The Big Bang Theory’s Penny doesn’t need a Young Sheldon-style spinoff, because Kaley Cuoco gave us “Young Penny” 22 years ago

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The Big Bang Theory’s Penny doesn’t need a Young Sheldon-style spinoff, because Kaley Cuoco gave us “Young Penny” 22 years ago

The Big Bang Theory universe can no longer make a Young Penny spinoff because Kaley Cuoco has already done something similar. Contrary to the usual reason for cancellations, CBS ended The Big Bang Theory not for lack of public interest. Instead, it ended its run because Jim Parsons decided to leave the show as Sheldon Cooper. Fortunately, Chuck Lorre and the rest of the team found a way to continue capitalizing The Big Bang Theorypopularity with Young Sheldonwhich touched on Sheldon’s childhood in Texas before moving to California.

After The Big Bang TheoryAs of late 2019, the franchise has thrived for another five years with Young Sheldon. What started as a companion show to the nerd-centric sitcom ended up becoming a hit show in its own right, as Sheldon and the rest of the family immediately became fan favorites. The prequel differentiated itself from its original series by being a more grounded family dramedy. Young Sheldon proved to be a success that CBS essentially copied its format to NCIS‘branch of the first period, NCIS: Origins. With the show concluded, there is interest in other members of the Pasadena gang receiving the same treatment, including Penny.

How Kaley Cuoco Has Played a Cover of Young Penny

Young Penny looks a lot like Beach’s life


Leonard tells Sheldon that Penny is being sarcastic on The Big Bang Theory

All of the Pasadena gang members had their respective fan bases. That said, it’s fair to say that The Big Bang Theorymain trio – Sheldon, Leonard and Penny, they are all a little higher in terms of the popularity hierarchy than the rest of the set. Jim Parsons’ Sheldon has already had his childhood covered in Young Sheldonwhile Johnny Galecki did Young Leonardo is more difficult considering the actor’s semi-retirement from Hollywood. That leaves Kaley Cuoco’s Penny leading a new prequel as the next best option. That said, it may not be as interesting as initially perceived.

A neglected aspect of this subject is how Cuoco has already made a version of Young Penny in 8 simple rules. The ABC family sitcom featured the actress who played Bridget Erin “Beach” Hennessy, who was essentially a young version of The Big Bang Theorymain female character. Just like Penny, Paul and Cate Hennessy’s eldest son was fun, stupid, and the stereotypical representation of blondes in Hollywood. She was more focused on dating and appearance than anything else, and that was Penny’s initial idea when she debuted in The Big Bang Theory.

8 simple rules showing all of this makes the idea of ​​Young Penny less interesting as the next Big Bang Theory spinoff.

Interestingly, what is known about Penny’s story fits with Beach’s story in 8 simple rules. While the nerd-centric comedy didn’t always touch on the life Leonard’s wife had before moving to Pasadena, there were several references to it. Occasionally, there were even brief flashback sequences, including when she was sitting in her bedroom taking a pregnancy test with her partner at that moment. 8 simple rules showing all this makes the idea of ​​a Young Penny less interesting as the next The Big Bang Theory spin off.

8 Simple Rules Have Another Connection to the Big Bang Theory

Cuoco’s characters have the “same” mother


Katey Sagal as Cate Hennessy and John Ritter as Paul Hennessy reading a book together in 8 Simple Rules

In addition to Tthe Big Bang TheoryPenny and 8 simple rules‘Beach having similar traits, there is another connection between the sitcoms. In both comedies, Katey Sagal plays the mother of Cuoco’s characters. In 8 simple rulesSagal played Cate opposite John Ritter’s Hennessy patriarch, Paul. Several years later, she returned to the small screen to play Penny’s mother, Susan. Unlike 8 Simple Rules, where she was a member of the main cast, Sagal had limited involvement in The Big Bang Theory. She only debuted in Season 10, Episode 1, “The Conjugal Conjecture,” and that ended up being her only appearance.

Penny doesn’t need a spinoff in the past… or present

The Big Bang Theory effectively ended Penny’s story

Between Penny and Beach’s Similarities and Sagal’s Involvement in Both The Big Bang Theory and 8 simple rules like the mother of Cuoco’s characters, Young Penny is no longer a strong candidate for Lorre’s next universe expansion series. While The Big Bang Theory featured several references to Sheldon’s childhood in Texas, audiences had never seen what his life might have been like in Medford before he relocated to California. Add to that his and Mary’s complicated relationship with George and his subsequent death, and Young Sheldon It became a very interesting premise for a prequel.

Unfortunately, as popular as Penny is, a post-The Big Bang Theory it’s also not guaranteed for the character. As divisive as Penny’s pregnancy arc was, the nerd-centric comedy was still able to leave her and Leonard in a happy place – both excited about the arrival of their first child. It is certain that The Big Bang Theory Season 13 would have corrected the plot, but mainly because it would have given the show enough time to address Cuoco’s character change regarding having children.

Making a Big Bang Theory show about Penny’s life without her Pasadena gang friends would be weird.

Additionally, make a The Big Bang Theory It would be difficult to pull off a Penny-centered sequel series without the rest of the cast from the old show. According to Young Sheldon In the end, Sheldon and Amy are still friends with her, which means they must still hang out with her regularly. Making a Big Bang Theory show about Penny’s life without her Pasadena gang friends would be weird. Even if she leaves California, Penny’s offshoot would require major involvement from Galecki’s Leonard, which would be more unlikely considering the actor’s semi-retirement.

Could a Penny spinoff really happen? What Kaley Cuoco said about her comeback

Cuoco still loves Penny


Penny looks serious at the end of The Big Bang Theory

After the Young Sheldon finale, the franchise is thriving with Georgie and Mandy’s first wedding. That said, Lorre is also doing a suitable The Big Bang Theory spin-off with Stuart, Denise and Bert. The show is set to stream on Max, at least based on its current status. While there is no indication that the producer extraordinaire is trying to land a Young Penny from the ground, Cuoco recently revealed that she is always open to the possibility of reprising The Big Bang Theory any function, saying:

I spent 12 years playing this role and it really boosted my career. I owe a lot to this character, to this show, to [creator] Chuck Lorre. They were some of the best years of my life and some of the most fun I’ve ever had. I would absolutely reprise that role. 100%. I love this character and always will.

At this point, the government led by Stuart The Big Bang Theory Spinoff is the best chance for Penny to appear on screen again after the end of the main series. While Cuoco is open to playing the character regularly and all narrative aspects of the potential project are ironed out, the cast of actors is currently full, with a new HBO sitcom in development. Because of this, if she and Lorre really want to do a Penny-focused spinoff, it could take a few more years.

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