Young Sheldon fans shouldn’t panic – George IS back for Georgie & Mandy (ish)

Okay, it’s not exactly in the way we’d have wanted, but George is very much a part of Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage – Young Sheldon fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

Sorry to keep banging on about it, but as of theYoung Sheldon Season 7ending,Sheldon’s dad Georgedid in fact die. To see him somehow resurrected from the dead to appear in spinoffGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriagewould be something of a miracle.

George in Young Sheldon

However, fans shouldn’t worry. Georgeisa part of new episodes, just not in the way we’d have hoped for.

Instead of coming back physically, George’s spirit is weaved into the overarching narrative arc for the entire series. His presence is seen in some moments more directly than others – think of Mary inSeason 7 Episode 14for a clue here – but regardless, his legacy remains intact.

George and Missy in Young Sheldon

For actor Lance Barber, this has been an extra thrill. “I took my family to see the shoot of an upcoming Thanksgiving episode, which was super touching,” he explained to Dexerto.

“What I can say as a character actor is to go there and see how much George is still alive through that show, through the acknowledgment of him, through the feeling of the loss of him is just so wonderful and flattering.”

The Cooper family in Young Sheldon

The last time we physically saw George on screen, he wasn’t in the best way.Season 7 Episode 13saw him in a casket – though Barber was also hiding in the church congregation in drag – with each of his kids giving him a final farewell speech… or wishing they did.

Young Sheldon’s best character finally returns on Georgie & Mandy tonight

George in Young Sheldon

George’s return in Georgie & Mandy proves one heartbreaking thing about Young Sheldon

Lance Barber reveals what George would tell Georgie after his death in Young Sheldon

George and Georgie driving in Young Sheldon

Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage picks up a few months after, though the Coopers’ grief is still very apparent, especially for Georgie and Missy.

“He’s still a part of Georgie’s and Missy’s experience when she visits, and Mary and Meemaw’s as well,” Barber adds. “When they come visit the show, they pick up where they left off.

That loss is very present, and George is very present. It means the world to me to say, as my legacy as a character, that George still lives on through this new show.”

If that’s not good enough news forYoung Sheldonfans, there is something better – Barber is “open” to a beyond-the-grave cameo… if it was done in the right way.

“If the writers decided to do that, they would do that in a thoughtful and classy way, as opposed to just a stunt to get people to watchthe ghost of George Cooperreturn. If that was the case, then I would consider it. Otherwise, I’m really satisfied.”

Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage hits screens on October 17. Find out why we’re not gettingYoung Sheldon Season 8, whythe sequel has picked the wrong characters for a spinoff, and moreTV shows streaming.