Young Sheldon Just Made the Most Devastating Reference to TBBT Prior to the Finale

Summary:

• The Big Bang Theory spinoff, Young Sheldon, may not have followed the canonical events of the original series to the letter, but it did follow the most important ones.
• Those fans who were familiar with the original show were ready for George Sr. to die in the final season.
• However, nothing could prepare fans for another heartbreaking parallel the show would make.

For the previous 6 seasons, Young Sheldon fans demanded that the show stick closer to the canon established in The Big Bang Theory. Looking back at how the newer show handled some of the characters and events, the changes they made ended up being for the better.

Unfortunately, however, the creators of Young Sheldon couldn't escape being tied to the original show forever. If there was one event that shaped Sheldon Cooper's adulthood, it was his father's death, and now, in the show's grand finale, viewers will see the final chapter of the Coopers' family life as we know it.

Did George Cooper Die in Young Sheldon?

Losing a parent at a young age is never easy for anyone, and Sheldon Cooper is no exception. Throughout the show, George Cooper remained one of the most complex characters, torn between the struggles of his professional life, strained relationships with family members, and a pure desire to be the best version of himself for his family.

George was also the character who changed the most over the course of the show. The way both Sheldon and Mary badmouthed him throughout The Big Bang Theory didn't match the personality that Young Sheldon viewers got to see. Unfortunately, no matter how lovable George became, no one could save him from his inevitable demise.

Even more heartbreaking than the mere fact of losing his father, his death also marked a day when Sheldon became as isolated and alone as his adult version had been before meeting his found family in Leonard, Howard and Raj.

Many fans remember him describing to Howard the feeling of loss when Howard lost his mother. He said that he had no friends to help him get over that loss, and this is reflected in the latest Young Sheldon episode, where Mary, Connie, and Missy all hug each other upon hearing the news, leaving Sheldon all alone.

Knowing that he will be moving without his best friend following his lead, not speaking to his older brother for an entire decade, and growing even further apart from his twin sister Missy, Sheldon's years of isolation have become even more heartbreaking and evident in his personality.

No matter how many years have passed, coming back to The Big Bang Theory with such parallels will never get easier for any fan. However, there is a bright side: watching Sheldon become so beloved throughout The Big Bang Theory may not heal every wound.

Tune in to CBS on May 16 to not miss the two-parter finale of Young Sheldon, and stream The Big Bang Theory on Max, if you need a little pick-me-up after the bittersweet ending to the spinoff.