”The Big Bang Theory” might only be around for one or two more seasons, but Sheldon Cooper isn’t leaving television anytime soon. CBS has ordered the series’ long-rumored prequel, titled “Young Sheldon,” that will follow the child prodigy at age 9 as he attends high school in Texas. (Yep, high school.)
Jim Parsons, who’s played Sheldon for 10 seasons so far on the hit sitcom, will narrate the half-hour comedy from the character’s perspective as an adult.
CBS exec Leslie Moonves gave some other hints at a conference last week. Sheldon will have “a very right-wing family, not used to this 10-year old genius living in their midst. It’s a terrific script and we have a terrific little kid,” Moonves explained, per Deadline.
Zoe Perry will take over the role of Sheldon’s mom, Mary Cooper, from her real-life mother, Emmy-nominated actress Laurie Metcalf, while Iain Armitage of “Big Little Lies” takes on the lead. Lance Barber (”Gangster Squad”) will play Sheldon’s father.
A single-camera format means “Young Sheldon” will look slightly different than its predecessor, a multi-camera sitcom, but it appears to be in good hands. “Big Bang” creator Chuck Lorre will serve as executive producer alongside Parsons, his partner, producer Todd Spiewak, and another “Big Bang” alum. “Iron Man” director Jon Favreau will direct the first episode.
While many believed the current “Big Bang” season might be its last, Moonves stated last week that Season 11 and 12 were “on the two-yard line,” Deadline reported.
“Young Sheldon” will debut on CBS later this year as part of the 2017–2018 season.
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