COMEDY

LAST CHORD Jack and Florence (above) investigate the death of local guitarist Billy E4 8.30pm

On straight after hit American comedy The Big Bang Theory returns from a mid-season break, this new sitcom follows the childhood of the eccentric and extraordinary Sheldon Cooper.

We’re only amazed that it’s taken so long for this to come to fruition. We are currently 11 series into the cult hit and only now has it spawned a spin-off about its most beloved character.

But, Big Bang fans, this is far from a BBC1, 9pm

THIS ratings hit always begins with a party or celebration – some scene of unbridled joy as we wonder who will be the next person to snuff it on the Caribbean island.

standard sitcom stream of gags, one-liners and misunderstandings. Young Sheldon has more of a Wonder Years feel – there’s comedy, of course, but it’s also a family drama with heart.

Sheldon actor Jim Parsons narrates, while little Iain Armitage (a star in the making) plays a nine-year-old Cooper who is already off to High School.

But it’s not easy being vulnerable and incredibly gifted in East Texas, where church and American football rule, or indeed in his own family where he doesn’t fit in.