4 Shows We Think Inspired Young Sheldon Aside From The Big Bang Theory
The series is so much more than just a spinoff.
It's not often that a spinoff series achieves the same level of success as its parent show, but it seems that all fans of The Big Bang Theory share their love for the sitcom with its prequel, Young Sheldon.
The show turned out to be a smash hit and took its own place in the hearts of the fans. And even though it's largely based on The Big Bang Theory's main character, Sheldon Cooper, and some of his family members, the show might not be the only inspiration.
There are some other great classic sitcoms that Chuck Lorre turned to in order to borrow some stuff for his new masterpiece.
Malcolm in the Middle
The underrated sitcom about a nerdy teen in a slightly dysfunctional family... Does the story sound familiar? However, there is a huge difference between the two shows. Malcolm in the Middle not only shows us the struggles of a super-intelligent teenager, but also focuses on his family's poverty. For Young Sheldon, money was never a subject.
Reba
Another story of a rather odd Texas family with the same things going on as the Coopers, like the husband's infidelity and the older child becoming a teenage parent. Even "the other woman" was played by the same actress in both shows. The difference between the two shows, however, is significant: Reba is a sitcom about a female adult character, while Young Sheldon is primarily about the boy himself.
Happy Days
The hit show of the '70s, Happy Days, was actually set in the '50s, and it's believed that That '70s Show is its sequel, set 20 years later. Well, it seems that the trick in setting Young Sheldon 20 years before The Big Bang Theory came from those hit shows. And it worked perfectly, because the viewers felt nostalgic for the time and grew fond of the show.
The Goldbergs
This show's main nerdy guy is also no stranger to being tormented by his older brother, just like our Sheldon. There are many differences between the shows, like The Goldbergs being obsessed with its time period, the 80's, while Young Sheldon does not focus on the 80's-90's too much.
However, the shows have many similarities, like the overprotective mothers who were as lovable as they were unhinged, or the boys ' obsession with geek culture.