A new social media image sparks speculation about a core cast member of The Big Bang Theory returning for its third spinoff. The end of Young Sheldon paved the way for Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. While it exists in the same universe as the nerd-centric sitcom, it barely has any connection to the original series that started this TV universe. Luckily, Chuck Lorre is supposedly developing a third offshoot that is directly tied to it, and based on a new image online, someone from the Pasadena gang may be returning to star in the project.
In a new post on Instagram stories, Kunal Nayyar shares an image of himself dressed as Raj Koothrappali from The Big Bang Theory. Check out the photo below:
The snap is pretty straightforward. It’s a selfie of Nayyar in his Raj costume. He captioned the image, “Remember this guy?,” further sparking rumors that he is set to return for The Big Bang Theory‘s upcoming third offshoot. Sadly, he didn’t reveal if this was a photo that was recently taken or a throwback post.
Why Raj Is The Perfect Character For The Big Bang Theory’s Third Spinoff
Raj Still Has Many Stories Left To Tell
It has been five years since The Big Bang Theory ended. While the send-off to the Pasadena gang was generally well-beloved, some aspects were heavily criticized, including the disappointing way that Raj’s story ended. While all characters found contentment in their personal and professional lives, Nayyar’s character was left without a life partner. For most of The Big Bang Theory season 12, he was engaged to be married to Anu. However, the writers decided that it wasn’t working out, so they pulled the plug on it.
Besides finding his life partner — something that he always wanted to do in The Big Bang Theory, the new offshoot can also explore Raj’s professional endeavors, not to mention the relationship he has with his family in India.
Because of this, Raj is actually the perfect candidate to spearhead the new Big Bang Theory spinoff. There are still so many stories that can be told about the character, primarily because he was treated as a supporting player throughout the sitcom’s 12 years on the air. Besides finding his life partner, which he always wanted to do in The Big Bang Theory, the new offshoot can also explore Raj’s professional endeavors, not to mention his relationship with his family in India.
Our Take On The Third The Big Bang Theory Spinoff
Lorre Has Yet To Give Any Substantial Update About The Project
While it’s uncertain when this image of Raj was taken, the timing of its posting and Nayyar’s caption are more than enough to excite Big Bang Theory followers for his possible return to the franchise. Lorre was coy when asked about the status of the third spinoff, and I understand if he’s more focused on launching Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage right now. That said, I also know that the easiest way to get fans of the Pasadena gang back is to center the untitled The Big Bang Theory spinoff on an already beloved core cast member like Raj.
At this point, it’s possible that the Big Bang Theory co-creator has gradually moved on to working on his next project and left Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage to the capable hands of Steve Holland and Steve Molaro. If that’s the case, then Nayyar’s post could very well be a tease for his eventual return to the TV franchise. It’s worth noting that he’s the only member of the core cast who didn’t get any kind of update from adult Sheldon in Young Sheldon. At least Penny got a shoutout in the finale despite Kaley Cuoco not making an appearance.
What To Expect In A Possible Raj-Centered Big Bang Theory Spinoff
Raj’s Show Needs To Be Different From Georgie & Mandy’s
As previously mentioned, there’s no shortage of stories for a possible Raj-centric Big Bang Theory spinoff, primarily because of how the sitcom handled his personal narrative. The first thing, however, that Lorre needs to figure out is where to set the show. Raj can’t possibly stay in Pasadena, since it will raise questions about the status of his friendship with the rest of the group. Because of this, Nayyar’s character needs to relocate somewhere, either permanently or temporarily. That way, the offshoot can introduce a new ensemble to surround the character away from Sheldon, Leonard, and the rest.
The proposed new show with Raj needs to find a way to differentiate itself from Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.
Moving forward with a Big Bang Theory spinoff with Raj at the center will continue the franchise’s trend of shifting the spotlight away from Sheldon. The Young Sheldon finale wrapped up the character’s TV arc neatly. The proposed new show with Raj needs to find a way to differentiate itself from Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. This may mean that it will not lean on family stories as much, considering the nature of Georgie and Mandy’s situation in Texas. It’s also possible that it will shift its format to be a single-cam sitcom.
