Top 10 The Big Bang Theory Callbacks in Young Sheldon

In the pilot episode for “Young Sheldon”, viewers were treated to one of the first references to “The Big Bang Theory.” As Sheldon goes outside to “play”, he encounters Billy Sparks, a not-so-friendly neighbor. When Billy scares Sheldon with a live chicken, the protagonist runs frantically to the house while screaming in terror. Avid viewers of “The Big Bang Theory” will remember older Sheldon telling over-the-top stories about having been harassed by the one and only Sparks. We’d go on to see more of Sparks in the prequel series, but this sequence connects the two shows from the jump.

This entry is unique, because it’s a callback to a very specific location from “The Big Bang Theory.” When young Sheldon gets a chance to travel to Pasadena to see Stephen Hawking in the third season, we’re given a look into his future as he visits Caltech. While he and his father stand at an open doorway, the camera pulls back, and we see the cafeteria where countless debates would ensue between him and his friends. Fans always knew Sheldon would end up at the research university, so it’s extra nice to see the genesis of it all.

One of the best recurring characters on “Young Sheldon” is Paige Swanson, a friendly rival to Sheldon portrayed by the amazing McKenna Grace. An incredibly touching moment unfolds in season three, when Paige opens up to Sheldon about why she’s having a hard time. Though the protagonist could come off cold, we see his softer side as he expresses compassion for his friend. Then, he offers her something we all knew was coming. Indeed, over 12 seasons of “The Big Bang Theory”, we’d see him deliver such an offering to many friends, whether they wanted it or not.

We all need to take a break from our daily routines from time to time. Young Sheldon opts for a breather from science by taking in the likes of the “Lord of the Rings” books. In doing so, he becomes obsessed with picking apart the story’s inconsistencies. It’s here we see him in a dream sequence talking to himself as Gollum/Sméagol. On the surface, it’s a cute joke. But to the keen observer, it’s a callback to “The Big Bang Theory”’s season three episode where the boys fight over a prop ring from the films. More specifically, we’re talking about the moment when Sheldon peers into a mirror and sees Gollum looking back at him in a dream!

“The Big Bang Theory”’s Sheldon Cooper would often mention issues he had with his father throughout the show’s many seasons. For instance, in “The Hot Tub Contamination”, we learned that his three knock habit only came to be after he caught his dad, George, cheating on his mother. The end of “Young Sheldon”’s fourth season sees George spending time with his neighbor Brenda. And sparks between the two can be seen. It may not be the exact moment older Sheldon refers to in the parent show, but it’s certainly a nod in the same direction.

Whether it’s a spot at the dinner table, cafeteria, or somewhere else, many people have a place where they prefer to sit. Of course, anyone who’s seen “The Big Bang Theory” is aware that Sheldon takes ownership of “his spot” to a whole new level on numerous occasions. His attachment to the seat at the end of the couch is no laughing matter to the man. So when he finds Tam sitting at the end of a cafeteria table on “Young Sheldon,” we’re given a callback to the original series. In case anyone was wondering, Sheldon has been staying true to himself since he was young!

Throughout “The Big Bang Theory”, Sheldon mentions his dad’s difficulties with alcohol, his failing health, and his passing. Given the timeframe that “Young Sheldon” takes place in, audiences know it’s probably only a matter of time before we see George succumb to his fate. The first hint of it comes in the third episode of the first season, when he ends up in the hospital with heart pain. Another cardiac episode occurs at the start of season five, which also coincides with his meet up with the aforementioned Brenda. It’s a connection to the parent show that won’t go away, and sadly, we know things will only get worse.

Fun fact: “The Big Bang Theory” writer Stephen Engel has reportedly been credited as the originator of Sheldon’s famous “Bazinga” quip. He apparently used to use it himself before it was thrown into the show. Heard when Sheldon tells a joke or pulls a prank, it’s become perhaps the single most recognizable word from the show. So it’s no surprise that the prequel gave the legendary word an origin story. Sheldon’s younger self wanders into a comic store and finds a display filled with prank products from the “Bazinga Novelty Company”. The rest is history, as he begins to prank his friends and family, all while uttering his famous catchphrase.

Ask any fan of “The Big Bang Theory” to name five memorable things from the show. We bet “Soft Kitty” will make the list. Penny and Sheldon shared many memorable moments of either of them singing this cute lullaby to each other over the years. Fans were even treated to Sheldon’s mother, Mary, singing it to him. So when “Young Sheldon” finds himself bedridden and sick as can be, everyone watching knew exactly what Mary was about to do. As she sings the song to her son, fans everywhere are reminded of him laying in bed as an adult, convincing Penny to sing him to sleep.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

He Has Been Tested, "David, Goliath, and a Yoo-hoo from the Back"
Reminding His Brother & Anyone Else Who Might Be Wondering

The Voice of Penny, "Teenager Soup and a Little Ball of Fib"
Kaley Cuoco, aka Penny, Did The Voice of the Pool

Meemaw / Moonpie, Various
Her Name May Be Connie but to Us, She’ll Always Be Meemaw

A Wink to “Blossom” Fans, "A Race of Superhumans and a Letter to Alf"
Amy Actress Mayim Bialik Played the Iconic Sitcom Character

Professor Proton, Various
There are Numerous References to the Professor, Proving Sheldon’s Love for Him Started Early

Since “Young Sheldon” focuses on the titular character’s youth, it precludes him from being able to interact with his future friends. However, on the night of the final episode of “The Big Bang Theory,” “Young Sheldon” also aired their season 2 finale. And the prequel show gave us the greatest nod to the original we could’ve asked for. As younger Sheldon cries over being alone at his Nobel party, the scene transitions. We’re given a sneak peak at Leonard, Penny, Raj, Howard, Bernadette, and Amy, all as their younger selves. Sure, we already knew Sheldon wouldn’t end up alone. But who doesn’t get misty-eyed seeing all his greatest friends, knowing the best was yet to come for all of them?