A brand-new show within The Big Bang Theory universe is being developed, and there are five possibilities of what it could be. Premiering in 2007, The Big Bang Theory became one of the most popular sitcoms of the 2010s. The show wasn't an immediate hit, however. Co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady had to rework the original premise of the series and then retool the pilot before it was even greenlit by CBS. Even after it started airing, The Big Bang Theory only had middling ratings — very far from the juggernaut records that it posed in its later years. A combination of different things, including an incredible cast, eventually made it into the iconic series it is now known.
The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019, which was surprising. CBS had just expressed interest in renewing the show just before news broke out that it was ending — a decision that stemmed from Jim Parsons' choice to exit the sitcom. By then, The Big Bang Theory has already expanded with Young Sheldon. Before the flagship series ended, there were rumbles that another offshoot was in the works, but nothing materialized — until now. Per a new report, Warner Bros. Television and studio-based Chuck Lorre Prods. are coming up with another show set in The Big Bang Theory universe, and there are several possible options for the project.
5 The Coopers
For two years, The Big Bang Theory aired back-to-back with Young Sheldon. Four years later, the prequel series that tackles Sheldon's origins story has found its footing and is now TV's number one comedy. From CBS' perspective, they would want to keep the series going for more years, but because of its The Big Bang Theory ties, it is nearing its natural end, with Young Sheldon season 7 being considered to be its last. No official verdict has been reached, but considering the popularity of the series and the narrative specifics, CBS can easily retool Young Sheldon to a different show that would focus on the rest of Sheldon's family after he moved to California and George's inevitable cheating scandal and death.
It isn't impossible thanks to Young Sheldon's diversifying its storytelling in recent years. George and Missy can carry the series with a bit of rebranding, with CBS leaning on the popularity of Sheldon's siblings and making The Big Bang Theory prequel a true family comedy. The new series can finally tackle Missy's more stereotypical growing pains. Likewise, Georgie's story can revolve around his growing family as he works to be a successful businessman. Mary and Meemaw can play supporting characters, but as an ensemble, the new show could deal with the family handling George's passing.
4 Paige Swanson
Another The Big Bang Theory show from Young Sheldon is a spin-off about Paige Swanson. Sheldon's fellow child prodigy was introduced in the prequel in season 2. While it's difficult to tell who really is the smartest between the pair, Paige is more social and better adjusted than the Cooper genius – at least at first. Unfortunately, a series of family issues, including her parents' divorce, derailed her. Now, she has become a troubled kid who dropped out of college and is still in her rebellious phase. In her latest appearance, she enabled Missy's daring attempt to run away from home, endangering them both.
Despite not being a series regular, Young Sheldon has been able to consistently develop Paige's arc, which can be the premise of a new spin-off. The fact that season 6 has brought her back multiple times could indicate that CBS is subtly laying the groundwork for Paige's own show. Paige has no direct ties to The Big Bang Theory, but that isn't necessarily bad. If anything, it allows the series creative freedom to craft her future story without contradicting anything from the established canon, which has a recurring issue for Young Sheldon.
3 Young Howard
Given Young Sheldon's success, CBS and Lorre can simply stick to the same storytelling approach by doing another prequel series. Among the Pasadena gang, Howard is the more viable option for this. If it follows the exact trajectory of Sheldon's origins story, Young Howard can start when he is nine years old — two years before his dad, Sam Wolowitz, left them for reasons that are still unknown.
This gives CBS a sustainable story involving the Wolowitz family for at least three seasons, depending on how they handle the passage of time. Then, after Sam leaves, the show can focus on Howard's relationship with his mom, which has been an integral part of his life up until the events of the parent series. Simon Helberg's Young Sheldon cameo suggests he's willing to revisit The Big Bang Theory universe. Perhaps he can follow Parsons' suit and provide the narration for the potential Young Howard.
2 Stuart Bloom
Kevin Sussman was the most prominent side character in The Big Bang Theory, playing comic book store owner Stuart. However, he was originally booked to play two main characters in the show. He initially auditioned to play Sheldon, and then, later on, Sussman was cast to play Howard. Both castings fell through, but Lorre and Prady found a way to ensure he got a spot in The Big Bang Theory. If HBO Max (which will rebrand as Max) is looking to expand the franchise, giving Stuart and Sussman his due could also be a viable option, as fans are familiar enough with him to have an emotional investment.
1 Rajesh Koothrappali
The Big Bang Theory finale left the Pasadena gang in a good place personally; all of them were happily married — except for Raj, who remained loveless. As the diehard romantic of the group, Raj had been trying to look for love, but for some reason, his relationships tend to end for the most mundane reasons. Like Stuart's possible series, a new The Big Bang Theory project could follow Raj as he carves his own path after the events of the CBS ensemble series. That being said, the potential series would have to see him move out of California away from the rest of his friend group.