Young Sheldon, the one-of-a-kind prequel to the blockbuster show The Big Bang Theory, takes us on an entertaining and bizarrely funny journey through the boyhood and youthful days of everyone’s beloved socially weird genius, Sheldon Cooper.
The show is stacked with funnily absurd characters that make you smile, laugh, shred a tear or two, and from time to time raise questions about the past and future of humanity. Here’s a deep dive into the eight most popular characters from Young Sheldon.
Popular characters from the Cooper family on Young Sheldon
1) Sheldon Cooper
We have the pocket-sized mesmerizing prodigy himself, Sheldon Cooper, played by the young Iain Armitage. Young Sheldon is exactly what would be like a mixture of a human encyclopedia with a socially blind and awkward robot.
This child can decipher complicated equations with the snap of a finger but can’t understand why nobody wants to have lunch with him. His brutal honesty, his uncannily accurate observations, and his absence of a filter a catalysts for comic gold.
Think about a tiny professor correcting his tutors, educating his family on scientific misconceptions, and interrogating the very reality of societal norms—all while accessorized in his trademark bow tie and high-length socks will be forever iconic in Young Sheldon.
2) Mary Cooper
Sheldon’s mother, Mary Cooper, played by Zoe Perry in Young Sheldon is a literal angel. No, seriously. Managing the genius of a child she has, needs divine patience.
Mary is the typical Christian mother, complete with words of wisdom and an exceptional belief in the power of the Almighty. She spends most of her time justifying why Sheldon is how he is and the other half praying for everyone’s sanity.
3) George Cooper Sr.
Sheldon’s father in Young Sheldon, George Sr., is the type of man who would rather be more enthusiastic about a football game than a science exhibition, but stuck with reality, raising the next Newton. George’s rough and tough exterior is layered above a soft heart, especially when it comes to his son’s absurd actions.
His trial and attempts to gel with his younger son Sheldon are as a clown in a corporation, but he tries. At times we have seen him as a High School Football Coach taking assistance from his son to manage a rogue and underperforming team.
And, guess what? Our boy genius strikes the right chord to impress his father. In a family with characters who are drastically unlike each other, George Cooper Sr. has won the hearts of fans all over the world.
4) Missy Cooper
The yin to Sheldon’s yang. Sheldon's twin sister in the show is pretty much the same and opposite to him at the same time. Where Sheldon is all knowledge and no social skills, Missy is charming and more of the street-smart type.
She’s got the art of sibling rivalry down perfectly and keeps reminding viewers that brains don’t always run in the family. Missy’s capability to surf like a sailor through middle school drama and also make fun of Sheldon’s nerdiness makes her a favorite for Young Sheldon fans.
5) Meemaw
Connie Tucker aka Meemaw played by Annie Potts in Young Sheldon is the only living grandparent of Sheldon and Missy that everyone wishes they had. She’s bold, zesty, sharp, and has never been afraid of bending the rules.
Meemaw’s relationship with Sheldon is a landmark plot of the show with references to her Texas Famous Brisket and her classic nighttime lullaby “soft kitty, warm kitty”.
It is a delightful mix of genuine affection and care. She’s the one who regularly gets him comic books and imparts virtuous life lessons with a tad bit of sarcasm and storytelling. Her being there in Young Sheldon adds a zesty kick to the variety of characters in the Cooper family dynamics.
6) Dr. John Sturgis
Sheldon’s mentor, Dr. John Sturgis played by Wallace Shawn, the epitome of an absent-minded genius professor. He’s an adorable oddball whose relations with Young Sheldon were from brilliant and genius to downright bizarre.
Dr. Sturgis’ attempts at social situations are as awkward and weird as watching roller skate stunts by a giraffe, but his obvious and real care for Sheldon’s growth makes him so lovable.
He got linked to family matters when he started dating Sheldon’s Meemaw. We can agree to disagree but this was also another master stroke of a thoroughly planned move orchestrated by the young and gullible genius prodigy.
7) Georgie Cooper
Georgie Cooper, Sheldon’s older brother, played by Montana Jordan is the polar opposite of his genius sibling in Young Sheldon. Georgie is all about sports, girls, and avoiding anything remotely academic.
Being Sheldon’s opposite implies being the heartthrob who, in any other family, would probably be the star of the show. But alas, he's got a genius little brother stealing all the spotlight.
Georgie is the stereotypical high school jock with a big heart and a small willpower to study. Think of him as the Texas version of every popular kid from '80s movies. Like a father like a son, a football pitch is more important than a science fair or regular class tests.
Despite the constant overshadowing by Sheldon's brainy antics, Georgie is the family’s go-to guy for anything practical.
8) Billy Sparks
Billy Sparks played by Wyatt McClure is the lovable dimwit who is Sheldon’s neighbor and somehow ends up being a friend of Young Sheldon. Billy’s obliviousness and how lost he stays in some scenes is sometimes the brilliance of his comic depiction of that character.
But the kid is recognized for his big heart as well. His attempts to keep up with Sheldon’s brain workouts are adorable. Billy’s conversations with Sheldon are a hilarious clash of genius and blissful ignorance.
Honorable Mention: Pastor Jeff
Pastor Jeff is not on the list but we can surely give him a token of appreciation for being the well-meaning but often puzzled spiritual guide and counselor to the Cooper family.
He tries to give support and guide Sheldon morally but those attempts would sometimes be futile. Still, his heart is in the right place, and his patience is nothing short of saintly.
Young Sheldon is a product of a mix and match of adorable, generic, and unbelievable characters, each stirring their flavor in the show. From the brainy yet clueless Sheldon to the street-smart Missy and the spirited Meemaw, the series is a delightful mix of humor, heart, and a dash of sarcasm.
These characters keep reminding us that genius comes in many forms, and at times, it’s the touches of sarcasm and genuine love in families that make it truly unforgettable.
Catch all the previous seasons of Young Sheldon on CBS and Paramount+.
