A crossover event between The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon is coming and, while that sounds like a good plan considering they’re both in the same reality, this is actually a bad idea for a couple of reasons. Interconnected storytelling has been the norm for quite some time now - be it in the small or big screen. On TV, AMC has arranged a The Walking Dead and Fear The Walking Dead special last year, and of course, The CW has its annual Arrowverse event. But just because it works on other properties, that it doesn’t mean CBS should also follow suit via two of their currently most popular sitcoms.
Debuting last year, Young Sheldon was launched to further explore Sheldon’s growing years in Texas. Jim Parson’s intellectually gifted but socially awkward character is played by Iain Armitage in the prequel series. The young actor brilliantly nails Sheldon’s unique quirks and an encounter between the two will undoubtedly be a delight to see. But not only is the term “crossover” misleading considering the show’s wide timeline gap, but it also won’t serve any purpose other than to cross-promote Young Sheldon to Big Bang Theory viewers who haven’t really seen the spinoff.
CBS has already attempted to establish a stronger connection between the two series earlier this year by having a Sheldon’s first best friend from Texas, Tam, appear in The Big Bang Theory. The principal series was able to craft a nifty explanation on why Sheldon had never mentioned him all this time and the episode was well-received by fans. However, since the planned crossover will feature young versions of Sheldon, Georgie (Montana Jordan) and George Sr. (Lance Barber), this will either be pulled off via a flashback scene, a videotape as a plot device (as previously suggested by showrunner Steve Holland), or a dream sequence, which, frankly, viewers can all do without.
Aside from the timeline gap making a proper crossover impossible, there’s also a noticeable disconnect between Young Sheldon and its parent series, The Big Bang Theory, making this event more jarring and unnecessary. Meemaw isn’t the lovable and soft grandmother that Sheldon fondly talked about in the early seasons of long-running sitcom. It’s quite difficult to imagine that Annie Potts’ version of the character eventually became June Squibb’s iteration. George Sr. isn’t the unlikable father that Sheldon used to describe. And, finally, Laurie Metcalf’s older version of Mary has barely any trace of Zoe Perry’s. The spinoff is rewriting established canon which doesn’t sit well with a lot of long-time The Big Bang Theory viewers.
It’s understandable that CBS would want people to tune into Young Sheldon now that The Big Bang Theory is already on its final run. But by forcing a crossover that doesn’t service the long-running sitcom with only a limited number of episodes left, they’re inadvertently turning off a lot of viewers. Over the last few seasons, fans have pointed out how the show tends to spend a lot of time focusing on Sheldon - relegating other characters to nothing more than supporting players. Devoting a whole episode exploring Sheldon’s past when there are still so many unresolved plot points pertaining to other characters before the show bows out will undoubtedly fuel the backlash.
At this point, CBS’ main priority should be to craft a fitting final hurrah for all the beloved characters of The Big Bang Theory. Just because Sheldon has a massive following, that doesn’t mean they can cast all the other key characters aside to capitalize on his popularity. Leonard and Penny have yet to straighten out their conflict regarding their different thoughts on having kids. Raj is finally developing a stable relationship with Anu that could lead to a wedding. And the burning mystery of Howard’s father remains to be unresolved which is arguably one of the most emotional running subplots in the show. A more well-rounded final season will not only be the best way to repay loyal viewers of the sitcom, but it could also be the most effective way to build a solid fan base for Young Sheldon.
