The Big Bang Theory spin-off: Why it’s not happening (for now)
With the series finale for The Big Bang Theory coming up later this month, inevitably there will be questions aplenty about spin-offs. Despite everything that we write within this article, there is still going to be questions about it. Because of the enormous popularity of the original show, you have to imagine that people are going to just want to believe that there will be a spin-off … even if there isn’t one. It’s just the natural tendency for networks to green-light one and milk a property out of everything that they can. Look at Joey as a prime example of this.
Yet, with this show, there’s not going to be a spin-off show … at least for the time being. The reason why is actually rather refreshing: There isn’t a good-enough idea to make it happen, at least one set in the present day. Young Sheldon is already out there and will continue, but if there’s going to be something set in the present, there has to be a fascinating reason in which for it to happen. Apparently, that is not there at the moment.
In speaking on this subject via TVLine, executive producer Chuck Lorre had the following to say on the subject:
“Unless there was a creative reason to do it — a wonderfully, wonderfully creative reason to do it — than the only reason [to do it] is economics, and that’s not good enough … This is hard work. And if you’re going to do it, you gotta love what you’re doing; you’ve gotta be passionate about it. And if you’re just chasing money, that’s not enough.”
Clearly, Lorre’s got his heart in the right place, and it’s probably especially important that he does given that we’re sure CBS would love a spin-off and would do everything that they could to make it happen.
Remember here, ultimately, that just because there is no spin-off idea now doesn’t mean that the status will remain this way forever. We have a feeling that there will and probably should be a chance for everyone to revisit this in six or so months from now. Come up with an idea then, and then also spend the next several months developing it so that it’s a part of the 2020-21 television season.
Also, remember this — if a spin-off concept doesn’t work, that doesn’t mean that you have to pack it in forever. The Big Bang Theory ended up being redeveloped itself after one failed pilot — effectively, Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki were attached to this show one season longer than everyone else, as they were originally attached to the first pilot that didn’t go forward.
Personally…
We still think that there’s some fun that could be had with a Stuart series, or putting another supporting character liker Bert in the spotlight a little more. The problem with a spin-off featuring one of the major characters, though, is that you’d have to split them up from the rest of their geek family. Everyone may want more of them, but it’s hard to stomach the idea of them being separate from everyone else you love.
Sometimes, the thing that’s best, as opposed to a spin-off to a great sitcom, is just another great sitcom. Maybe Lorre and his team should focus on that instead.
What sort of The Big Bang Theory spin-off series do you want to see down the road? Share right now in the attached comments.