Despite their differing depictions of the same characters, The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon still exist in the same universe. It’s no secret that there are just way too many plot inconsistencies between the shows that it would be better to set them in different realities. However, CBS maintains that they are connected to each other. This creates issues for Young Sheldon’s storytelling because adhering to the established canon means that it not only has to tackle tricky plots but also has to wrap up sooner than ideal.

Aside from what it means to the future of Young Sheldon, insisting that it is in the same universe as The Big Bang Theory is also detrimental to the nerd-centric sitcom. The shows share several characters, and many of them are depicted differently. Some of them are so much better in Young Sheldon, while others are better in the mothership series.

8.Better In Young Sheldon: Sheldon

Inspired by the popularity of Jim Parsons’ Sheldon, it makes sense that CBS expanded The Big Bang Theory universe with a show focusing on the character. Young Sheldon functions as the origins story of the socially inept genius, so there’s a considerable amount of focus on him (at least in the first few seasons). Given this, it’s clear that Young Sheldon‘s version of the character is better than his adult counterpart. Unlike Parsons’ version, Iain Armitage’s iteration is mellower and even more considerate. He is better adept with his feelings and actually shows concern for others without being cajoled.

7.Better In Young Sheldon: Mary

Aside from Sheldon, Mary Cooper had the most appearances on The Big Bang Theory. She often visited Pasadena to check up on her son, which meant that the Pasadena gang spent a good amount of time with her. Based on all her appearances in The Big Bang Theory, she is undoubtedly better in Young Sheldon. The Big Bang Theory‘s Mary is rude and judgmental; she uses her faith to justify her poor behavior. While the prequel’s version is still devoted to her religion, she isn’t as harsh or offensive.

6.Better In Young Sheldon: George

Young Sheldon was born from Sheldon’s penchant to tell childhood stories. Aside from sharing his fascinating experiences growing up in Texas as a boy genius, his father was usually the subject of his anecdotes. Unfortunately, most of them were unflattering. Since George wasn’t able to make a physical appearance in The Big Bang Theory, he couldn’t defend himself from Sheldon’s accusation that he was a no-good father. Young Sheldon continues to debunk this take, making it the prequel’s biggest inconsistency with its parent series. Granted that George has his flaws, but there is no doubt that he is a committed family man.

5.Better In Young Sheldon: Missy

Unlike Mary, Missy barely appeared in The Big Bang Theory, but she immediately resonated with audiences. Still, whatever the nerd-centric sitcom revealed about her character, Young Sheldon expanded it significantly. As the prequel delves into her story, she has become one of the most popular characters in the show. Missy has proven time and time again that she is the best Cooper, as not only is she charming and witty, but she’s also fiercely loyal and emotionally mature for her age. Granted that she has been having some rough patches, it isn’t anything out of the ordinary for a teenager who feels unseen by the people she loves.

4.Better In Young Sheldon: Georgie

Due to a falling out, Georgie didn’t appear in The Big Bang Theory until season 11, just before Sheldon’s wedding to Amy. By then, he was already a successful business owner — just like how Young Sheldon sets him up to be. However, adult Georgie’s demeanor was very different from his Young Sheldon counterpart. He was arrogant and even a bit of a playboy, which is disappointing, considering how great he is throughout Mandy’s unexpected pregnancy.

3.Better In Young Sheldon: Meemaw

The contradicting depiction of Georgie has been discussed expansively, but not much has been said about Meemaw. Sheldon’s fondness of his grandmother was well-established in The Big Bang Theory, but even his description of her in the nerd-centric sitcom didn’t really fit in with June Squibb’s version of the character, who can be snooty and mean. Young Sheldon‘s depiction, on the other hand, is more loving and sweet but is not a pushover to anyone.

2.Worse In Young Sheldon: Tam

During The Big Bang Theory‘s final year, Young Sheldon was in its second year. CBS knew that the time of the nerd-centric sitcom was coming to an end, so it devised a plan to strengthen its ties to its prequel. Long before the one-time Young Sheldon crossover that involved Sheldon watching a videotape of his dad giving a pep talk to his football players, The Big Bang Theory season 12 introduced Tam — Sheldon’s childhood best friend. Up until that point, he had never mentioned him because of their falling out. Young Sheldon’s Tam can be naive and even cruel, but the iteration in the main series was tame and mature.

1.Worse In Young Sheldon: The Pasadena Gang

Technically, only Amy and Howard have made Young Sheldon voice cameos. Sheldon recruited his wife two times now to help him with the prequel’s voice-over. During Amy’s first guesting stint, she and Sheldon revealed that they share a son named Leonard Cooper. In her second outing, they candidly talked about the partnership in their marriage. Howard, on the other hand, was roped in to help Sheldon tell the true reason why he hates engineers and engineering. All instances of their appearance in Young Sheldon are special, especially since they happened after The Big Bang Theory ended. That being said, they were far too brief to actually make any impact.

As for the rest of the Pasadena gang, Sheldon’s friends actually made their respective appearances in the Young Sheldon season 2 finale, which was specifically created in honor of The Big Bang Theory‘s ending. The group only appeared at the end of the episode while the socially-inept genius cried over his unsuccessful Nobel Prize listening party. CBS showed what Sheldon’s friends were doing as he sat down alone in the Coopers’ garage for the announcement of the winners. None of The Big Bang Theory cast returned for this, however. Instead, the network had to cast young actors. It was heartwarming, but it didn’t showcase enough of the Pasadena gang’s personality.