CBS head gives Sheldon – Big Bang Theory spin-off early vote of confidence
Will the Sheldon – Big Bang Theory spin-off series happen? We’ve heard a thing or two about casting for the project so far, but it’s not something that CBS had formally discussed in any capacity … at least until now.
While speaking (per Variety) at the Deutsche Bank Media and Telecom conference in Palm Beach, network CEO Les Moonves made it clear that there is a show (one that he calls “Little Sheldon” — that is not an official title) that they are working on. He described not only what the show is, but also when it would air following the flagship series (which is something we previously predicted):
“Picture him as a 10-year-old boy growing up in Texas in a very right-wing family that is not used to having a 10-year-old genius living in their midst … That will be the show probably on right after Big Bang.“
This show has already cast both its young version of Sheldon and his mother Mary. The Big Bang Theory executive producer Steve Molaro wrote the script for the premiere, and Moonves had nothing but praise for it. We do think that this is almost a lock to be ordered just based on the success of the original series, and the Sheldon character is certainly one of the most popular ones from the flagship.
Moonves also suggested while at the conference that there could be in total a smaller number of new series ordered this year, with one of the biggest reasons for that being simply the success of some of their shows this time around both in terms of live and DVR viewing. In general, this is a good thing. If you find that your current lineup is bringing you favorable ratings, why would you want to do all that much in order to shake it up? When it comes to comedies in particular, it feels like one of the big things that CBS is trying to execute here is relying on familiar faces and concepts. Given that we live in somewhat tempestuous times, it makes some sense for them to play up a little more of the comfort-food angle. Sometimes, you don’t need to give viewers something new or crazy. Just give them something that you know they’ll probably like.
Are you excited for the Sheldon – Big Bang Theory spin-off idea, or do you think that we’ve got enough of it already with the flagship show? Be sure to share in the comments! (Photo: CBS.)