Young Sheldon star reveals 'phenomenal' reason for major change

In a recent podcast interview, a “Young Sheldon” star revealed why a key change to the sitcom made it “phenomenal.”

Ask any “Young Sheldon” fan and they'll tell you how special it is, but cast member Lance Barber just revealed that the series is “phenomenal” for an entirely different reason – because of its 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. filming schedule.

During an interview on the Box Angeles podcast, Barber – who plays patriarch George Cooper Sr. on the series – suggested that “Young Sheldon” is different from any other sitcom simply because it can film in family-friendly hours. “It’s a show with kids, man. I can't say enough about how great this show is at this special time in my personal life.

“Most nights I'm home for dinner, which is unusual when watching TV with just one camera. I think I missed bedtime twice in all the seasons we played. It’s phenomenal.”

Barber discussed his life and career leading up to his role in Young Sheldon and felt he had “made it” long before joining the Cooper family. However, in later years he feels his priorities have changed.

“I had done it a long time ago before I got this,” Barber explained. “New goals were set because I was a family man… I'm a family man and I was fortunate enough to get insurance and maintain my SAG insurance. That was a goal.”

While George Cooper's past has clearly helped Barber in his life, the same may not apply to his future. As Young Sheldon finally nears the end of season seven next month, his own character's destruction is on the horizon – although details on this are few and far between.

“I knew I wasn’t going to die in that episode. I knew I had a long time[er] Life,” Barber told TV Insider about his health issues in previous seasons. “The story behind Big Bang is that George dies when Sheldon is 14. And now he's 14. I feel nothing but gratitude [to this show]. I had the luxury of being emotionally prepared from the start.

“Young Sheldon” season 7 runs until May 16, 2024 on CBS. Make sure you check out lots more great TV shows to stream this month.