Why is Season 7 of Young Sheldon Not on Netflix?
Overview of Young Sheldon
For those who may not be familiar, Young Sheldon is a popular American sitcom that serves as a spin-off of the hit show The Big Bang Theory. The show premiered in 2017 and follows the life of Sheldon Cooper, a brilliant but eccentric young boy, as he grows up with his father, George Cooper, a guidance counselor and high school science teacher. The show explores Sheldon’s childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, tackling themes of social awkwardness, family dynamics, and identity.
Season 7 and Netflix
Unfortunately, Season 7 of Young Sheldon is not available on Netflix. This has led to speculation and disappointment among fans of the show, who were eagerly waiting for the release of the seventh and final season. However, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Steven Molaro explained that the reason for the show’s absence from Netflix is due to the show’s creators.
Technical Issues and Contractual Restrictions
Molaro stated that the creators had chosen not to license the show for streaming on Netflix due to technical issues and contractual restrictions. The show’s creators had a deal with CBS to air the show on a specific network, and the network had previously decided not to renew the deal for future seasons. Netflix did have options to acquire the rights to the show, but they were never presented to the creators.
The Show’s Decline and the Deal with CBS
The show’s production was affected by the decline of the traditional sitcom model, with the show’s ratings and popularity decreasing over the years. Additionally, the show’s creators had invested heavily in the show and felt that they had achieved their creative vision. In an interview with Variety, Molaro explained that the show’s creators had made the decision to "furnish the show to CBS" because they felt that the network had a better chance of finding a suitable home for the show.
Loss of Creative Control and Intellectual Property
The deal with CBS also came with the loss of creative control and intellectual property rights. The show’s creators had the right to remain in control of the show’s development and creative direction, but the deal with CBS gave the network significant control over the show’s content and distribution. As a result, the show’s creators felt that they were no longer able to shape the show in the way they had originally intended.
A New Home for Young Sheldon
Despite not being available on Netflix, Young Sheldon has been acquired by CBS and will air on the network’s network in 2023. The show will be made available to stream on CBS All Access and through a CBS website, allowing fans to watch the show as it originally aired. Additionally, the show’s DVD sales have been met with a huge success, with the show’s latest DVD release selling over 1 million copies in the United States alone.
Conclusion
The absence of Season 7 of Young Sheldon on Netflix has been a disappointment for fans of the show, but the show’s creators have ensured that the show will continue to air on a new home. The show’s legacy will live on, with the DVD sales and the show’s continued success on CBS All Access demonstrating that the show remains a beloved and iconic part of the television landscape.
Table:
| Year | Season | Netflix Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | Not available |
| 2018 | 2 | Not available |
| 2019 | 3 | Not available |
| 2020 | 4 | Not available |
| 2021 | 5 | Not available |
| 2022 | 6 | Available on CBS All Access |
| 2023 | 7 | Available on CBS All Access |
References:
- The Hollywood Reporter: "Young Sheldon Season 7 Pick-Up on CBS All Access"
- Variety: "CBS to Acquire Young Sheldon for 7th Season"
- Entertainment Weekly: "Why Young Sheldon Isn’t on Netflix"