Young Sheldon Fans Find Teenage Sheldon Even More Insufferable Than His Child Self
Despite running on CBS since fall of 2017, some audiences find it hard to enjoy "Young Sheldon." While they thoroughly loved "The Big Bang Theory," especially Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) and all of his quirky tendencies, there's something about the child version of the future theoretical physicist (Iain Armitage) that just isn't resonating with viewers in the same way.
Now, as the prequel series reaches six seasons and counting, the young genius is a teenager, with many finding this version to be even more insufferable. In fact, some fans, like u/UncleRob_, feel the character has gotten so bad, they refuse to watch new episodes: "What was funny and precious and precocious about 8-year-old Sheldon has become forced and decidedly less funny in teenage Sheldon."
A number of fans agree that Sheldon has lost the charm seen back in 2017, and also lacks the comedic timing of the character on "TBBT." Of course, everybody changes and gets older (much to the disdain of Annie Potts). Armitage is now a teen and no longer the little boy of Season 1. Though Sheldon is — and always will be — a know-it-all that struggles with social conventions, fans believe these qualities are far more endearing in childhood and adulthood. U/Kitkatt1959 said, "Don't know how much longer I can take it. I don't watch for Sheldon."
Still, some "Young Sheldon" viewers have qualms with the entire direction of the series, not just the leading character.
Young Sheldon fans think the show is getting too dark
When "Young Sheldon" premiered in 2017, there was a good-natured air about the show. Finally, longtime "The Big Bang Theory" viewers could witness Sheldon's small-town upbringing in Texas, complete with visits from Meemaw (Annie Potts), sibling tiffs with Missy (Raegan Revord) and Georgie (Montana Jordan), and church events.
However, some feel that "Young Sheldon" is now a different – and darker – show. Not only are these fans not loving the shift in the character of Sheldon, but they also don't like the direction of the entire Cooper family. U/Emslayys said, "It used to be funny and cute. Season 5 was just depressing and Meemaw turned mean. George (Lance Barber) and Mary (Zoe Perry) with the affairs...it's not the show it was originally." This user is referring to George's unfaithfulness with Brenda Sparks (Melissa Peterman), and Mary's affection toward Pastor Rob (Dan Byrd).
So far, "Young Sheldon" has been renewed through at least 2024, though only time will tell if it continues past this. While some fans are growing tired of Sheldon and his relatives, the show still boasts a massive viewership of 7.7 million.