A new chapter

TELEVISION | 'GEORGIE AND MANDY'S FIRST MARRIAGE' When Montana Jordan shot the first episode of "Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage," he didn't know what to expect. "Young Sheldon" — his first series — didn't feature a live audience. "Georgie" did.

"Young Sheldon" wasn't "his" show; "Georgie" is. And hitting marks with a new family of actors? "It was electric, energetic, awesome and really fun," he says. "I'm going to do the best I can to bring it to life.



" To prove as much, he and costar Emily Osment — the show's Mandy — practiced a tango for the opening credits. "If Montana and I can learn a full tango, I think this marriage is going to work," Osment says. The "first" aspect isn't necessarily a clue as to what lies ahead, but it has given "Big Bang Theory" folks reason to tune in.

Family matters In the new comedy, the two are trying out married life and parenthood under the roof of her parents' home. Will Sasso and Rachel Bay Jones play Mandy's parents, and yes, there are issues, particularly with Georgie, who works at the family tire business. When Mandy's mother questions Georgie's intelligence, he doesn't become angry because, creator Chuck Lorre says, "he's always been considered the dumb brother.

And he encourages it because people underestimate him, and it gives him an edge." In "Young Sheldon," Georgie knew his brother was the prodigy and destined for great things, but that didn't mean he couldn't achieve, too. "It's undeniable that the passing of his father at the end of 'Young Sheldon' has had an enormous impact on how he proceeds as a young man," Lorre says.

"That's character stuff. That's the kind of thing you can do in a theater — small, character-driven storytelling" — and that's perfect for a series shot before an audience. Familiar faces In the first episodes of the new series, several "Young Sheldon" regulars appear.

The crew, too, is largely the same. "There's this lovely comfort of being around people that I had the pleasure of working with for three years," Osment says. "It's such a wonderful, warm welcome to this new era that we're in.

" Jordan hasn't known anything different. "Even outside of the TV show, we're still family," he says. "We all hang out and everything.

" At those early tapings, key "Sheldon" actors like Iain Armitage and Lance Barber were in the audience. "Young Sheldon" fans have filled the stage's seats. "It was really comforting to see how well these actors were able to pivot to multicam," executive producer Steve Holland says.

Jordan compares it to Friday night football: "It's the thrill you get just walking out there. Everybody is excited to be there," he says. "It's like nothing else," Osment adds.

Cast and crew often hang after a taping to celebrate, play games and catch up on family business. Close to home For Jordan, there's more than a little familiarity in his off-screen life. Like Georgie, he's a new father and has been trying to juggle home and work.

Georgie, Osment says, had to step up when his daughter was born. "He's having to grow up fast," Jordan adds. "He's always been an entrepreneur, doing different things in school, like selling candy.

And maybe that's his way of trying to shine in the family." "The Big Bang Theory" taught Lorre and company that "there are different kinds of intelligence," Lorre says. "Georgie is very much a part of that storytelling.

He brings things that Sheldon can't bring, like empathy and compassion and enthusiasm and determination and grit that can ultimately lead to success. The story of intelligence begins on 'Big Bang Theory,' but as writers, we learned there are other ways to explore intelligence, not just the grease board with mathematics." "Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage" has the luxury of entering the marketplace with well-known characters, a comedic rhythm and a storyline that interests viewers.

"We've been set up to hit a homer," Osment says. "I'm just grateful every day I get to wake up and do the thing that I love." "Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage" begins Oct.

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