Warner Bros. TV and CBS are reportedly on the verge of branching off from their über-popular Big Bang franchise.
The Hollywood Reporter brings word that the networks are hosting talks to set up a prequel series to The Big Bang Theory, one which would chronicle the early years of Sheldon Cooper, the neurotic theoretical physicist that’s nigh on becoming a household name thanks to Jim Parsons’ award-winning performance.
Indeed, THR goes on to reveal that Parsons is attached to executive produce the offshoot, and will oversee the casting of a teenage Sheldon as CBS targets a Malcolm in the Middle-esque sitcom. Big Bang co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady are also on board, and will piece together the spinoff with series showrunner Steve Molaro.
Now in the midst of its 10th season on the airwaves, this can be seen as the network’s way of safeguarding the future of The Big Bang Theory. A renewal deal is expected for the core series, and reports claim the regular cast of Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch are all currently negotiating new deals. Will those talks yield an 11th season? Or will Warner and CBS push the boat out and order a two or possible three-season renewal? We’ll find out soon.
Circling back to the Cooper-fronted spinoff, sources close to THR caution that The Big Bang Theory prequel series is simmering in the very, very early stages. Its record-breaking brethren only continues to be a huge success in that all-important 18-49 demographic, so there’s no telling how quickly this spinoff will come together.
