Young Sheldon:
The Complete First Season review by Bobby Blakey
One of the biggest sitcoms on TV is The Big Bang Theory that continues to deliver, but has announced that it is heading into its final season. Last season they decided to bring a spin off series that focuses on the fan favorite character of Sheldon Cooper, but most were skeptical. The show surprised fans with a unique new look that found its audience and now you can bring it home with Young Sheldon: The Complete First Season.
Young Sheldon follows nine-year-old Sheldon Cooper, who struggles with growing up in East Texas. Being a once-in-a-generation mind capable of advanced mathematics and science isn't always helpful in a land where church and football are king. While the vulnerable, gifted and somewhat naïve Sheldon deals with the world, his very normal family must find a way to deal with him. His father, George, is struggling to find his way as a high school football coach and as father to a boy he doesn't understand. Sheldon's mother, Mary, fiercely protects and nurtures her son in a town where he just doesn't fit in. Sheldon's older brother, Georgie, does the best he can in high school, but it's tough to be cool when you're in the same classes with your odd nine-year-old brother. Sheldon's twin sister, Missy, who sometimes resents all the attention Sheldon gets, but also remains the one person who can reliably tell Sheldon the truth. Finally, there’s Sheldon’s beloved Meemaw, his foul-mouthed, hard-drinking Texas grandmother who’s supportive of her grandson and his unique gifts.
This new series stars Iain Armitage, Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Annie Potts, Montana Jordan and Raegan Revord. The entire cast is great in the show and it was genius casting of Zoe Perry as Sheldon’s mother that some may not know is the real life daughter of Laurie Metcalf who portrays his mother on the Big Bang Theory. Like most I really didn’t think this show was a very good idea, but I was so wrong. It offers up a Wonder Years kind of vibe while still being its own thing. Iain Armitage is so great as young Sheldon. He fully captures the essence of the character and you really believe this was his childhood. The addition of Jim Parsons narrating just adds to the fun of it all and reminds you where this all came from.
Each episode is funnier than the next but still offers up some heartwarming moments as the often confused Sheldon tries to make his way through the world like only he can. One of the best parts of the series for me is his relationship with his grandmother played by the always great Annie Potts. She truly loves him and understands how to deal with him while still not taking his nonsense and in turn creates for a lot of great moments between the two. This was a surprise show that not only continues to expand the legacy of Shledon, but also makes The Big Bang Theory all the better with nods to moments in the show throughout the years.
This collection offers up all 22 episodes of the season as well as bonus content including featurettes taking fans behind bringing this series to life. Grab your copy of Young Sheldon: The Complete First Season available now on Blu-ray and DVD from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.