E4 has picked up the rights to air The Big Bang Theory prequel Young Sheldon in the United Kingdom and will broadcast the show starting next year.
The British digital channel has had the rights to The Big Bang Theory since 2007 and has made the show a key part of its line-up. The Big Bang Theory's recent tenth season attracted 2.4 million viewers an episode on E4, making it the network's biggest show of the year.
Young Sheldon, which aired its special debut last night on CBS, follows the life of Sheldon Cooper growing up in East Texas and starting high school at the age of nine. The show stars Iain Armitage, Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Annie Potts, Montana Jordan and Raegan Revord. Young Sheldon was created by The Big Bang Theory's co-creator Chuck Lorre and executive producer Steven Molaro, who produce the show with Jim Parsons and Todd Spiewak. Jon Favreau (Iron Man) directed the pilot episode.
E4 is expected to begin showing The Big Bang Theory's eleventh season, which premiered yesterday in the United States, later this year.