Another ‘Big Bang Theory’ Spinoff? Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki Weigh In

[This story contains spoilers from the series finale of CBS’ Big Bang Theory.]

When CBS’ Big Bang Theory signed off Thursday it marked the end of an era, as the nerdy series from Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady closed up shop with a record — TV’s longest-running multicamera comedy — in its pocket. That said, the two-part series finale had a natural idea for a spinoff baked directly into one of its central storylines.

During the finale, the gang finds out that Leonard and Penny are expecting their first child. The bundle of joyful news arrived after a season in which the married couple pondered the idea of parenthood — and opted against it. The reveal brought the series full circle after Leonard proclaims that “our babies will be smart and beautiful” after he first meets Penny in the pilot.

So with such a natural idea for a spinoff following Leonard and Penny and their path to parenthood, would that actually be something worth considering for stars Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco?

“[Laughing] No. I don’t want to be too definitive, but then I was in my weird way. I feel like these seven characters share seven different areas of the same brain. We have split them off in every single different division you can and it all works. There’s no two that don’t work together. I don’t think it would be a disaster, but it wouldn’t be Big Bang,” Galecki told THR. Added Cuoco: “Uhhh, no! But if Chuck asked me I would highly consider it because I don’t say no to Chuck! … I think they’re going to be awesome parents. They waited so many years and they’re so fun and easygoing. Or Penny is really kind of easygoing! I think they’d be adorable parents. I can only imagine.”

While CBS remains open to the possibility of revisiting Big Bang Theory — and why wouldn’t they, the series is a billion-dollar asset — Lorre has other feelings about the idea of expanding the franchise to a third show beyond prequel spinoff Young Sheldon.

“Truthfully, the reason for a spinoff is economics, and that’s not the reason to do a show,” Lorre said as part of a wide-ranging interview pegged to his THR Producer of the Year honor. “You should do a show because you have something you really love and you want to do it. Economics follow passion. If you start with economics … well, shit, become a network executive.”

As for Young Sheldon, the backstory behind the series — co-created by Lorre and former Big Bang showrunner Steve Molaro — that was a natural progression driven by an idea from the four-time Emmy-winning star behind Sheldon, Jim Parsons.

“Nobody asked us to do Young Sheldon. It flowed rather elegantly from a conversation with Jim. We’d already written his backstory, and we were excited about it. If money follows, great,” Lorre said.

Still, Lorre has a proverbial twinkle in his eye when asked if he had any ideas gestating for a spinoff featuring other characters from the global phenomenon. “You can’t help but gestate a little …”