Matthew Dykstra
For a show that is part of *The Big Bang Theory* universe, *Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage* is turning into something really special. Georgie has proven he can hold his own as a lead character, especially alongside Mandy, and Season 2 has done a great job blending the Cooper and McAllister families. What I really like is that the show does not feel like it belongs only to Georgie’s side or Mandy’s side. It feels like a true mix of both families. Keeping regular appearances from Mary, Missy, Pastor Jeff, Meemaw, and Dale helps keep the series grounded in the *Young Sheldon* and *Big Bang Theory* universe, while Jim, Audrey, Connor, and an older CeCe make sure Mandy’s family remains just as important. I would still love to see Sheldon appear at least once, maybe while he is home from college for reading week or holiday break. It would be a fun connection without making the show too dependent on him. Honestly, this series also makes me want another show set in this same timeline, focused on Sheldon’s college years before *The Big Bang Theory* begins. We only get a small glimpse of that period in *The Big Bang Theory* Season 3, Episode 22, “The Staircase Implementation,” when Leonard moves in, the elevator breaks, and the Roommate Agreement begins. There is definitely more story that could be explored there. Overall, *Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage* works because it respects the larger universe while still building its own identity.
