We may have dodged the bullet on How I Met Your Dad, but The Big Bang Theory may not let us off so easily. Ahead of an (expensive) official renewal for Season 11, CBS is moving forward with a Big Bang Theory prequel spinoff, focused on Sheldon’s early days

The Hollywood Reporter confirms that the untitled prequel from Big Bang Theory co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady along with showrunner Steve Molaro would follow a young Sheldon Cooper; sort of a single-camera (yes, single) Malcolm in the Middle for the teenage character. As you might imagine, none of the cast (including Jim Parsons) are expected to have any involvement.

Interest in keeping the franchise afloat is understandable, as The Big Bang Theory lacks an official Season 11 renewal, owing to expensive contract renegotiation between Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. The series was previously renewed for three seasons, and as some would say, they “tryin’ to get that Friends money.”

CBS had no comment on the matter for now, but will the idea end up dropped if Big Bang Theory returns for Season 11? Is Sheldon a character worth exploring, before all the depth Jim Parsons got to add?

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