Young Sheldon

As the finale of Young Sheldon approaches, I find myself reflecting on how this show has really grown on me. I have to admit, when it first premiered, I didn’t have high expectations. It seemed like a spin-off that was just cashing in on the success of The Big Bang Theory. But as I sit here, just before the final episode airs, I can honestly say Young Sheldon has turned into something far better than I ever imagined—and, in many ways, it’s become a show I actually prefer over The Big Bang Theory.

For me, The Big Bang Theory will always hold a special place. The friendships, the nerdy humour, and, of course, Sheldon’s eccentricities, were all deeply enjoyable. But as much as I loved those things, the show sometimes felt a bit surface-level. The humour often came from quick-witted one-liners, and the character development—especially when it came to Sheldon—felt a bit limited. Sheldon was the quirky genius we all knew, but we didn’t always get to see why he was the way he was.

This is where Young Sheldon comes in, and I think it’s what makes the show so much better for me. It’s given us the opportunity to dive into Sheldon’s childhood, to see what made him the genius we meet in The Big Bang Theory. Watching Sheldon grow up in East Texas, surrounded by his quirky family, I’ve really come to appreciate the show’s depth. It’s not just about Sheldon’s brilliant mind; it’s about his relationships with the people around him—his mom, Mary, his father, George, and his twin sister, Missy. These characters have been so well-developed, and it’s been a pleasure to see them grow alongside Sheldon. They don’t just exist to support his genius; they have their own stories, their own struggles, and their own moments of triumph.

The show’s ability to balance heart and humour is something I didn’t expect. The jokes still land, of course, but there’s a warmth to Young Sheldon that makes it stand apart. The humour isn’t just about clever quips or nerdy references—though there are plenty of those—it’s about the way Sheldon’s mind works and how that leads to truly funny situations. But it’s also about the quieter, more tender moments. Watching Sheldon interact with his family, especially his mother, has made me realize just how much Young Sheldon is about family and growing up, not just about being a genius. It’s made me reflect on my own family and the unique, sometimes complicated relationships that shape who we become.

One of the things I’ve really come to love is how Young Sheldon has focused on Missy. In The Big Bang Theory, Missy was often just a side character, but in Young Sheldon, she’s given more room to breathe. She’s funny, she’s smart in her own way, and she’s the perfect counterbalance to Sheldon’s serious, logical approach to life. Seeing their sibling dynamic has been one of the highlights of the show for me.

One character that has really stood out to me, and who never failed to make me laugh, is Dr. Sturgis. From the moment he appeared, I was hooked. The way he connects with Sheldon—both intellectually and emotionally—was funny but also incredibly heartwarming. His charmingly awkward and nerdy nature added so much humour to the show. There’s something about Dr. Sturgis’ serious demeanour combined with his eccentric behaviour that just cracks me up every time. Whether it’s his interactions with Sheldon or his attempts to navigate his own relationships, I found his character to be one of the most consistently funny parts of Young Sheldon. Dr. Sturgis was a perfect foil to Sheldon’s intense logic and made for such a great comedic pairing, offering a lot of laughs while also adding to the show’s emotional richness.

As the series nears its end, I’m filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, I’m sad to see it go, as I’ve genuinely come to care about these characters and their stories. On the other hand, I’m so grateful for how Young Sheldon has enriched the Big Bang universe and, in many ways, surpassed the show that started it all. It’s not just about a genius kid; it’s about the people who help shape him, the challenges of growing up, and the complexities of understanding the world around you. For me, Young Sheldon has become a show that’s both comforting and thought-provoking, a perfect blend of humour and heart.

So, as we approach the finale, I just want to say: thank you, Young Sheldon. You’ve done more than I ever expected, and I’ll miss the Cooper family more than I can say.