The Big Bang Theory Is Getting a Prequel Spinoff

It's the most popular series on TV, and the producers of The Big Bang Theory are now looking to expand it to a spinoff show, which is reportedly already in production.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the spinoff will focus on the earlier life of Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons on The Big Bang Theory, and is being developed by co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady. THR's sources describe the project as "Malcolm in the Middle but with a young and potentially teenage version of Sheldon." Like The Big Bang Theory, the series will be produced by Warner TV and broadcast on CBS, although neither company has commented on the project to date.

The Big Bang Theory is currently on its tenth season, and although season 11 is expected, it is yet to be commissioned. THR reports that the main cast members, including Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik, and Melissa Rauch, are all currently negotiating new deals with Warner for season 11 and beyond.

In 2014, Parsons, Galecki, and Cuoco signed deals that were reported to be around $1 million per episode, as well as signing bonuses, production deals, and advances. The show regularly attracts over 20 million viewers a week, more than double to what it achieved during its first season.

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