In November 2016, it was reported that CBS was in negotiations to create a spin-off of "The Big Bang Theory" centered on Sheldon as a young boy. The prequel series, described as "a "Malcolm in the Middle"-esque single-camera family comedy" would be executive-produced by Lorre and Molaro, with Prady expected to be involved in some capacity, and intended to air in the 2017–18 season alongside "The Big Bang Theory". The initial idea for the series came from Parsons, who passed it along to "The Big Bang Theory" producers. In early March 2017, Iain Armitage was cast as the younger Sheldon, as well as Zoe Perry as his mother, Mary Cooper. Perry is the real-life daughter of Laurie Metcalf, who portrays Mary Cooper on "The Big Bang Theory".