Young Sheldon

“Nobody I knew in East Texas in 1989 cared about Newtonian Physics”. This phrase from the premiere of Season One first attracted me to this series. At that moment, I knew I was in for a good laugh. 

Set in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, this coming-of-age American sitcom follows the life of 9-year-old Sheldon Cooper, a naive science prodigy who grows up with his family in East Texas and goes to high school with much older students. In a world where football and religion dominate, he struggles to fit in with his friends and family. Through insightful (and sometimes comedic) experiences with those around him, Sheldon picks up valuable life lessons and matures as he reaches his teenage years.  

Written and produced by Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro, Young Sheldon is a spin-off prequel to The Big Bang Theory by the same creators, which features adult Sheldon during his career (a story for another time). Throughout the series, we hear a narration from the grown-up Sheldon who looks back at his childhood in a somewhat nostalgic manner, while revealing his inner thoughts about these events which happened during his childhood. Personally, this made the series more personal to me, as Sheldon appears to be retelling his story directly to the audience. 

Though produced in recent years, the costumes and filming sets provide us with a vicarious experience of life in the ‘80s and ‘90s, from Sheldon’s signature checked shirts and bowties, to the patterned blouses belonging to Meemaw (Sheldon’s grandmother). The traditional comic book stores featured occasionally also transports us to the era where Marvel and DC comics were all the rage. Even Sheldon’s everyday environment—vintage home electronics and the rustic furniture of the Cooper residence—allows us to reminisce about the simplicity of living before the emergence of the bright screens and consumerism, which prompts us to realise how much our world has evolved. 

Throughout the 5 seasons, Sheldon’s character development is reflective of the growing up process of a typical child. No doubt, the inner child in us can relate to the immature Sheldon in the first few seasons, who occasionally throws tantrums, always puts himself first before anything else, and goes crazy over his favourite character, Professor Proton. In the later seasons, Sheldon is seen to be more considerate of the thoughts and feelings of his family and friends, establishing a closer relationship with those around him.

Furthermore, Sheldon’s experiences in his daily life explore the themes of science and religion, which often conflict. Despite growing up in a Christian family, Sheldon chooses not to believe in the existence of god and bases his reasons on science and logic. However, after a pastor advised him that “a good scientist always conducts research”, Sheldon becomes fiercely passionate in studying the Bible. This makes us wonder, how much can science and religion overlap? 

Overall, Young Sheldon is a wholesome and light-hearted family comedy that taps on values such as love and friendship that we hold close to our hearts, and features many instances where we see a reflection of our own lives. To all the bored souls: if you’re looking for a good laugh over the holidays, Young Sheldon is the way to go.  

Citations:

Fallon, K. (2017, September 2017). Young Sheldon’ Is the Anti-‘Big Bang Theory.’ That’s Why It’s Great. Retrieved 16 November 2021, from https://www.thedailybeast.com/young-sheldon-is-the-anti-big-bang-theory-thats-why-its-great