolded after “Big Bang” ended in 2019, and new details about Sheldon and Amy’s future that were never disclosed on TV’s longest-running multi-camera comedy.
Laurie Metcalf’s real-life daughter, Zoe Perry, plays Sheldon’s mother Mary in the prequel.
Sheldon’s father, George Cooper Sr., is portrayed by Lance Barber, who previously appeared on “The Big Bang Theory” Season 5, Episode 11 as Leonard’s high school bully Jimmy Speckerman.
June Squibb originated the role of Sheldon’s grandmother in “The Big Bang Theory” Season 9, Episode 14. “Designing Women” vet Annie Potts took over the role in “Young Sheldon” Season 1, Episode 3.
In “Young Sheldon” Season 6, Episode 14, Georgie and Mandy’s daughter is named Constance — aka CeeCee — after her great-grandmother.
The “Young Sheldon” Season 4 finale planted the seeds for the family patriarch’s potential fall from grace, hinting at an extramarital affair between George and next-door neighbor Brenda Sparks. Seasons 5 and 6 continued to tease that something would happen, culminating in 13-year-old Sheldon’s spring break in Season 6, Episode 18 — the moment Sheldon later told Penny he walked in on his father with another woman.
In Season 7, Episode 4, the prequel revealed the truth: Sheldon had actually walked in on his parents — but would never learn that it was Mary in costume, not another woman.
