Young Sheldon’s And TBBT’s Meemaws Aren’t Actually That Different

Summary:

• Young Sheldon is a hit CBS sitcom, a prequel to The Big Bang Theory series.
• The show explores the struggles of the Cooper family in early 90s Texas.
• Most of Sheldon's family members have appeared on both shows.
• Meemaw's portrayal was considered inconsistent, but it makes sense considering the time jump.

If there was one move The Big Bang Theory fans came to appreciate after their favorite sitcom ended, it was the decision to air Young Sheldon years early. While not many people were immediately drawn to the prequel, they came later, unwilling to part with such an important universe.

Although the two settings were completely different, with one focusing on the struggles of young adult life and the other on family issues, there was still a sense of similarity in the style and humor of the show. And, for better or worse, there was always Sheldon Cooper with his inappropriate remarks.

Over the years, viewers came to love Young Sheldon even more than they loved the original show. It was not just the quality of the writing, but the characters themselves. Everyone except Sheldon, who was always true to himself, and his mother, who was way too devoted to him, were likable enough to invest in their subplots.

The real star of the show, however, turned out to be Sheldon's Meemaw, portrayed by Annie Potts.

Why Does Meemaw From Young Sheldon Look So Different From TBBT?

An approximate time difference between Meemaw's two appearances in the shows is about 20 years. While people change with age, as do their appearances, Meemaw is hardly recognizable. This is because her older version was played by a different actress, June Squibb.

While this casting choice was not the biggest departure Young Sheldon made from The Big Bang Theory canon, it was one of the most welcome.

Squibb's portrayal of a grumpier Meemaw made perfect sense, considering her age and how far she's come to see her grandson. She's still as kind and loving to Sheldon as she appears to be in Young Sheldon, but she lacks the positive outlook and energy she had before.

This is why she acts the way she does with Amy. Her caution, which can easily be confused with hostility, is nothing more than an act of caution.

Considering that she was only written in a single episode of The Big Bang Theory, but took over as one of the main characters of the prequel, the changes in her character weren't surprising at all. Some may even argue that aside from Sheldon Cooper himself, Meemaw remained the most consistent link between the two shows.

If you want to see what awaits Meemaw in Young Sheldon's final season, be sure to tune in to CBS on February 15 to catch the premiere of the first episode.