While The Big Bang Theory’s main couples were well-established, I’m glad to see that the original show’s upcoming spinoff will now explore the relationship between two supporting stars in more depth. The Big Bang Theory’s finale wasn’t perfect, but it did offer a fitting sendoff for all the main characters. Howard had completed his transformation from a sleazy singleton into a married family man and devoted father thanks to Bernadette’s intervention, while Sheldon’s friendships and romance with Amy finally led him to acknowledge the support of his loved ones.
Although Young Sheldon’s finale revealed that Sheldon was still fairly obstinate later in life, there is no denying that the sitcom’s main gang of friends improved throughout their time on the show. Even Raj, who infamously remained single in The Big Bang Theory’s finale, had gone from a painfully shy guy who couldn’t even speak to women to someone who had enjoyed numerous romantic relationships. Thus, I wasn’t sure how The Big Bang Theory’s upcoming spinoff could improve these existing character arcs when it was first announced.
The Big Bang Theory Spinoff Will Explore More Of Stuart & Denise's Relationship
Denise Only Appeared In Eight Of The Original Show’s Episodes
Fortunately, further information about the upcoming spinoff’s main characters proves that The Big Bang Theory did leave room to improve its existing relationships. Stuart, Denise, and Bert will be the main characters of The Big Bang Theory’s spinoff, with the upcoming series focusing on the comic book store manager, his love interest, and the original gang’s geologist colleague. This will be a welcome change since The Big Bang Theory didn’t devote much screen time to Denise and Stuart’s relationship. Now, the new show can explore their connection further.
To be clear, I still think that The Big Bang Theory's best potential spinoff story would be a next-generation reboot that focuses on the gang's kids. However, since it is way too soon for The Big Bang Theory to pull off a spinoff in the style of That ‘70s Show’s follow-up That ‘90s Show, I’m pretty certain that expanding on Stuart and Denise’s relationship is the next best thing for the sitcom franchise. After all, Stuart and Denise’s romance only began in season 11, episode 21, “The Comet Polarization.”
Lauren Lapkus’s character first appeared shortly before The Big Bang Theory’s penultimate season ended, and the busy final season only afforded her seven more appearances in the original series. While her role in season 12 was fun, it was clear that Denise and Stuart’s story deserved more screen time to shine. From the start of their relationship in season 12, episode 2, “The Wedding Gift Wormhole,” to their final appearance in episode 22, “The Maternal Conclusion,” Stuart and Denise effectively speed-ran their entire romance.
How Stuart & Denise's Relationship Will Be Different From Previous The Big Bang Theory Romances
Denise and Stuart Have Already Moved In Together
Unlike The Big Bang Theory’s other romantic relationships, Stuart and Denise’s spinoff story will begin with the couple already living together and openly saying they are in love. Stuart and Denise fell for each other fast in comparison to the rest of The Big Bang Theory’s couples, most of whom broke up at least once throughout the course of the series. The closest comparison in the main gang would be Bernadette and Howard, who began dating in season 3 and were married by the season 5 finale.
In contrast, Leonard and Penny didn't get married until the season 9 premiere after meeting in the show's pilot, while Amy and Sheldon’s The Big Bang Theory romance went through numerous breakups before they settled down together for good. The fact that Denise and Stuart are already relatively stable after only eight episodes means that their spinoff romance will likely have a very different feel to the more tumultuous love stories of the original series. However, it is worth noting that they may still break up in the new series, judging by the sitcom franchise’s history.
Why Romances Are Key In The Big Bang Theory Franchise Shows
The Big Bang Theory Shows Are As Focused On Romance As Friendship And Family
As surprising as this may sound, love stories are as central to The Big Bang Theory and its spinoffs as friendships and family relationships. Stuart’s story was always on the periphery of the original show’s action, which meant that Denise and Stuart’s relationship wasn’t The Big Bang Theory’s main priority. Although the spinoff will be missing one element of the original show’s success, since Stuart and Denise are already an established couple by the time their show starts, the series can still recapture the franchise’s formula.
From Young Sheldon’s spinoff Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage to The Big Bang Theory, all the shows in the franchise have a central couple at their core. Young Sheldon’s Mary and George Sr., Georgie and Mandy, Penny, and Leonard, and later Amy and Sheldon were pivotal to the success of their respective shows.
Stuart and Denise are not married, but they are in love and have moved in together. In contrast, The Big Bang Theory’s two main couples got together throughout the show. Despite this, The Big Bang Theory’s spinoff could be able to replicate the original show’s success by keeping a couple at the center of its story.
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