During CBS’s upfront presentation in New York this afternoon, Jim Parsons reiterated that the Big Bang Theory spin-off Young Sheldon is going to feel something like The Wonder Years or Doogie Howser. And the first trailer for the show hammers that point home, looking positively muted compared to Chuck Lorre’s juggernaut sitcom. Nine-year-old Sheldon, played by Iain Armitage, is still a genius stickler for rules with a habit of making rude and socially awkward comments, but the punchlines and declarations of “bazinga!” have been replaced with a whole lot of treacly lessons. Armitage—best known as Ziggy from Big Little Lies—approximates Parson’s cadences, while Parsons himself narrates the ’80s-set tale. (Watch out, The Goldbergs.)
Young Sheldon will debut in the fall.