Of the three sitcoms in “The Big Bang Theory” universe, “Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage” is easily the least nerdiest. The show centers around Montana Jordan and Emily Osment’s titular newlyweds as they work blue-collar jobs and raise their baby in Texas, never discussing science, “Star Trek,” or any of the other subjects Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) and his buddies are interested in. Sheldon doesn’t feature in the latest spin-off either, which gives the show an advantage, according to co-creator Steve Holland in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
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“This is the first time in 18 years that we’re not writing for Sheldon, and Sheldon’s a great character and I’m so proud to have been a part of writing that character, but this is a different show. I don’t have to keep Googling science facts anymore or trying to pretend that I know what I’m talking about.”
Holland added that “Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage” is more of a family-focused sitcom, which makes it more relatable to viewers than the Sheldon-centric stories. What’s more, the latest spin-off allows the creators to explore more uncharted territory for the franchise, as Georgie and Mandy’s story isn’t as set in stone as Sheldon’s was when his solo series began.
Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage is a fresh story
In many ways, “Young Sheldon” was beholden to “The Big Bang Theory,” as the prequel had to be consistent with story details mentioned in the parent series. Take, for instance, the time “Big Bang Theory” told us about Georgie Cooper’s (Lance Barber) death and essentially gave away the most heartbreaking storyline in “Young Sheldon” before it even began — a decision Chuck Lorre regretted later on. “Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage,” meanwhile, offers the creators more freedom. As Steve Holland told Deadline:
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“[Georgie and Mandy’s] story is open-ended. We don’t know what happened. In Sheldon, we always knew the end of his story from ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ We always knew he’s gonna grow up and get married and win a Nobel prize. With Georgie and Mandy … We don’t really know what happens to them and their relationship and their lives too much.”
Despite bringing a different flavor to the franchise, “Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage” is still loaded with references to “Big Bang Theory” and “Young Sheldon.” For example, “Georgie and Mandy” chronicles the direct aftermath of George’s death, with one episode even bringing him back as a zombie. The spin-off also features a “Young Sheldon” Easter egg that will make viewers cry, and we are treated to regular appearances from some of the prequel’s fan-favorite characters. “Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage” feels like a true sequel series to “Young Sheldon,” and the storytelling possibilities are exciting.
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