Young Sheldon highlights the real tragedy of his death via George’s final line on the show. The Big Bang Theory long-doomed Sheldon’s father by establishing his death years before the events of the main show began.
His loss was instrumental in changing the trajectory of the boy genius’ life, especially since not long before that, he supposedly caught him having extra-marital relations with another woman.
Young Sheldon was able to retcon George’s affair story, but the prequel couldn’t save him from his demise. Ahead of its series finale, the Cooper patriarch finally met his end.
It’s no secret that Young Sheldon devoted time to fixing George’s image from The Big Bang Theory. Initially used as a punching line for both Sheldon and Mary, the prequel opposed almost every single bad thing that the pair hurled at the late patriarch.
This can still be a divisive creative direction, especially for those who promote the established franchise canon. That being said, depicting a more nuanced George was ultimately for the better of Young Sheldon’s storytelling.
Having one of the most beloved fathers in sitcom history makes the plot inconsistencies worth it.