The Big Bang Theory spinoff series based on young Sheldon Cooper in development

The show will reportedly be like Malcolm in the Middle

(CBS)

What do TV executives do when a hit show comes to an end? They create a spin-off, of course! While some have been pretty catastrophic (Joey - Friends), some spin-offs have been so successful they become more popular than the original show (Frasier - Cheers).

With The Big Bang Theory having yet to be renewed past its 10th season despite being the most popular comedy on American TV with the all-important adults 18-49 demographic, it should come as no surprise to learn CBS is looking at the spin-off option.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a source revealed Big Bang co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, along with showrunner Steve Molaro, are working on a new series based on the early life of Jim Parsons' Dr. Sheldon Cooper.

One insider described the project to the publication as ‘Malcolm in the Middle but with a young and potentially teenage version of Sheldon’.

None of the main cast members are thought to be in talks to star while CBC and producers Warner Bros have so far declined to comment on the situation.

The report also details how, if Big Bang is to continue, it relies heavily on whether the cast decides to return. Kunal Nayyar spoke about the possibility earlier this year, saying: "To be completely honest…I know people are gonna want to know what happens after season 10. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Late last year, showrunner Steve Molaro was asked whether season 10 will be the final outing, to which he replied: "I think so. I can't speak to the future or on behalf of the cast or where we'll be then but it's certainly possible that it could go past that.The reality is that maybe season 10 is the ending point."