The Big Bang Theory‘s next spinoff may feature a returning original cast member — an effective reminder of its worst crime in 12 seasons. Chuck Lorre may have been focused on launching Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which is set on the heels of the Young Sheldon finale, but the producer has also been further expanding his universe via a third offshoot. It was actually announced before Montana Jordan and Emily Osment’s show was confirmed. Considering that, there’s an expectation that the untitled The Big Bang Theory spinoff will be directly tied to the Pasadena gang rather than Sheldon’s childhood.
The last time Lorre was asked about the project back in July 2024, he said that it was still in the “pre-natal” stage. Whether he was telling the truth or just trying to evade further probing questions about the third The Big Bang Theory spinoff is uncertain. Regardless, however, the fact that he is developing a new project means that he has a good idea for a premise, and that includes the character that he wants to be at the center of the series. Interestingly, a new social media post from one of the original cast members has sparked return speculations.
Kunal Nayyar Sparks Big Bang Theory Spinoff Return Rumors As Raj
Nayyar Shares An Image Of Himself As His The Big Bang Theory Character
Taking it to his official Instagram Stories, Kunal Nayyar shares a new image of him as Raj Koothrappali. It’s a simple selfie with the caption, “Remember this guy?.” The actor doesn’t add any context, but considering the timing of its release, it has sparked rumors that he is teasing his return to The Big Bang Theory franchise via the still-untitled spinoff. Because of the lack of detail, it’s uncertain when the snap was taken. Assuming that it is a throwback photo, however, it would have been shot before Raj embraced his curly hair in The Big Bang Theory‘s final season.
Raj Is The Perfect The Big Bang Theory Character For A Spinoff
The Big Bang Theory Never Prioritized Raj
Like Young Sheldon, it was still very popular when The Big Bang Theory ended. The rest of the cast was open to continue with the show and CBS was looking to renew it for next season. That said, Jim Parsons’ decision to move on from the sitcom convinced everyone to wrap it up in season 12. Overall, The Big Bang Theory finale was beloved. Despite a rather uneven final year, Lorre and his writers were able to come up with an emotional send-off to the beloved Pasadena gang. However, just because it was beloved, doesn’t mean it was perfect.
Despite supposedly being a lead star, Raj was always relegated to a supporting role, with his stories barely being a priority.
One of the biggest issues about The Big Bang Theory finale was Raj’s ending. While Leonard and Penny’s pregnancy twist was rightly criticized, at least the pair had a compelling arc in the earlier seasons of the show. Leaving Raj single while the rest of the Pasadena gang thrived in both their personal and professional lives highlighted how neglected he was throughout The Big Bang Theory‘s run. Despite supposedly being a lead star, Raj was always relegated to a supporting role, with his stories barely being a priority.
Because of this, Raj is the perfect character to be at the center of the next The Big Bang Theory spinoff. Not only will Lorre be able to make amends for casting him aside for too long, but there is no scarcity of storylines left for him to tell. The new show can focus on him as he continues his quest for love — something that he always wanted to do in The Big Bang Theory. It could be about him dealing with his complicated dynamic with his family in India, as he learns to stand on his own. Whatever it is, Raj is clearly the best candidate among the Pasadena gang to have his own show.
What Needs To Happen In Raj’s Possible The Big Bang Theory Spinoff
Raj Needs Some Big Changes For His Spinoff To Work
Certain things need to happen, however, for Raj’s proposed The Big Bang Theory spinoff. Assuming that Nayyar signs on, it’s important that the show will be different from Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage‘s story. Despite existing in different periods in the same timeline, it would be beneficial for both shows if they tackle different issues, especially if they are both on the air at the same time.
…Raj’s The Big Bang Theory show can’t get away with not featuring the Pasadena gang unless he’s physically separated from them.
Secondly, Raj’s offshoot cannot be set in Pasadena. Somehow, he needs to leave California, otherwise, the project will be bombarded with questions about the rest of the Pasadena gang. The Young Sheldon finale flashforward confirms that Sheldon and Amy move out of their old apartment building, but they remain in Los Angeles. Despite this, it’s safe to say that the friends still gather regularly. If that’s the case, Raj’s The Big Bang Theory show can’t get away with not featuring the Pasadena gang unless he’s physically separated from them.
