In this edition of THR Frontrunners, the cast and creatives of CBS hit comedy series Young Sheldon joined Tyler Coates for a conversation about the seventh and final season at a live event hosted by the San Vicente Bungalows in Los Angeles. Stars Zoe Perry, Lance Barber and Annie Potts appeared with executive producers and co-creators Chuck Lorre and Steve Molaro and executive producer Steve Holland.

Young Sheldon, which debuted in 2017, starred Iain Armitage as the title character in the origin story of Jim Parsons Big Bang Theory character. While the show was centered around the gifted child (and narrated by Parsons adult character), Lorre says the focus quickly became on Sheldons family particularly the parents. It very quickly became an ensemble, a family show about how this little boy changes the family and the family impacts on him, said Loore. It got a lot richer and warmer as a result of not making it about Sheldon [as much as it is] about his entire environment. Perrys casting as Sheldons mother, Mary, was a fortuitous one her mother, Laurie Metcalf, had played the same character in guest appearances on The Big Bang Theory. I was the lucky one there, said Perry, recalling stepping into the role. She also spoke of recognizing Young Sheldons appeal with audiences, which she believed was rooted in the ensemble-driven family dynamic of the show. What people always related to, when I would hear from viewers, was just how personal it felt to them, said Perry. That message was universal, because I would hear it abroad. I would hear it everywhere. Id hear it from different cultures.

For Barber, the final episodes of the series were particularly poignant, as they depict the death and funeral of Sheldons family, George a foundational moment in the young mans life that was mentioned several times in The Big Bang Theory, meaning die-hard Sheldon fans knew the patriarchs death would take place by the end of the prequel series. He remembered jumping at the chance to lay in the casket during the funeral scenes Im going to ruin so many takes. Ive got a fart machine and a fake mustache but quickly realized how emotional the experience was.

These actors walked up in succession to talk to George and had their moments with him, said Barber. I didnt do any of my funny bets, I laid there and [had] tears in my ears the entire time. It hit me pretty hard in the way it didnt anticipate.

Quipped TV legend Annie Potts, who played Sheldons grandmother Meemaw: I started to wish that it had been my funeral so I could just lay there and hear all the lovely things that people thought about me. I started to really dislike Lance because hed stolen my thunder. I thought I was the oldest character. I should have died.

This edition of THR Frontrunners is sponsored by CBS.