Why did Young Sheldon end after Season 7? Reasons explored

Young Sheldon aired on CBS from 2017 to 2024 and became one of the most-watched shows on the network. The sitcom started as a prequel and spin-off of The Big Bang Theory but soon created its own identity, thanks to its blend of comedy and familial themes.

However, despite its popularity, CBS ended the show after season 7, leaving fans, and even some cast members, disappointed. The series reached its natural conclusion because its storyline and timeline had already been determined in The Big Bang Theory.

As a prequel, Young Sheldon could not deviate from the lore of the original series. TBBT established that Sheldon Cooper moved away from his family to Caltech when he turned 14, which marks the conclusion of the prequel series.

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The reason behind Young Sheldon ending after Season 7

From the beginning, Young Sheldon was supposed to follow Sheldon Cooper’s formative years when he stayed with his family in East Texas. Some of the most critical moments of his childhood had been mentioned in The Big Bang Theory, and the prequel series had to stick to the same narrative.

Per the original show’s lore, Sheldon goes to the California Institute of Technology to pursue a Ph.D. when he turns 14. This gives a natural conclusion to his storyline in Young Sheldon as he leaves his East Texas home.

Apart from the established canon, another reason behind the show's cancelation was that the child actors were growing up. Iain Armitage, who played the lead, turned 16 in 2024 when his character was supposed to be 14.

Hence, the creators decided to end the series after season 7 and give it a natural conclusion instead of deviating from TBBT lore and changing Sheldon's life story. They ended the show on a high note when it was still topping the viewership charts rather than dragging it for years.

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What did the creators have to say about their decision to end Young Sheldon

The show’s production team interacted with the media ahead of the final season’s premiere in February 2024. Co-showrunner and executive producer Steve Holland revealed it felt like the right time to end the show as Sheldon was going to attend Caltech:

“There are certain things we know happen in Sheldon’s life at 14. We started talking about the future of show, and what it looked like. This is the right time for this story to come to an end, knowing that at 14, he goes off to Cal Tech. It felt like the right time to end it strong while it was on top.”

Series creator and co-showrunner Chuck Lorre also explained why it was high time to wrap up the series in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter and said:

“We have reached the time in the cycle of Young Sheldon where Iain Armitage is 14 years old now. He’s pushing 6 feet tall. We’ve told that story, and the remainder of his path leading up to The Big Bang Theory happens at Caltech in California. Following him from 8 to 15 seems like the natural life span of the show.”

While Young Sheldon has come to an end, its universe continues with a spin-off and sequel series, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, which is focused on Sheldon’s brother, Georgie Cooper, and his wife, Mandy McAllister.

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