Starring in prequel series "The Big Bang Theory" "Young Sheldon" had the potential to be a daunting task for Ian Armitage. After all, The Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons character Sheldon Cooper is one of the most famous and popular modern sitcom characters, so portraying a younger version of him comes with a whole set of challenges.

Luckily, the young actor got some expert advice from the person who knew the role best: Parsons himself, who served as the show's narrator in addition to being one of its executive producers. In April 2024, before the premiere of the final episode of the series "Memoirs", Armitage said Diversity of the help Parsons was able to give him:

"Mostly, it just taught me how to do the accent and the way Sheldon sees the world." Saying that Sheldon demands order and has a hard time with social interaction, how can she be somewhat disturbed. For Sheldon, as amazing and genius as he is, it's not so easy for him. He can do all these wonderful things and has such an amazing brain, but some feelings for him can be completely. alien, it's a pretty fascinating and interesting juxtaposition for both a character and a person."

While participating in the prequel series The Big Bang Theory, he took the time to help Ian Armitage embody the role of Sheldon Cooper to great effect. Jim Parsons almost ditched 'Young Sheldon' at the beginning. However, this was not necessary, as the quality of the project eventually won over Parsons enough for him to even made a cameo during the series finale, playing older, more mature A new look Sheldon opposite fellow Big Bang Theory veteran Mayim Bialik as Sheldon's wife Amy Farrah Fowler.

As you might guess, Armitage found watching Parsons return to the role they'd both played for so long fascinating, to say the least. In an interview with Variety, he revealed how he felt watching Parsons portray Sheldon:

"It was definitely surreal. I think it was weird and cool and interesting. He said he felt like a guest on our set in a good way. I was happy that it didn't feel too weird or out of the ordinary and that's all I can ask for."

The entirety of Young Sheldon currently airs on Max (along with every season of The Big Bang Theory).