5 surprising links between Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory
They're two highly successful comedies that are inextricably linked.
Following the success of The Big Bang Theory, program creator Chuck Lorre pivoted to work on Young Sheldon. The spin-off prequel follows Sheldon Cooper from the age of nine, and throughout his childhood.
With Sheldon a central character to both series, it's easy to see how there could be some crossover between the two hit shows.
Here are five links between them that you might not have known:
Iain Armitage has a difficult role to play in being Sheldon Cooper as a child, but he nails it. 9Now
Jim Parson's is crucial to both series
While Jim Parsons is on screen playing Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory, you won't be seeing his face in Young Sheldon. But despite this, the actor is heavily involved in the series, serving as both the show's narrator and as an executive producer to the show.
RELATED: How much are the cast of Young Sheldon Worth?
The cast of Young Sheldon is certainly eclectic. 9Now
Kaley Cuoco's cameo on Young Sheldon as… pool water.
If you thought the voice of Penny was never to be heard on Young Sheldon, then you would be wrong. In the Season 3 episode titled 'Teenager Soup and a Little Ball of Fib', young Sheldon is plagued by nightmares about his upcoming swimming test, which feature a mysterious talking pool.
Yes, that pool water is voiced by Kaley Cuoco. 9Now
"That was absolutely the voice of Kaley as pool water," series co-creator Steve Molaro confirmed to TV Line.
"I needed someone to do the voice. I knew I wanted it to be female and kinda sexy, and I said, 'Well, duh! Kaley is perfect for this'," he explained.
The link between Sheldon's mother Mary Cooper
On The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon's mother Mary Cooper is played by Laurie Metcalf. And on Young Sheldon, Sheldon's mother is played by Zoe Perry.
The link here? Zoe Perry is Laurie Metcalf's real-life daughter. That's one way to ensure a family resemblance.
Lance Barber appeared on The Big Bang Theory as Jimmy Speckerman
On Young Sheldon Lance Barber plays Sheldon Cooper's father George Cooper Sr. But if you were an acute watcher of The Big Bang Theory, you may have noticed that he also played Jimmy Speckerman — Leonard's high school bully.
A cameo from Mayim Bialik and a reference to Sheldon's son's name
In the final moments Young Sheldon's Season 4 premiere, Jim Parsons — narrating as an adult Sheldon Cooper — reveals his son's name is none other than Leonard.
RELATED: 6 surprising things you didn't know about hit series Young Sheldon
"I wanted his name to be Leonard Nimoy Cooper, but Amy wouldn't let me," adult Sheldon said.
Amy, voiced by Mayim Bialik, can then be heard adding, "Be lucky I let you name him Leonard." It's a name which acts as a tribute to Sheldon's friend Leonard Hofstadter in The Big Bang Theory.
