Young Sheldon made the top-10 list of most-viewed TV comedies for the 2021-2022 season, out-ranking many new sitcoms on competing networks. Young Sheldon, a spin-off of The Big Bang Theory that premiered on CBS in 2017, follows young Sheldon Cooper (Iain Armitage), a boy genius growing up in Medford, TX, while he struggles to be understood by his family, teachers, and peers. Young Sheldon is narrated by Jim Parsons, who portrayed the adult Cooper in The Big Bang Theory.
The show has received a moderately favorable reception, with critics and viewers praising the series for its warmth, relatability, and family-friendly humor. While the show is not wholly free from plot holes, it has served as a strong origin story for one of The Big Bang Theory's most beloved characters. Season 5 of the series premiered on CBS on October 7, 2021, and is still in progress, though on a midseason break. It was recently announced that Ming-Na Wen has been cast in Young Sheldon season 5, heightening anticipation for the remainder of the season. The show has proven such a success that Young Sheldon has already been renewed for a 6th season.
As reported by Variety, Young Sheldon reruns out-ranked most new broadcast TV comedies in the 2021-22 season. CBS made a strong impression on the list, with 7 out of the top 10 comedies coming from the network. In the number one spot was Young Sheldon with 9,275 million average total views "per Nielsen’s 'most current' data stream, which includes a week’s worth of delayed viewing where available." Meanwhile, Young Sheldon reruns also appeared on the list, nabbing the 7th place spot with 4,280 million views. With its 7th place position, Young Sheldon reruns out-ranked The Conners, Abbott Elementary, and the majority of new TV comedies of the past year.
The results confirm that Young Sheldon is a ratings force to be reckoned with. This is the second season that Young Sheldon has ranked as the number 1 most viewed TV comedy. In both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 season, Young Sheldon boasted upwards of 9 million views, with the other comedies not even coming close to that number. The fact that Young Sheldon reruns made the list and beat many other comedies shows how popular the series has become. If even the reruns are receiving 4 million views, it means viewership for the new episodes is only likely to keep growing. The high viewership of reruns also suggests that interest in Young Sheldon isn't likely to wane, even as it takes a hiatus as CBS undergoes schedule changes for the Winter Olympics.
Young Sheldon's high ranking gives insight into what makes a successful comedy. Young Sheldon is likely at an advantage due to its status as a spin-off series, similar to The Connersm which took 8th place on the list. Since it is derived from an established and successful sitcom, it had the advantage of starting out with a built-in audience. But as Young Sheldon continues its 5th season, its longevity has given it time to build up a loyal fanbase all its own. Young Sheldon has already been confirmed for a 6th season, but if these high ratings can be maintained, it certainly raises the potential for the series running even longer.
Source: Variety