Summary

  • Young Sheldon captivates viewers with its endearing family dynamics and compelling narrative, making it a sweeter and better series than The Big Bang Theory.
  • The prequel focuses primarily on Sheldon and the dynamics in the Cooper family, allowing viewers to relate more to the struggles of growing up and the challenges parents face with their children.
  • Young Sheldon digs deeper into its characters, providing heartfelt moments and covering an excellent story about a family trying their hardest to have a good life, making it a more compelling and heartwarming series than its parent show.

The Big Bang Theory is a show that aired from 2007 to 2019 and followed a group of scientists living their lives. They go through many relationship struggles, scientific breakthroughs and downfalls, and simple adulting difficulties. Young Sheldon, on the other hand, is a prequel to The Big Bang Theory, and follows the fan-favorite character, Sheldon, through his childhood. The show also follows the rest of Sheldon's family, as we see not just his coming-of-age, but his entire family's life, growing up with him.

Young Sheldon made its debut in 2017, and since then, has become a favorite among fans. Many credit the performance of Iain Armitage, as the young Sheldon Cooper, the endearing family dynamics, and the compelling narrative of the prequel for the loyal following that the series has managed to acquire. While maintaining a connection to its parent series, there is a lot that Young Sheldon does differently. It is perhaps these differences that have made Young Sheldon a sweeter, better series than The Big Bang Theory.

Updated November 22, 2023: This article has been updated by Jessica Peerez with more information on why Young Sheldon might be a better, sweeter show than The Big Bang Theory.

Young Sheldon poster
Young Sheldon
Release Date
September 25, 2017
Cast
Annie Potts , Iain Armitage , Jim Parsons , Wallace Shawn
Main Genre
Comedy
Seasons
7

How Are Young Sheldon and Big Bang Theory Similar?

There are many Big Bang Theory Easter Eggs in Young Sheldon, allowing for continuity between the show and its prequel. They have overlapping characters, as a handful were first introduced in The Big Bang Theory in their adult ages before we met them in the cast of Young Sheldon in their youth. Sheldon is the most significant overlap, being a central character in both series. The biggest appeal of the prequel when it first aired was, perhaps, to see how Sheldon got to become who he was at the beginning of The Big Bang Theory.

Both shows are funny, as sitcoms should be. Both use Sheldon as a comedic element, as he often misunderstands normal social behaviors or tends to do something socially incorrect that becomes comedic to the audience. But this trope is also used with a bit of embarrassment from Sheldon's family, and often frustration in Young Sheldon. We see some of this in The Big Bang Theory as well but not to the extent we do in the prequel.

What Makes Them Different?

The Big Bang Theory focuses on friendships and romantic relationships. While the family does pop in from time to time, and while each character's parents are part of their storyline, the main focus is not on the family. Instead, most plot points revolve around the main group of friends, and that same group overcomes the obstacles.

In contrast, Young Sheldon is all about family. While some friends also come and go in the show, they are not the main cast. Instead, the family members are the ones who overcome issues together. The fact that Young Sheldon focuses primarily on Sheldon and the dynamics in the Cooper family allows viewers to relate more to the prequel than its parent series. The struggles that George and Mary encounter not just with Sheldon, but also with Missy and Georgie, speak to the challenges that many parents face with their own children as they gradually grow into adulthood and individuality.

Both shows are relatable to most people, but the daily dynamic of Young Sheldon captured the heart of many of its viewers much more than the struggling geniuses of the first show. The people who fell in love with The Big Bang Theory did so either because they understood what it felt like to be socially awkward or an outcast, or because they simply liked to laugh with the dorky, eccentric characters. Young Sheldon, on the other hand, garnered its loyal fanbase by allowing each and every viewer to connect with the show, without the need to get along with the science-based jokes.

A More Heartwarming Narrative

The Big Bang Theory is set during the characters' 20s and 30s. They are all adults trying to survive in the world of adulthood. They struggle with typical adult problems of renting apartments, staying in jobs, finding careers that suit them, and dealing with families they left behind. The humor is suitably a bit more mature. In contrast, Young Sheldon focuses on adolescence. We see Sheldon and his siblings grow from kids to teens, exploring what those terms mean. Not only do we see Sheldon's different-than-normal childhood, but we see his siblings' normal ones and the daily struggles that the family goes through trying to grapple with Sheldon's brilliance.

Related Link: What Could We See in Max's Big Bang Theory Spin-Off?

Young Sheldon also becomes more heartwarming in comparison to its parent series thanks to the fact that it centers on universal themes. It also affords focus to all main characters, including George, Mary, Missy, Georgie, and Meemaw, whereas The Big Bang Theory, towards the end, tended to focus more on Sheldon's personal arc.

By focusing on the individual stories of different characters, Young Sheldon is able to focus on numerous themes, including struggles in a marriage, challenges with faith, societal expectations, and relationships. The show creates many heartwarming, touching moments that resonate with audiences of all ages. While the prequel does its part in preserving the humor of the narrative, it also does not shy away from emotion, keeping audiences hooked in a way that The Big Bang Theory doesn't quite manage to do.

Which Is Better, Young Sheldon or The Big Bang Theory?

The Big Bang Theory was a great show because it surrounded a group of characters that are often not brought to screens, especially in groups — the nerdy comic book guys. Usually, there is one nerd in the group, often for comic relief, but not a clan of them. In addition, it gained a large fan base because of its uniqueness. But Young Sheldon inherited that fan base and captured their hearts. The narrative it weaved, the issues it touched on, the unique humor of the show, and the attention it gave to its main cast, allowed the prequel to create a genuine connection with its audience.

Overall, Young Sheldon digs deeper into its characters, provides more heartfelt moments, and covers an excellent story about a family trying their hardest to have a good life. In this way, Young Sheldon manages to become a much sweeter and more compelling story than its parent series.

Related Link: Young Sheldon Season 7: What Fans Hope to See

Now loved by many, and an established hit series, Season 7 of the endearing Young Sheldon is set to premiere on February 15, 2024. Despite the disappointment of fans, the upcoming season will be the prequel's last, as the series draws to a natural end given the already established Big Bang Theory canon. The season finale of the series is expected to air on May 16, 2024, and run for one hour. Stream Young Sheldon on Max.