Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so sitcom has insults/language but sweet family support.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
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Young Sheldon
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 85 parent reviews
Parents say the show is a mix of humor and family dynamics, with some viewers enjoying its relatable depiction of life but expressing concerns about the inappropriate content, particularly in later seasons where themes of sex, swearing, and substance use become prominent. While many appreciate its ability to spark important conversations among families, others feel it's unsuitable for younger audiences and suggest it should be rated higher than PG due to its adult themes.
- inappropriate content
- family dynamics
- relatable humor
- educational value
- concerns about rating
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 194 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a hilarious and engaging comedy that resonates well with older preteens and teenagers, thanks to its relatable characters and entertaining narratives; however, parents should be cautious as it contains inappropriate content, including sexual references and swearing. Many reviewers agree that while the earlier seasons are more family-friendly, later seasons introduce more mature themes, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.
- inappropriate content
- family-friendly
- mature themes
- comedy series
- older preteens
- relatable characters
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Being 9 years old isn't easy, and YOUNG SHELDON Cooper (Iain Armitage) hasn't made it any easier by being 1) startlingly brilliant, 2) socially clueless, and 3) born to a humble sports-obsessed family in East Texas. In a town where Sunday church is mandatory and football is more mania than hobby, a kid who spends his mornings proving physics laws to himself with a Lionel train set is not destined to be voted Most Popular in the yearbook. But at least he has the staunch support of his mom, Mary (Zoe Perry), and the somewhat more grudging support of his football coach Dad (Lance Barber), his football-nut brother George, Jr. (Montana Jordan), and his acerbic twin sister, Missy (Raegan Revord). Sheldon will someday to grow up to be one of the heroes on The Big Bang Theory (which explains Jim Parsons showing up to do narration), but right now, he's just hoping to get through high school.
Is It Any Good?
If a spirited sitcom about geeky characters is your family's show of choice, you'll want to at least peek at this one. Young Sheldon shares a similar vibe and tone with creator Chuck Lorre's The Big Bang Theory, and it doubles down on Sheldon's evergreen confidence and courage against people who bully and doubt him. That said, the show's problematic characterizations of people of color fall flat. And a romantic arc that involves a wide age gap might concern some viewers.
There are also a lot of predictable jokes -- not all bad -- and predictable plot twists, but surprisingly secure and quirky Sheldon does have his charms, and the show does, too. Chief amongst them is the sweet relationship between Sheldon and his mom. When Sheldon volunteers to go to church with his mother even though, as his sister says, he doesn't believe in God, he pipes up, "But I believe in Mom." And she believes in him. This mutual support only strengthens as Sheldon grows up -- and that's a lot of fun to watch, even if Young Sheldon breaks no new ground.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why "fish out of water" plots are common in sitcoms like Young Sheldon. What's funny about putting someone in a place they don't fit in? What dramatic possibilities does it offer?
How does Young Sheldon depict immigrants and other characters of color? Did you notice any stereotypes? Why are they harmful?
How does Sheldon show courage by attending school with much older kids? Why is this an important character strength?
This comedy is produced by Chuck Lorre, a creator known for producing a particular style of comedy. Have you watched any of his other shows? Can you see similarities between this show and these other shows?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 25, 2017
- Cast : Iain Armitage , Annie Potts , Jim Parsons
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Courage
- TV rating :
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : January 16, 2026
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