A “Big Bang Theory” spinoff series based around a young Sheldon Cooper is in the early stages of development, TheWrap has confirmed.
The series would follow Sheldon during his formative years as a socially awkward genius in Texas, which has been a source of a lot of comedic fodder already on “Big Bang.”
Jim Parsons, who plays the idiosyncratic genius on the megahit CBS sitcom and won three Emmys while doing so, would executive produce along with original series executive producers Chuck Lorre and Steve Molaro, with Molaro writing the script.
CBS declined TheWrap’s request for comment.
The news of the potential spinoff comes as the main cast of the original series are set to renegotiate their contracts beyond the planned tenth season. Parsons, Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki currently earn $1 million per episode.
CBS head Glenn Geller said back in August during the TCA summer press tour that he believes that the cast will return for more seasons.
“We are very confident that everyone involved wants more ‘Big Bang’ past year 10,” the exec said during the network panel. “I know [show producer] Warner Bros. will make those deals.”
“It’s a very expensive question for a lot of people,” Cuoco said of a possible Season 11 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Sept. 12.
“Big Bang Theory” is executive produced by Lorre, Molaro, and Bill Prady. It is produced by Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Parsons is represented by CAA. Lorre is represented by UTA.