George Chrysostomou on five character who deserve a ‘young’ TV spinoff…
With the release and success of CBS’s Young Sheldon and other similar properties, such as FOX’s Gotham, it is perhaps the beginning of a trend that we shall see more often. Taking a character back to their childhood is usually reserved for the odd flashback, where details are revealed that are relevant to that story. However, with people latching onto the full seasons of characters they have followed for years, launched back in time to their younger days, it will likely become an increasing trend that we witness, where more characters will earn their own ‘Young’ spin-off.
With that being said, here are 5 characters who could have their own ‘Young’ spin-off TV show.
Abed Nadir – Community
Little is known about Abed’s past which leaves it ripe for the potential to be a spin-off. Following a similar formula to The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon, in being a spin-off to a comedy in which the most popular character is picked out for a whole new set of possibilities, a young Abed would actually supply further different and complex storylines and issues for the show to revolve around. Abed’s upbringing is unique in itself, as is how the rest of the world react and interact with the character, whom is often seen as odd and aloof. Bringing the possibilities of the ability to break the fourth wall as he so often does in Community and with his unique sense of humour and adventure which was brought to the show in groundbreaking ways, Young Abed sets the stage for a full set of film-based situations that previous showrunner Dan Harmon could dream up. Not to mention it would be a satisfying continuation for Community fans, combining their favourite character with their favourite elements.
Sherlock Holmes – Sherlock
Despite the exploration we’ve already seen in the series, Sherlock’s younger life still has a lot of room for growth. With a family already set up featuring his relatively normal parents, his uptight brother Mycroft, psycho sister Eurus and childhood friend Victor Trevor, it would be very interesting to see the dynamic between these young siblings and their interactions with the wider, much less intelligent, world. Watching Sherlock hone his abilities as a detective and crime solver, perhaps giving the younger counterparts a series of mysteries to solve, would be not only entertaining but might give a peek into how we get to the Sherlock we meet in Season 1 Episode 1 of the BBC’s Sherlock. With the cast finding timing difficult to film another series, this may be the next best option for the world’s greatest detective.
The Doctor – Doctor Who
Another gem of the BBC’s crown, The Doctor’s upbringing on Gallifrey, surrounded by him family and childhood friend The Master, would be perhaps the most interesting to explore on this list. Not only providing a sci-fi action adventure, this series could be a means to introduce other characters which have long since been written out of the show, such as The Rani and other such Time Lords. With the whole of time and space to explore we could see the makings of the Doctor and his rivalry with the villainous Master come to blossom, while time travel allows for cameos from older versions of the characters from the future. Providing a replacement for shows such as The Sarah Jane Adventures and Class, a Doctor Who spin-off based upon the titular character himself may be what is needed to entice both young and old to watch something other than the traditional series. Although side-point, a return to Torchwood would be welcome too!
Jimmy McGill – Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul
Slippin’ Jimmy, as he was known in his childhood, has been the master of the art of conning for most of his life. Whilst acting as a prequel to a prequel, a spin-off featuring younger McGills, Jimmy and Chuck, would produce an entertaining piece of television, which would further delve into the relationship between the brothers, the scams that Jimmy gets himself into and the development of Chuck, to help us understand further his attitudes towards Jimmy that we see in Season 3 of Better Call Saul. A show that can act as a straight comedy, with just the hints of a dramatic future, the series could explore the family of the two and introduce Chuck’s journey to becoming a lawyer and perhaps the beginning of Jimmy and Kim’s relationship as he get’s his mail job in Hamlin, Hamlin McGill.
Dev Shah – Master of None
Perhaps one of the best episodes of the last season, Master of None’s Thanksgiving started to explore the childhood friendship of Dev and Denise over the numerous Thanksgivings they experience together as they grow older. It is episodes like these that make the show as beloved as it is and focusing on a younger Dev as he battles with the same issues that the older Dev faces would be a unique take on the series. Anzari has already stated that he doesn’t know whether he can’t write about things like married life, having not had the same experiences in his own time, however it would be easier for him to write more into his childhood and act as a welcome change before the series gets stale. The majority of the older cast can return and the actors of a young Dev and Denise can also star!
Who would you like to see in their own ‘Young’ spinoffs? Let us know in the comments below…
George Chrysostomou
