In the world of television, few shows manage to capture the heart and complexity of genius like “Young Sheldon.” A spin-off prequel to the wildly successful “The Big Bang Theory,” “Young Sheldon” has carved its own niche, taking us through the early years of Sheldon Cooper, a character whose intellect is as vast as the Texas plains he calls home.
But ever wondered where this portrayal of East Texas life is actually filmed? The answer lies in the bustling city of Burbank, California, and various other locations that convincingly transform into the show’s Texas backdrop.
The Central Stage: Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank
At the heart of “Young Sheldon’s” production is the iconic Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank. This studio, steeped in cinematic history, serves as the primary location for interior shots of the Cooper household, school scenes, and other pivotal moments. It’s a place where fantasy is brought to life, not just for “Young Sheldon,” but also for its predecessor, “The Big Bang Theory.”
Fans of the series might be intrigued to know that Warner Bros. Studios honors shows that reach the 10-season milestone by naming a sound stage after them—a testament to their impact and legacy. With “The Big Bang Theory” having its name etched across one of the studios’ stages, it’s a legacy that “Young Sheldon” gracefully extends, utilizing sound stages 12 & 23 for its production.
What if Young Sheldon had a low taper fade pic.twitter.com/0KWu7e2RzO
— Young Sheldon ¦ ( soup slurper ) (@ethaaan22) February 2, 2024
California: The Texas of Young Sheldon
The magic of television production often lies in its ability to transform locations into entirely different worlds. “Young Sheldon” excels in this art, with many of its exterior shots filmed across various locales in California, all skillfully masquerading as Texas. The Cooper family home, Sheldon’s sanctuary and the battleground for his intellectual and emotional growth, sits comfortably in LA’s San Fernando Valley, a mere three miles from the Warner Bros. heartland.
Furthermore, the show takes viewers to North Hollywood, where Sheldon’s family church stands, and to Van Nuys High School, which doubles as Sheldon’s academic proving ground. Interestingly, the production also taps into the Warner Bros. lot for both interior and exterior shots of Meemaw’s house, a location that might ring familiar to “Gilmore Girls” enthusiasts for its appearance in the show’s first season.
This crossover of filming sites not only highlights the versatility of the studio’s locations but also creates a seamless on-screen illusion of the show’s Texas setting.
The Illusion of East Texas
“Young Sheldon” brings to life the early adventures of a beloved character, set against the backdrop of a quintessentially Texan landscape. However, the magic of television production, centered around the Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank and skillfully chosen locations throughout California, crafts this convincing setting.
As the series continues to unfold, with seasons available for streaming and more on the horizon, it’s fascinating to consider the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating the show’s beloved world. From sound stages to suburban streets, the production of “Young Sheldon” is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its creators, bringing East Texas to life from the heart of California.
