A Thorough Study of Plot Inconsistencies in "Young Sheldon" and "The Big Bang Theory"

Academic Paper from the year 2025 in the subject American Studies - Literature, , language: English, abstract: The Big Bang Theory is one of the most popular shows to have aired on American television, and the world at large. A prequel, Young Sheldon, was introduced later on. This study judges the prequel as the expository parts of the work that flows into the sequel, The Big Bang Theory. Then, using Freytag's theory of plot, analyses the entire plot of the franchise. The research looks at the main character Sheldon and his family's character portrayals. While the original series frequently presents Sheldon Cooper's childhood as marked by bullying, social isolation, and familial dysfunction, Young Sheldon offers a contrasting depiction of a supportive family, meaningful friendships, and a largely harmonious upbringing. Guided by Freytag's theory of plot, the research employed a quantitative approach, systematically analysing all episodes from both series to identify disparities. The findings reveal numerous contradictions concerning Sheldon's childhood experiences, parental relationships, sibling dynamics, extended family, educational milestones, personal habits, and character traits. For instance, claims in The Big Bang Theory about Sheldon's bullying, his father's irresponsibility, and his early academic achievements are inconsistent with the events portrayed in Young Sheldon. Other discrepancies include portrayals of Meemaw, Missy, and Sheldon's early interactions with pets, public speaking, sports, and mentorship. These inconsistencies disrupt narrative causality, highlighting a divergence between adult recollections and prequel exposition. The study concludes that while Young Sheldon reconstructs a more emotionally coherent and realistic portrayal of Sheldon's early life, it challenges the continuity and reliability of the original series, illustrating the complexities of adapting prequels within established fictional universes.