‘Big Bang Theory’ Spinoff ‘Young Sheldon’ Gets Series Order, Jon Favreau
The Big Bang Theory is certainly up there in its twilight years, but the TV world will not be bereft of “Bazinga!” for long. Prequel spinoff series Young Sheldon is officially coming to CBS, with none other than Jon Favreau attached to direct.
Per the official announcement, CBS has given a straight-to-series order for the pilot, which features Big Little Lies star Iain Armitage as the young Sheldon Cooper, with Zoe Perry taking over her mother Laurie Metcalfe’s role as Sheldon’s mom, Mary Cooper. Jim Parsons himself will provide narration for the series, while Jon Favreau directs and executive produces the (surprisingly) single-camera pilot.
The series features a 9-year-old Sheldon Cooper living with with his family and attending high school in East Texas. The Hollywood Reporter adds that Lance Barber, Reagan Revord and Montana Jordan have also joined the cast, with Revord likely playing a younger incarnation of Sheldon’s twin sister Missy, with Barber as Sheldon’s father George, and Jordan as older brother George Jr.
Big Bang Theory creator Chuck Lorre and showrunner Steve Molaro executive produce the series, though co-creator Bill Prady is not attached. No premiere date has yet been determined, though CBS boss Les Moonves previously suggested that the two sitcoms might be paired together on Monday nights.
In the meantime, word is still awaited on a likely two-season renewal for The Big Bang Theory itself.