Summary

The Big Bang Theoryspinoff has a second spinoff in the works, but I am skeptical it will actually push through after Lorre’s new update. BeforeYoung Sheldonbecame the juggernaut that it was, I was originally covering its parent series forScreen Rant. I still remember writing CBS’ comment about planning to order season 13 of the nerd-centric sitcom, only for them to announce that it was ending after season 12. I, and so many fans of the show, were confused as to why the network would change its mind seemingly so flippantly about its most popular comedy.

As it turned out, the decision toendThe Big Bang Theorydidn’t lie with the network. Instead, it was due to Jim Parsons' decision to leave the series. Recognizing how important Sheldon was to the show, the rest of the cast opted to end the project altogether. I can’t blame them. Despite technically being an ensemble, the socially-inept genius was clearly its main character. The universe thrived with Young Sheldon, which effectively took over its parent series' spot on CBS' programming. Now that it’s also finished, Lorre is working on further expanding the franchise.

Simon Helberg as Howard in The Big Bang Theory

Big Bang Theory’s Scrapped Introduction Of Howard’s Dad Would Have Explained His Sweetest Moment

A celebrity was almost Howard’s father in The Big Bang Theory, but it was scrapped, losing the show’s chance to explain his sweetest moment.

The Big Bang Theory Has A 3rd Spinoff In The Works

Lorre Has Been Working On A Currently-Untitled The Big Bang Theory Expansion Show

AfterYoung Sheldonended, the Coopers' story will somehow continue viaGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. Headlined by Montana Jordan and Emily Osment, the new show will follow the couple as they navigate their life as young parents to Baby Cece. The show will take overYoung Sheldon’s timeslot this coming fall, with confirmed appearances from familiar characters such as Mary, Missy, and Meemaw. While production forGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriageis quietly progressing, ensuring that it will be ready for its premiere date, Lorre is also working on anotherThe Big Bang Theoryspinoff.

While production forGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriageis quietly progressing, ensuring that it will be ready for its premiere date, Lorre is also working on anotherThe Big Bang Theoryspinoff.

Leonard, Penny, Sheldon, Howard, Raj, and Amy sit on the sofa in The Big Bang Theory

First reported in early 2023, not much is known about the upcoming project. When it was first announced, there were claims that it was going to be on Max instead of the traditional network. This would have been a departure from Lorre’s history with CBS, which airedThe Big Bang TheoryandYoung Sheldon. I think that it has a better chance of succeeding if it continues that trend, so I was thrilled when Lorre said that nothing was set in stone yet about where the project may land. However, that was the extent of good news regarding the endeavor.

Chuck Lorre’s The Big Bang Theory 3rd Spinoff Is Stuck In Development Limbo

The Big Bang Theory’s 3rd Spinoff Has Yet To Have Any Substantial Progress

Considering everything that has happened in the last several months, which included the historic dual strikes of 2023, Lorre has undoubtedly been busy. He had to ensure thatYoung Sheldonended satisfyingly while also deciding the foundational details ofGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. However, learning thatThe Big Bang Theory’s 3rd spinoff remains in its pre-natal stageis quite concerning to me. When the producer was asked to comment about the same matter in November 2023, his answer was the same, hinting that there was barely any movement in the process between then and now.

I know that launching a new spinoff isn’t easy — especially one that belongs to a very successful franchise. However, it’s worth noting that this untitled project was already in the works long beforeGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriagewas announced. At the very least, Lorre and his team could have already decided on its premise. Even if he doesn’t want to give it away, he could have shared a tease that’s different from the one he gave back in late 2023.

Missy, Meemaw, and Mary in Young Sheldon

Now, it just seems likeThe Big Bang Theory’s 3rd spinoff is stuck in development hell, and it could stay there for the foreseeable future.

Now, it just seems likeThe Big Bang Theory’s 3rd spinoff is stuck in development hell, and it could stay there for the foreseeable future. It may not even push through. That’s concerning, especially for people like me who are looking forward to seeing more stories that are directly tied to the Pasadena gang. Despite the lack of narrative detail about the said offshoot, I expect it to have stronger connections toThe Big Bang Theoryrather than being set in the past likeYoung Sheldonand its sequel.

Jim Parsons as Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory and the cast of Young Sheldon season 7

Mary, Missy, & Meemaw’s Georgie & Mandy’s Spinoff Return Caveat Is Insulting To Young Sheldon

Mary, Missy, and Meemaw will all return for Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, but the manner of their comeback is disrespectful to Young Sheldon.

CBS Doesn’t Need Another The Big Bang Theory Spinoff

The Big Bang Theory Universe Will Already Thrive With Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage

As someone who enjoyedYoung Sheldon, especially the family aspect of the show, I am looking forward toGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. Sure, I would have preferred it if it was a more straightforward continuation of its parent series, as it meant that the Coopers would have a more prominent presence in the new show. But still, it has an exciting premise that is barely tainted by the established canon. My fear is thatGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage’s existence and presumed success could ultimately dissuade Lorre from pushing through with thenextThe Big Bang Theoryspinoff.

Looking at the last five years,Young Sheldonalone successfully kept the TV franchise alive. It even expanded its base by diversifying its storytelling with narratives for the rest of the Coopers. On top of that,The Big Bang Theoryand its prequel are readily available on streaming platforms, not to mention being perpetually on reruns. All of these could be enough to ensure that the Lorre and Bill Prady-created universe without having to launch another expansion show. In any case, it could result in scheduling problems with CBS, and I’d rather have it on network TV than on streaming.

The Big Bang Theory Poster

Will The 3rd The Big Bang Theory Spinoff Ever Happen?

If It Happens, The 3rd The Big Bang Theory Spinoff May Not Come To Fruition Any Time Soon

With not so much of a progress update from Lorre,it’s difficult to say if the 3rdThe Big Bang Theoryspinoff will ever see the light of day. There’s clearly an audience for it, despite the nerd-centric sitcom’s checkered past. So in that regard, it shouldn’t be difficult to convince any studio executive to greenlight the project. However, I’m afraid that even if Lorre is actually committed to this endeavor, it may not happen anytime soon.

Lorre prodigies,Steve Molaro and Steve Holland are both busy spearheadingGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. Many of the writers who transitioned fromThe Big Bang TheorytoYoung Sheldonare also working on the aforementioned sitcom. This leaves him with limited people who can help him launch and run this separate endeavor, which, unfortunately, bogs down an already frustratingly slow process. At this point, I am not getting my hopes up until we get a substantial update about the much-clamored 3rdThe Big Bang Theoryspinoff.

The Big Bang Theory

Cast

The Big Bang Theory: This sitcom follows a group of socially awkward scientists and their interactions with each other and the people around them. Centered on physicists Sheldon and Leonard, the series humorously explores friendship, romance, and the quirks of life among an eclectic group of academics.