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The best Big Bang Theory references on Young Sheldon

From Bazinga! to character cameos

young sheldon big bang easter eggs
Eve Crosbie
TV & Film Writer
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Are you a fan of Young Sheldon? The beloved sitcom, which is a spinoff of the hugely popular The Big Bang Theory, has been a hit with viewers since it premiered in 2017 and was recently renewed for three new seasons.

MORE: What The Big Bang Theory cast looked like at the start of their careers

While you don't need to be a fan of The Big Bang Theory to enjoy the series, the show has included many nods to its parent show over the years. For the best easter eggs and references to the original series you might have missed, keep reading…

WATCH: Jim Parsons and Iain Armitage discuss Young Sheldon on Ellen

The gang's cafeteria table

In a season three episode of the sitcom, Sheldon makes his first trip to CalTech, and in a sweet nod to the friendships he forms there with fellow scientists Leonard, Raj and Howard, he sets eyes on the spot in the cafeteria they later claim as their own.

Bazinga!

We've often wondered where Sheldon's catchphrase "Bazinga!" -  which often follows his attempts at making a joke - came from, and in season two of Young Sheldon, we finally found out. After Sheldon visits a comic book store, he comes across a stand of prank products by Bazinga Novelty Company. As their slogan reads: "'If it's funny, it's a Bazinga".

young sheldon bazinga

Sheldon's iconic catchphrase's origin was revealed

MORE: See the Big Bang Theory cast and their real-life children

MORE: Jim Parsons reveals emotional reaction to Iain Armitage taking on Young Sheldon role

Sheldon's mom

In a brilliant casting move, Sheldon's mother, Mary is played by actress Zoe Perry, who is the real-life daughter of veteran comedy actress Lauri Metcalf - who, as fans know, played the part on The Big Bang Theory.

young sheldon mum

Zoe Perry and her mom Lauri Metcalf play the same role

Despite the familial link, Zoe has previously said she landed the role after going through the standard audition process.

Sheldon's friendship with Penny

Although Sheldon doesn't meet Penny until way into his twenties, the writing team on Young Sheldon found an ingenious way to reference his friendship with Kaley Cuoco's character on the show when Sheldon has a heart-to-heart with his school's pool ahead of his swimming test.

sheldon penny

Kaley Cuoco made a small cameo on Young Sheldon 

MORE: Kaley Cuoco teases first look at Flight Attendant season two

"That was absolutely the voice of Kaley as pool water," series co-creator Steve Molaro revealed to TV Line. "I needed someone to do the voice. I knew I wanted it to be female and kinda sexy, and I said, "Well, duh! Kaley is perfect for this.'"

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