The Big Bang Theory the spinoff may finally solve the Leonard is Dead mystery, and I'm really hopeful that will happen. As someone who raised this theory, I want to make it clear that I am not advocating it. Before its prequel, I covered The Big Bang Theoryand I felt bad for Leonard when Sheldon took advantage of him. So when he finally got everything he wanted The Big Bang Theory When I finished, I was happy. Admitting that the way they handled Penny's pregnancy arc was problematic, overall it was a great payoff for Johnny Galecki's character.
That said, there were clues in the Young Sheldon finale suggesting this. Chuck Lorre and his writers knew full well that not even mentioning Leonard during the prequel would raise questions. Couple that with the fact that Sheldon named his son after his best friend (via TV line) and the way he deals with grief, and it wasn't hard to think something was wrong. That being said, I would like to reiterate that this is a theory, which means that Leonard may not be dead. Happily, The Big Bang Theory franchise has a confirmed way to solve this problem.
Big Bang Theory Stuart spinoff has no choice but to reveal Leonard's fate
The Big Bang Theory spinoff's entire main cast meets Leonard
On the heels of Young Sheldoncancellation, Lorre and his team launched Georgie and Mandy's first wedding. It's the second spinoff of the nerd-centric sitcom, but it's essentially a sequel to Sheldon's Texas story. That's why I'm really excited The Big Bang Theory offshoot with Stuart, Denise and Bert, as it is a true continuation of the nerd-centric sitcom. In an ideal world, the Pasadena gang would also be on the show, but it's highly unlikely that would happen.
Kaley Cuoco said she's willing to reprise Penny in the next film The Big Bang Theory series, which is great. That said, a cameo is the best thing we can get in terms of seeing them again. Regardless, though, the fact that there will be a sequel to the hit California-set show with characters connected to Sheldon and his friends gives us any kind of update on the group. The references are great, but most importantly, the return of Stuart and the others to the screen may finally give us a definitive answer about Leonard's status.
Why I Hope Leonard Isn't Really Dead After The Big Bang Theory
Leonard's Death Makes The Big Bang Theory's Ending Worse
The idea of Leonard being dead is sad. The Big Bang TheoryThe ending left all of its characters in great places. So to consider that none of them are able to fully enjoy the rest of their lives is heartbreaking. This is especially important for Leonard. As I mentioned, although I would have loved for the sitcom to have done a better job handling Penny's pregnancy revealAnyone who has followed the show since the first episode would know that it was a full circle moment for Leonard.
The Big Bang Theory finale made that dream come true, but if he ended up dying soon after, not only would it have been devastating that he never got to see his son grow up, but it would also have worsened Penny's future.
Sheldon's best friend dreamed of starting a family with his wife from the moment they met. The Big Bang Theory finale made that dream come true, but if he ended up dying soon after, not only would it have been devastating that he never got to see his son grow up, but it would also have worsened Penny's future. She explicitly said she didn't want children on the sitcom, and the fact that she didn't do a good job of properly addressing how she ended up changing her mind, leaving her to raise the child alone doesn't seem ideal.
Why I'm Confident Leonard Is Still Alive
There is no narrative benefit to killing Leonard
While I have considered all the clues that suggest Leonard is dead, there are also some clues that he is not. I'd rather subscribe to the latter, considering it's easier to think of the Pasadena gang still happy as their lives progress years after the events of The Big Bang Theory. For starters, if Lorre killed off one of his most popular TV characters, I'd like to believe he'd do it on screen. Of course George died off-screen in Young Sheldonbut it was because they had no choice but to face their death.
Plus, there's really no narrative benefit to Leonard's death. At this point, The Big Bang Theory the franchise is already moving on from Sheldon, with shows like Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage and the upcoming Stuart show. There are also no plans to bring his or any members of the Pasadena gang back to the screen to lead a new series. So the fact that Leonard is dead is actually useless in the overall scheme of things.
Source: TV line