‘The Big Bang Theory’ plans spinoff starring young Sheldon Cooper

“The Big Bang Theory” is creating a spinoff, and it’s all about Dr Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons). According to a new report, the top-rating US sitcom is planning a spinoff that will revolve around a young Sheldon.

The Hollywood Reporter says the CBS comedy, from co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady and showrunner Steve Molaro, will see a young, potentially teenage version of Sheldon. None of the current “TBBT” cast members are involved in the planned prequel, although Parsons will executive produce the series.

Unlike its parent show, which follows a traditional multicamera format, it will reportedly be a single-camera comedy. It is also likened to the defunct “Malcolm in the Middle,” an early 2000s sitcom about an intellectually gifted boy and his dysfunctional family.

The network and “TBBT” producers Warner Bros Television had no comment.

Should the prequel go ahead, it will join a slate of CBS shows that came from pre-existing programs, including “The Good Fight,” the spinoff of the recently concluded “The Good Wife.”

Sheldon was a child prodigy who began college at just 11 years old. By the time he was 16, he had already earned his PhD. He has two doctoral degrees and is a genius, although he is also considered the least empathetic of his friends.

“The Big Bang Theory” is currently on its 10^th season. It stars Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. It airs in Australia on Channel 9 on Thursdays.