The Netflix Family Sitcom That Is Taking Over The Streaming Service
These days, straightforward half-hour comedies are becoming rarer and rarer, with the streaming era giving way to 8-episode seasons, deep character studies, and complex serialization making binge-watching a near requirement. One show, however, has continued to prove that half-hour family comedies still draw in massive numbers, even in our modern cynical media landscape. Young Sheldon is available to stream on Netflix today, with the sitcom concluding its seven-season run expected to conclude this coming Spring.
Young Sheldon Is A Big Bang Theory Spin-Off
The series, which serves as a spin-off prequel to the hit CBS multi-cam sitcom The Big Bang Theory, focuses on the eponymous Sheldon Cooper’s early days as a budding genius growing up in the heart of Texas. While it may be obvious that a prequel to one of the most popular and celebrated television comedies of all time would do impressive streaming number, Young Sheldon has continued to impress metrics across the streaming world. The show landed on Netflix’s top 10 list of global English language shows, and brought in just under 20 million streaming hours for its first season alone.
With Rave Reviews, Young Sheldon Is A Hit On Netflix
Young Sheldon is more than just a screensaver for couples hoping to ‘Netflix and chill’ too, as the Rotten Tomatoes audience score for the series reflects an 82 percent certified fresh rating from viewers around the world. Before hitting it big on Netflix, the series maintained over 11 million viewers in its original CBS run, making the show a hit with cable viewers and streamers alike.
The prequel is also available to watch on Max, after a deal was made to split streaming rights between the Warner Discovery service and Netflix earlier this year. This means viewers have multiple avenues to catch episodes of Young Sheldon as it airs on both streamers, as well as CBS cable. The final season of the acclaimed sitcom is set to begin airing its 14 episodes weekly beginning on February 15.
More Spin-Offs On The Way?
For fans of Young Sheldon, and the overall Big Bang Theory television universe, this may not be the end of Sheldon Cooper’s illustrious time on the screen. The latest reports from CBS seem to suggest another Big Bang Theory spin-off is in the works, though it’s too early to know for sure what the network has planned. Fans across social media have already begun pontificating over the premise of the new series, which could center on any of the core couples in the original show’s cast after the credits rolled on The Big Bang Theory’s final episode.
Another Prequel?
Alternatively, a new spinoff could follow the success of Young Sheldon by focussing on the early years of one of the other main characters, such as Raj Koothrappali’s upbringing as an anxious scholar in New Delhi, India, or Leonard Hofstadter’s early years getting picked on in New Jersey.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that CBS can capture lightning in a bottle once again the way that they have with Young Sheldon, as the series’ wit, humor, and well-crafted characters have elevated what could have otherwise been a sloppy cash-grab to a beloved sitcom for the ages.
Young Sheldon Is Streaming On Netflix And Max
For those who have not yet had a chance to catch the show, or those looking to binge their way through a rewatch, Young Sheldon is currently available to stream on Netflix.
