The Big Bang Theoryuniverse has expanded withYoung Sheldonand now,Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, but despite existing in the same reality, there are very few characters who actually appeared in all three shows. In 2007, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady launched the nerd-centric sitcom after a few changes to its original iteration. The result was a stronger series debut, although still far from the juggernaut that it eventually became later on.The Big Bang Theory’s popularitydespite its problematic brand of comedy resulted in offshoots, starting withYoung Sheldon, which essentially confirmed Sheldon as its true lead.
As the universe sustains its success, it has also evolved beyond the flagship’s original premise. On the heels ofYoung Sheldon’s emotional finale,Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriagewas born. Technically also a prequel, the new sitcom focuses on Sheldon’s oldest brother and his growing family — something thatThe Big Bang Theorynever mentioned. Because of the way the franchise has played with the timeline, however, the crossing over of characters has been tricky. Ultimately, only four players have appeared in all three shows thus far.
Meemaw
June Squibb & Annie Potts
Long before Annie Potts played the character of Connie Tucker inYoung Sheldon, the existence of Sheldon’s Meemaw was established inThe Big Bang Theorywhen Penny found her letters to her Moonpie. Several seasons later, June Squibb debuted the role in the nerd-centric sitcom for a one-time appearance. In her appearance, she visited Pasadena on her own to check up on Sheldon on the heels of his heartbreaking split with Sheldon. By then, the couple had already gotten back together.
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AfterYoung Sheldonwas canceled,Potts has reprised the role of Meemaw a couple of times inGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. During her first appearance, she visited the couple’s trailer home after leaving the McAllisters. On her return, she joined the rest of the remaining Texas-basedCooper familymembers for Thanksgiving.
Missy
Courtney Henggeler & Raegan Revord
The introduction of Sheldon’s twin sister came as a surprise to the rest of his friends, especially since she wasn’t anything like the socially-inept genius. WhenCourtney Henggeler debuted Missy inThe Big Bang Theoryseason 1, she became an immediate fan-favorite because of her humor and personality. Unfortunately, the nerd-centric sitcom took a whole decade before bringing her back for Sheldon and Amy’s wedding.Young Sheldonhad more time with Raegan Revord’s version, as she was essentially a main cast member. Unfortunately, Missy was often lost in the shuffle in terms of storytelling.
Like Meemaw, Missy has already appeared twice in Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, allowing the spinoff sequel to continue her story.
George’s death inYoung Sheldondefines her arc after the events ofThe Big Bang Theoryprequel. Like Meemaw, Missy has already appeared twice inGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, allowing the spinoff sequel to continue her story. As the show moves forward, expect more appearances from George and Mary’s only daughter.
Georgie
Jerry O’Connell & Montana Jordan
Georgie was the last Cooper family member to appear inThe Big Bang Theory. There wasn’t much revealed about him prior to his debut, primarily because Sheldon didn’t talk about him. Apparently, George and Mary’s boys were in conflict for years, and they were only forced to patch things up so Jerry O’Connell Jr.’s character would attend his brother’s wedding. Still, Georgie’s introduction was perhaps one of the most emotional character debuts in the series.
Over time, however, Georgie’s arc became so much more interesting compared to the socially-inept genius, especially when Mandy was introduced.
InYoung Sheldon,the eldest Cooper sibling started as Sheldon’s slower brother who hated being in school with him. Over time, however, Georgie’s arc became so much more interesting compared to the socially-inept genius, especially when Mandy was introduced. The success of the pair’s whirlwind romance resulted in the launch ofGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which Montana Jordan now spearheads with Emily Osment.
Mary
Laurie Metcalf & Zoe Perry
The very first member of the Cooper family to debut inThe Big Bang Theorywas Mary. Played by Laurie Metcalf, she also has the most number of guest appearances in the nerd-centric sitcom that by the time Zoe Perry took over the role inYoung Sheldon, the matriarch was already an established character. That said, the seven years in the prequel proved that there were sides to her that were never shown inThe Big Bang Theory. Ultimately, it was also great to see her dynamic with George develop.
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Joining Meemaw and Missy, Mary has already appeared inGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriagetwice, and she is confirmed to return for a third time in its freshman season. Despite being a new show inThe Big Bang Theoryfranchise, Jordan and Osment’s series is spiritually a continuation ofYoung Sheldon. The couple is still based in Medford, so bringing back Mary and the rest of the family has been fairly easy.
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.
Young Sheldon
A spinoff of the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon follows the youth and coming-of-age of Sheldon Cooper during his childhood in Texas as he pursues science and academia. The show also follows his parents, siblings, and Mee-Maw, painting a picture of the world where Sheldon grew up.
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage follows the couple as they navigate the complexities of adulthood, parenting, and marriage while raising their young family in Texas.
