Why young Sheldon’s creators don’t regret killing George Cooper

The death of George Cooper Sr. (Lance Barber) was set in stone as soon as “Young Sheldon” aired its first episode. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) had revealed that he had been forced to deal with his old man dying during his teenage years on “The Big Bang Theory,” so the prequel series was always going to chronicle the event heartbreaking Sure, “Young Sheldon” changes some plot points from “The Big Bang Theory,” But George’s death was inevitable, and it’s a harrowing viewing experience.

Of course, the creators of “The Big Bang Theory” probably didn’t think about making “Young Sheldon” when they decided to seal George’s fate. Fortunately, Steven Molaro and Steve Holland had no regrets about their decision when they returned for the prequel, as explained in a 2024 interview with Magic. To quote Holland on the matter:

“I think it gave the show a really strong emotional closure, and death is so important to Sheldon as a character. Looking back on that death as an adult has framed what this show has been about , I think.”

This sentiment was echoed by Molaro, who felt George’s death gave the true-to-life comedy a strong ending. However, that sentiment is not shared by their “Young Sheldon” co-showrunner and “Big Bang Theory” co-creator Chuck Lorre, who has expressed his regret over killing the Cooper Family Patriarch.

As mentioned, Chuck Lorre has previously said that he regrets killing George Cooper Sr. Before “Young Sheldon” hits the airwaves. Basically, the showrunner has admitted that he was unhappy about making the character seem like a drunk no good on “The Big Bang Theory,” as his development throughout the prequel series made Lorre realize that father Sheldon is actually quite likable. More than that, the emotional impact his death had on the characters and the actors who played them made Lorre wish he and his “Big Bang Theory” co-writers had thought it through more.

Still, it doesn’t have to be a permanent goodbye. Despite the fact that his character is dead, Lance Barber is open to playing George Cooper Sr. again on the spin-off “George and Mandy’s First Wedding.” However, he will only find a way to resurrect him that is meaningful and honors the magnitude of his character’s untimely demise if the writers do, so don’t expect him to play a ghost just for the sake of it. Still, only time will tell if that idea will ever come to fruition.

“Young Sheldon” is currently streaming in its entirety on Max.