‘Big Bang Theory’ Spinoff Eyes Iain Armitage for Young Sheldon
CBS series will focus on Jim Parsons’ character as a genius boy growing up in Texas
Joe Otterson | March 2, 2017 @ 10:48 AM
Last Updated: March 2, 2017 @ 11:30 AM
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The “Big Bang Theory” spinoff that will focus on a young Sheldon Cooper is eyeing child actor Iain Armitage for the lead role, TheWrap has confirmed.
The CBS 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.” In addition, Zoe Perry is in talks to play Sheldon’s mother Mary. Perry’s mother, Laurie Metcalfe, played the role in the original series and was nominated for an Emmy for her performance.
It is important to note, however, that CBS has yet to give the series — tentatively titled “Sheldon” — an official pilot order at this point.
Armitage currently appears as Shailene Woodley’s son in the HBO series “Big Little Lies,” and has previously appeared on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and the NBC comeptition series “Little Big Shots.” He is represented by Abrams Artist Agency and Ryan LeVine from Jackoway.
CBS and Warner Bros. Television declined TheWrap’s request for comment.
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.
“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.
This is the latest project a “Big Bang” star has set up at CBS. Previously, the network ordered the pilot “Living Biblically” with Johnny Galecki executive producing.
23 of the Best Cult TV Shows of All Time: 'Mystery Science Theater' to 'Twin Peaks' (Photos)
Even if a show doesn't drive huge ratings, it can live on long after its initial run thanks to a devoted fan following. Here we look back on some shows that have remained popular even decades after they first aired.
"Mystery Science Theater 3000" Aired: 1988-1999
This quirky comedy series followed a man and his two robot sidekicks as they riffed on an endless supply of terrible B-movies. Series creator Joel Hodgson recently held a successful Kickstarter campaign to create a new 14-episode season, now airing on Netflix.
Kristen Bell played a street-smart young crime solver who assisted her father at his private detective agency. The series was revived for a one-off movie in 2014 after a Kickstarter campaign.
The CW
"Pushing Daisies" Aired: 2007-2009
Bryan Fuller created this colorful comedy series starring Lee Pace as a pie maker with the ability to bring people back from the dead.
ABC
"Trailer Park Boys" Aired: 2001-2007, 2014-present
Three friends who loved to curse, drink, and smoke dope tried to get by as petty criminals in a Nova Scotia trailer park. Netflix revived the show in 2014 and has aired three new seasons to date, with more to come.
David Lynch's unorthodox murder mystery series only lasted for two seasons, but fans have been rabid about a new season ever since. Showtime answered their prayers and debuted a revival in May.
Perhaps the cult show to end all cult shows, this iconic sci-fi series only aired for three seasons but spawned five TV spinoffs and 13 feature films to date.
Ron Howard executive produced and narrated this critically beloved but low-rated comedy series. Netflix brought it back for a fourth season, with plans for a fifth and possibly a film.
Joel McHale, Chevy Chase, and Ken Jeong were among the stars of this Dan Harmon series about students at a fictional community college who did everything but learn.
NBC
"Freaks and Geeks" Aired: 1999-2000
Judd Apatow assembled much of the crew that would go on to star in many of his future films -- including Seth Rogen, James Franco and Jason Segel -- in this high school comedy about two disparate groups of friends.
NBC
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" On the Air: 1997-2003
The world got its first real taste of Joss Whedon in this supernatural drama about a teenage vampire hunter (Sarah Michelle Gellar) who also dealt with high school life and young romance.
"Simpsons" creator Matt Groening led this futuristic sci-fi comedy. It folded after just four seasons, but was revived on Comedy Central for three more almost 10 years later.
Fox
"Battlestar Galactica" On the Air: 2004-2009
Edward James Olmos played the commander of an old but tough starship filled with the last remaining human beings searching for a new home. They are pursued across the galaxy by the evil robotic Cylons.
Syfy
"Firefly" Aired: 2002-2003
Joss Whedon pops up again as the creator of this sci-fi series about a ragtag group of outlaws aboard a rundown ship on the edge of the galaxy. The cast reunited for the 2005 movie "Serenity."
Fox
"Mr. Show" Aired: 1995-1998
Bob Odenkirk and David Cross starred in this HBO sketch series. The duo and many of their former co-stars recently reunited for the Netflix show "W/ Bob & David."
This Canadian sketch series was known for its strange characters and cross-dressing main cast. The troupe starred in their own film, "Brain Candy," in 1996.
CBC
"Monty Python's Flying Circus" Aired: 1969-1974
This British sketch series found big success on PBS in the United States, and the cast went on to star in four films together.
BBC
"Xena: Warrior Princess" Aired: 1995-2001
Lucy Lawless made being a badass look easy as a female warrior looking to right the wrongs of her past. The series was a spinoff of "Hercules" starring Kevin Sorbo.
Based on the 1994 movie "Stargate," this series ended up running for over 200 episodes and inspired three TV spinoffs.
Syfy
"H.R. Pufnstuf" Aired: 1969
Though it only lasted one season, this children's show became infamous for what many believed to be drug references hidden throughout each episode.
NBC
"Quantum Leap" Aired: 1989-1993
Scott Bakula starred in this series about a scientist who finds himself randomly leaping through time, striving to put right what once went wrong.
NBC
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TheWrap looks back on some short-lived shows that have built huge followings
Even if a show doesn't drive huge ratings, it can live on long after its initial run thanks to a devoted fan following. Here we look back on some shows that have remained popular even decades after they first aired.