According to The Big Bang Theory showrunner Steve Molaro, Sheldon Cooper may be handling the coronavirus pandemic better than expected. The Big Bang Theory was a comedy staple of the last decade in television, airing on CBS for 12 years. The series followed scientists Sheldon and Leonard, their neighbor Penny, and the rest of the trio's group of friends. The Big Bang Theory evolved quite a bit throughout its run, introducing Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch to the show partway through. Though the first seasons focused heavily on Sheldon, Leonard, and Penny, the series came to make good use of its supporting characters and ended as more of an ensemble than it began.
The series finale of The Big Bang Theory aired last year. However, Sheldon's story continues thanks to the prequel series Young Sheldon, which focuses on the character's precocious beginnings. That series just concluded season 3 and has already been renewed for a fourth. Iain Armitage plays the title character on Young Sheldon, however, Jim Parsons, who played Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory, provides narration and also executive produces. Young Sheldon also has a connection to the original series thanks to mother/daughter duo Laurie Metcalf and Zoe Perry, who play the current and younger versions of Sheldon's mom, Mary.
Since The Big Bang Theory fans won't get the chance to see how Sheldon is handling the coronavirus pandemic onscreen, showrunner Steve Molaro offered some insight. Speaking to TVLine, Molaro revealed he though Sheldon "would enjoy" quarantine, explaining, "he was prepared for a zombie invasion, so I think he’d be ready for this. He probably had already pre-hoarded a stockpile of Purell before this was even a national threat." Molaro also speculated the coronavirus might give Sheldon an appreciation for the outdoors, saying "I wonder if Sheldon, who is very much an indoor cat, might also be suddenly struck with the idea that maybe outside isn’t so bad."
Though The Big Bang Theory won't be able to address the pandemic, many TV fans are wondering how other shows will handle it. Just this week, fans got the chance to see how another off the air comedy would deal with the coronavirus, as Parks and Recreation returned for a one-off special episode. It seems unlikely other concluded TV series will be able to do the same, though the Parks and Rec outing was a success. The bigger question is how shows returning next season will reference the coronavirus. Especially in the case of comedies and dramas featuring police officers, doctors, nurses, and others, it seems it will be hard to ignore this massive global event.
It's fun and maybe even reassuring for fans of The Big Bang Theory to hear Sheldon would be thriving in quarantine. In a time when people are turning to their favorite TV shows and movies for comfort, it's nice to hear this update. Hopefully, other popular TV characters are handling the coronavirus as well as Sheldon is. However, fans will have to wait until next season to find out.
Source: TVLine