When The Big Bang Theory premiered in 2007, few could have predicted its rise to become one of television's most successful sitcoms. Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, the show chronicled the lives of socially awkward physicists Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper, alongside their geeky friends, as they navigated careers, relationships, and pop culture obsessions.
Over its 12-season run, The Big Bang Theory evolved into a cultural phenomenon that spawned an expanding television universe. Here's a comprehensive guide to all shows in the franchise. We also provide you with all the options to find these shows for streaming online.
How to watch the Big Bang Theory shows in chronological order
The chronological order of watching the Big Bang Theory franchise is to start with the spin-off Young Sheldon and follow it up with its own spin-off George and Mandy’s First Marriage. And, then comes the flagship series of the franchise.
- Young Sheldon (2017-2024)
- Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage (2024)
- The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)
The flagship series centered on Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons), two brilliant but socially challenged scientists living across from Penny (Kaley Cuoco), an aspiring actress with a contrasting worldview. With their friends Howard (Simon Helberg) and Raj (Kunal Nayyar), the group balanced scientific pursuits with their deep passion for nerd culture.
As the show evolved, it introduced crucial characters including Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik) and Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch), who significantly enhanced the series' dynamics. Throughout its 12-year run, The Big Bang Theory achieved record viewership and established itself as one of the most cherished sitcoms of its era before concluding in 2019.
With Sheldon Cooper emerging as The Big Bang Theory's breakout character, CBS developed a prequel focused on his childhood years. Young Sheldon follows nine-year-old Sheldon (Iain Armitage) in East Texas, documenting his challenges as a child prodigy attending high school while managing relationships within his traditional family.
The series offers deeper context for Sheldon's upbringing, with Jim Parsons narrating as adult Sheldon. It explores the origins of his distinctive behaviors, scientific passions, and complex relationship with his religious mother (Zoe Perry, portraying a younger version of Laurie Metcalf's character from the original series). The show has earned acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling while enriching Sheldon's backstory.
Building on Young Sheldon's success, CBS further expanded The Big Bang Theory universe with Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage. This sitcom functions as a direct sequel to Young Sheldon, focusing on Sheldon's older brother Georgie Cooper (Montana Jordan) and his wife Mandy McAllister (Emily Osment) as they navigate the challenges of young parenthood and marriage.
Set in 1994-1995, the series examines Georgie's efforts to balance family obligations, work responsibilities, and personal growth while Mandy adapts to life as a young mother. Combining humor with emotional depth, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage quickly connected with viewers, securing a second-season renewal.
Will The Big Bang Theory franchise have more spin-off shows?
With The Big Bang Theory remaining a valuable intellectual property, Chuck Lorre and Warner Bros. have suggested additional spin-offs or reboots might be forthcoming. Whether developing a series centered on Raj, creating a Young Sheldon sequel, or orchestrating a Big Bang Theory reunion in Pasadena, the franchise remains primed for expansion.
From its original series to its growing roster of spin-offs, The Big Bang Theory continues to captivate audiences, demonstrating that the combination of geek culture and heartfelt comedy maintains enduring appeal.
How to watch the Big Bang Theory shows in release order
If you want to experience Sheldon and his gang’s journey in order of release date, our guide below shows you a recommended viewing sequence in release order. We also provide you with all the platforms and services where you can stream these shows along with any offers to watch them for free if available.
