CBS Has Second Thoughts About Killing Off George on Young Sheldon
Little could the showrunners of The Big Bang Theory have known, as they were producing the highly successful sitcom they were also digging themselves into a rather unfortunate hole for its future spin-off, Young Sheldon.
The series often delved into the lives and backstories of many of its main characters. A decision that writer and co-producer Steven Molaro of both series is now beginning to regret. As they anticipate killing off one of Young Sheldon 's most-loved characters, his dad George senior. CBS must now consider, will the series survive without him?
The idea behind the spin-off series Young Sheldon originally came from Jim Parsons while filming the TBBT. From the start, the creators were keen to keep the show as authentic as possible. Considering how much background the character had already established in Big Bang, the series had a good starting foundation.
However, to stay true to its origin, Young Sheldon would have to incorporate everything that had already been revealed about Sheldon's past. Including the death of his father, which was mentioned as a significant time in Sheldon's childhood.
According to Sheldon in the TBBT, his father died when he was 14 years old, a point which is approaching fast in the Young Sheldon series. While explaining to Penny his reason for his compulsive repeated door-knocking, Sheldon also mentions when he was 13 he caught his father in bed with another woman.
Molaro directly discusses his regret for this line in Jessica Radloff's book about the show. Admitting that at the time of Sheldon's story about his cheating father, they were simply trying to add some 'weight' to the scene. However, it is something that he has since come to reconsider since the start of the spin-off series.
The character of George in Young Sheldon is portrayed as a lighter version of the father Sheldon describes so unflatteringly as an adult. It is fair to say that the spin-off has taken some creative liberties to not make George a completely unforgivable character.
Although he and Sheldon often have a complicated relationship, he can still be a loving father at times who has defended Sheldon on multiple occasions. However, if the series decides to move away from the narrative of George's cheating and death, this would arguably be a step too far from the original show. To keep consistent with the series' beginnings, it has no choice but to kill off the main characters eventually.
After George's death, the show admittedly may struggle to re-discover the same dynamic it has represented throughout its five seasons so far. Fortunately, the characters still have much more story to tell. Missy has yet to go through her supposed rebellious phase. And after the passing of his father, Georgie will have to step up to take care of Sheldon, Missy, and his mother Mary. George 's death may leave a regrettable hole within the series. But it will also provide it with a purpose to progress along with the Cooper family.