TV

Let's Settle This: Was Young Sheldon's Meemaw Casting Really a Flop?

Let's Settle This: Was Young Sheldon's Meemaw Casting Really a Flop?
Image credit: CBS

Hear us out.

There is no doubt that Young Sheldon 's creators did a great job casting the main and supporting actors.

Everyone seems to fit just perfectly: Lance Barber (who also portrayed Leonard's bully in TBBT) absolutely nailed it as George; Zoe Perry, being a daughter of Laurie Metcalf (Mary from TBBT) was the greatest casting; and of course, Iain Armitage as Sheldon.

But there is one controversial casting decision that is absolutely great but still raises some questions. The character in question is Sheldon's Meemaw.

In both The Big Bang Theory and its prequel series Young Sheldon, we are introduced to the character of Meemaw, the grandmother of Sheldon Cooper.

However, while the two shows share the same character, many fans argue that the portrayal of Meemaw in each series is markedly different.

In TBBT, Meemaw is portrayed by June Squibb as a more subdued but still fiercely protective grandmother. She appears in only a few episodes, but her presence is felt throughout the show, as she was mentioned by Sheldon on occasion.

When it comes to Young Sheldon, Meemaw is played by Annie Potts, who brings a different energy to the character.

Potts portrays Meemaw as a younger woman who is still figuring out her place in the world. Her relationship with Sheldon is more playful and light-hearted, and she often indulges his quirks and idiosyncrasies.

Many fans, even though they completely appreciate Annie Potts' performance, argue that she seems to portray an entirely different character, doubting whether this was a good casting decision.

There's no denying that both portrayals are great, but neither can you deny that there is a clear difference between those two Meemaws, or can you?

Some fans believe otherwise, arguing that most of what we know about Meemaw from TBBT comes from Sheldon's perspective.

He absolutely adores her. But there were some clues that tell she's not just your typical sweet grandma who bakes cookies.

There were little hints here and there that she could be pretty straightforward and tough. Remember that comment she made about killing prairie dogs with a gravy boat?

Or when Sheldon brings Meemaw her drink, it's not a glass of wine. No way. It's whiskey, just the way she likes it. She's not one for half measures.

So both versions of Meemaw, even though they look different on the surface, actually have some consistent traits if you really think about it.