A Big Bang Theory spin-off is definitely going ahead

CBS has confirmed it has ordered a Big Bang Theory prequel series centring a nine-year-old Sheldon Cooper, who is portrayed by Jim Parsons in the flagship series.

Titled Young Sheldon, the half-hour comedy stars Iain Armitage (Big Little Lies) in the title role, and is set to premiere in the 2017-18 TV season.

Big Bang masterminds Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro created the spin-off, which follows Sheldon living with his family in East Texas and going to high school. Parsons will narrate the series, which unlike its laugh-track laden predecessor, will be shot in the single-camera format.

In another bit of meta-casting, Zoe Perry will play Sheldon’s mother — a role portrayed by Perry’s real-life mother, Laurie Metcalf, on Big Bang Theory.

CBS is reportedly very close to renewing Big Bang for two more seasons; contract negotiations have been held up as co-stars Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik seek raises.

A renewal would take the popular comedy into its 11th and 12th seasons.
This article was originally published on the New York Post