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After The Big Bang Theory was released in 2007, fans were eager for more. And they got it! Stream Young Sheldon for free on 9Now. A decade later in 2017, the prequel spin-off Young Sheldon was born and provided the backstory to the eccentric scientist Sheldon Cooper.
Jim Parsons played Sheldon in TBBT , while Iain Armitage took on the role in Young Sheldon...
and fans completely fell in love with both. Parsons even made a special appearance in the final ever episode of Young Sheldon in May 2024, delighting fans across the globe. To celebrate the two, we've collated 17 times Young Sheldon connected to The Big Bang Theory; from habits and catchphrases to unexpected cameos.
Scroll through to see! Adult Sheldon's obsession with flags was a recurring theme in The Big Bang Theory . Who could forget Dr. Sheldon Cooper's Fun With Flags , the YouTube/podcast show that Sheldon and Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) made to teach vexillology? Young Sheldon showed how Sheldon's passion for flags began as a child, often using them as a refuge from challenging childhood moments.
The infamous roommate agreement with Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki) found its roots in Young Sheldon , where Sheldon began drafting overly detailed contracts for his siblings and family. If you thought the voice of Penny was never to be heard on Young Sheldon , then you would be wrong. In the Season 3 episode titled 'Teenager Soup and a Little Ball of Fib', young Sheldon was plagued by nightmares about his upcoming swimming test, and featured a mysterious talking pool.
That voice was...
you guessed it! "That was absolutely the voice of Kaley as pool water," series co-creator Steve Molaro confirmed to TV Line . "I needed someone to do the voice. I knew I wanted it to be female and kinda sexy, and I said, 'Well, duh! Kaley is perfect for this'," he explained.
What a connection! In Young Sheldon , Sheldon's love for practical jokes is explored – culminating in his first utterance of the word "Bazinga." This catchphrase became a hallmark of his character in The Big Bang Theory . The prequel showed how young Sheldon's mischievous nature sparked the famous phrase.
Fans of The Big Bang Theory recognise 'Soft Kitty' as Sheldon's ultimate comfort tune, which he often made Penny (Kaley Cuoco) sing to him. In Young Sheldon , his mother sang it to him during tough moments, giving emotional context to why it soothes adult Sheldon. Here's another tidbit of information.
.. On The Big Bang Theory , Sheldon's mother Mary Cooper is played by Laurie Metcalf.
On Young Sheldon, Sheldon's mother is played by Zoe Perry. The link here? Zoe Perry is Laurie Metcalf's real-life daughter. That's one way to ensure a family resemblance.
Sheldon often spoke about his beloved Meemaw in The Big Bang Theory . In the prequel, audiences got to meet her in the form of Annie Potts' feisty, caring portrayal, showing why she was such a crucial figure in Sheldon's upbringing. Both series highlight Sheldon's admiration for Professor Proton, a children's science TV host.
Young Sheldon expands on this by depicting Sheldon's initial fascination and his early scientific curiosity inspired by the show. While adult Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory referenced his father's flaws, Young Sheldon provides a nuanced view of George Sr., showcasing his love and struggles as a father to a genius.
Stream Young Sheldon for free on 9Now. In The Big Bang Theory , Sheldon's ornithophobia led to comedic situations. Young Sheldon revealed the origin of this fear, tying it back to an unsettling childhood encounter with a bird.
Sheldon's behaviors – including his need for order and his "spot" on the sofa – were seen developing in Young Sheldon , offering a glimpse into the origins of his routines. In a heartfelt moment in Young Sheldon , an older Sheldon reminisced about a lesson from his father, which ledto his decision to propose to Amy in The Big Bang Theory . This subtle but powerful link connects both series in a poignant way.
Adult Sheldon often aired how he wasn't a big fan of his Texas upbringing, but Young Sheldon provided context, showing how his genius alienated him in his small hometown. Growing up in a deeply religious household, Sheldon often clashed with his mother's beliefs. Young Sheldon explored these early conflicts, which later shaped his scepticism in The Big Bang Theory .
Sheldon's lifelong dream of winning a Nobel Prize is rooted in Young Sheldon , where his fascination with science and prestigious awards was prominently featured. References to Sheldon's incredible academic achievements were fleshed out in Young Sheldon , from attending college as a child to his interactions with professors who struggled to keep up with his intellect. Sheldon's love for comics began in Young Sheldon , where his discovery of X-Men and other titles hints at the lifelong passion seen in The Big Bang Theory .
Jim Parsons narrates Young Sheldon , bridging the two series together. In fact, in the final moments Young Sheldon 's Season 4 premiere, Parsons – narrating as an adult Sheldon Cooper – revealed his son's name was none other than Leonard. "I wanted his name to be Leonard Nimoy Cooper, but Amy wouldn't let me," adult Sheldon said.
Amy, voiced by Mayim Bialik, could then be heard adding, "Be lucky I let you name him Leonard." It's a name which acts as a tribute to Sheldon's friend Leonard Hofstadter in The Big Bang Theory . At the end of the final ever episode of Young Sheldon , Amy and Sheldon returned for the ultimate cameo.
It revealed they were happily married with two children, and The Big Bang Theory viewers likely clocked about a dozen Easter eggs in Sheldon's office – including his Nobel Prize, a Flash mug, a Rubik's Cube coaster...
and the couch from Apt. 4A! Stream Young Sheldon for free on 9Now..
