MOVIE REVIEW
Young Sheldon
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Genre: Sitcom, Comedy
Year Released: 2017-2024
Runtime: 141 x 30m episodes
Creator(s): Chuck Lorre, Steven Molaro
Showrunner(s): Chuck Lorre, Steven Molaro, Steve Holland
Cast: Iain Armitage, Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Montana Jordan, Raegan Revord, Jim Parsons, Annie Potts, Matt Hobby, Wyatt McClure, Emily Osment
Where To Watch: available now https://amzn.to/3zGy5A4

RAVING REVIEW: In a television landscape that often clings to its reboots and nostalgia, YOUNG SHELDON stands out by charting its unique course. This engaging series delivers a deep dive into the world of a young prodigy navigating the conflicting cultures of intellectual aspiration and traditional Texan values. The shift from a conventional multi-camera setup to a more personal single-camera format enriches the personality of the series, offering viewers a close-up of the intimate and complex dynamics within the Cooper family.

What truly sets YOUNG SHELDON apart is the masterful portrayal by Iain Armitage, whose embodiment of Sheldon Cooper’s precocious nature is matched only by his capacity to convey the character’s vulnerabilities. This series showcases a young boy’s intellectual journey and a broader, more textured exploration of his interactions with the world around him. Sheldon's brilliance often isolates him, yet through this lens, the audience gains a genuine insight into his growth and challenges.

The series shines in its depiction of family relationships, rendered with a depth that speaks to the viewer's heart. The dynamics at play within the Cooper household, particularly between Sheldon and his siblings—Georgie (Montana Jordan) and Missy (Raegan Revord)—bring a layer of drama and humor that is both genuine and moving. These relationships underscore the series' exploration of personal growth, miscommunication, and reconciliation, making each episode resonate with emotional depth.

As Mary Cooper, the family matriarch, Zoe Perry delivers a compelling performance, capturing the nuances of a mother torn between protecting her extraordinary son and pushing him toward independence. Lance Barber's portrayal of George Sr. offers a steady hand to the family's wild oscillations between chaos and order. As Meemaw, Annie Potts injects humor and light-heartedness that consistently lifts the show's spirit.

Beyond the immediate family, YOUNG SHELDON excels in its portrayal of community life, integrating a cast of secondary characters that enrich the narrative fabric of the show. The setting of small-town Texas is not just a backdrop but an active participant in the story, reflecting the norms and expectations that shape and test the characters.

Despite traversing some predictable paths, YOUNG SHELDON remains captivating, balancing humor with insightful storytelling. The show’s evolution alongside its characters is a testament to its creative direction, which refuses to stagnate, ensuring the storyline remains fresh and engaging for its audience. And that finale… I’m not crying! You’re crying!

YOUNG SHELDON offers more than just entertainment. It provides a thoughtful commentary on the complexities of growing up as an outlier in a conformist society. The series builds its narrative, focusing not only on Sheldon's intellectual battles but also on his emotional and societal integration. Celebrating the quirks that define us, YOUNG SHELDON marks its territory in television as a series that entertains and enlightens, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate depth and development in character portrayal.

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[photo courtesy of WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY HOME ENTERTAINMENT]

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