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<i>Young Sheldon</i> Series Finale – Spoiler Free Review. 

Season 1, Episode 1

Air Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024, 8:30/7:30c on CBS

Rating: ★★★★★

“Bye son” George

As TV critics, we rarely admit we’re wrong when reflecting on a negative review of a show. If called out on it several seasons later, we shift the focus from our misjudgments and hide behind phrases like “the writing got better.” In other words, the show would have been as horrible as we predicted had it not changed. 

In the case of CBS’s hit series Young Sheldon, I confess I rated the show’s pilot only one star, stating that “Armitage (Sheldon) does an admirable job filling (Jim) Parsons’ shoes, but unlike similar prequels, it’s hard to see room for character growth.” Little did I know that this young genius had more surprises in store for us.

Young Sheldon was born from one of my favorite shows, The Big Bang Theory. The show’s creators, Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro, took a risk by breaking up one of the greatest TV ensembles and focusing solely on a younger version of Sheldon Cooper, portrayed by Iain Armitage. I would equate it to having a Scooby-Doo spinoff concentrating only on a young Daphne. Set in Texas during the 1980s, Young Sheldon explores Sheldon’s early endeavors to be understood by his conventional family.

Now, 141 episodes and seven seasons later, Young Sheldon bids us farewell. Despite knowing it was coming, the emotional impact of Sheldon’s father George’s (Lance Barber) passing surprised us all. Older Sheldon had reflected about it on more than one occasion on The Big Bang Theory, but it didn’t make it any easier. 

Whether it’s a deliberate writing choice or an unexpected consequence of real-life events, viewers have become accustomed to saying goodbye to beloved characters. As I watched each of the Cooper kids react to their father’s death, I was captivated by the writer’s ability to create heartfelt scenes. The writers didn’t dismiss these moments because the characters were children; they carry the same emotional weight as the adults. While I’m not a parent, these two episodes could be valuable for helping other children navigate grief within their own families.

The show’s final two episodes strike a delicate balance between tragedy and humor. While the writers inject some funny moments, they avoid going overboard, allowing the grieving process to unfold organically. I was able to keep my own emotions in check until Missy (Raegan Revord) asks George Jr. (Montana Jordan) a simple question. It’s a brief, two sentence conversation that’s so brilliantly written and acted  it evokes tears. Kudos to the young actors, Jordon and Revord, for their excellent performance.

Unless you live under a rock, the return of Parsons and Mayim Bialik (Amy), reprising their iconic “Big Bang ” roles, has been widely known. Their appearance adds a fun, nostalgic touch. The writers do an excellent job weaving them into the story, providing little updates on present-day lives.

Young Sheldon’s final two episodes serve as a fitting conclusion to, not only the series but a storyline fans were introduced to 18 years ago when Sheldon recounted his father’s death. While some parents may shield their kids from such painful content, others will view it as a teaching opportunity—a chance to witness how fictional children grapple with loss.

Despite Young Sheldon’s ending, this doesn’t mark the end of the Cooper family. A spinoff featuring Mandy (Emily Osment) and George Jr. is already in the works, proving that Young Sheldon has achieved what others dream of – being a significant success as a spinoff on broadcast television.

Despite what any critic may have written, it has been seven surprisingly entertaining seasons filled with remarkable character growth on a journey enjoyable for the whole family. As for my thoughts all these years later, perhaps it’s time to admit certain facts— the writing got better. 

Tweet me @Staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about Young Sheldon finale.

For more information on Young Sheldon, visit the official website.

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Photos: ©2024 CBS Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.

Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.