“Big Bang Theory” spin-off gets series order at CBS, Jon Favreau to helm

PanARMENIAN.Net - CBS is officially moving forward with "Young Sheldon". The network has sealed a deal for a straight-to-series order for the spin-off of its hit sitcom "The Big Bang Theory". Although an episode count has not yet been determined, CBS has announced the director and the rounds out cast in addition to the series pickup, AceShowbiz said.

The first episode of "Young Sheldon" will be directed and executive produced by Jon Favreau ("Chef (2014)", "Iron Man 2"). Meanwhile, Jim Parsons, who plays the adult Sheldon on "The Big Bang Theory", will narrate the single-camera series.

New additional cast members have been added to the half-hour series. Lance Barber is cast as young Sheldon's (Iain Armitage) father, while Raegan Revord and Montana Jordan will portray Sheldon's siblings. The new cast members join previously announced Zoe Perry who plays Sheldon's mother.

Created by "The Big Bang Theory" co-creator/executive producer Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro, "Young Sheldon" will chronicle a gifted 9-year-old Sheldon Cooper who lives with his family in East Texas and goes to high school. The drama, which has Lorre, Molaro, Parsons and Todd Spiewak on board as executive producers, will reportedly take on a concept of "Malcolm in the Middle". The series is described as being in the vein of "Malcolm in the Middle".

"Young Sheldon" marks the first new series which CBS has ordered for the 2017-2018 season. No premiere date has been set for the series which hails from Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television. However, CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves said at an investor conference last week that "Young Sheldon" would likely air behind "The Big Bang Theory" next season.