'The Big Bang Theory' Sheldon Prequel Series in the Works at CBS

CBS is planning to keep TV's No. 1 comedy series going with a big project.

The network is developing a spinoff of "The Big Bang Theory," according to Variety. The spinoff comes as the main show is in its 10th season and has not yet been renewed beyond that. The comedy ranks as TV's most-watched comedy among the all-important adults 18-49 demographic.

Sources say the comedy, from Big Bang co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady and overseen by showrunner Steve Molaro, will center around the young version of Emmy winner Jim Parsons' Dr. Sheldon Cooper. Insiders describe the project as Malcolm in the Middle but with a young and potentially teenage version of Sheldon. None of the Big Bang Theory cast are said to be involved in the potential prequel series outside of Parsons, who will executive produce.

CBS and Big Bang producers Warner Bros. Television declined comment. The project, which is said to have landed at CBS, will be a single-camera comedy in contrast from Big Bang's traditional multicamera format. Additional details about the project are being kept under wraps.

During Big Bang's 10-season run, many references have been made to Sheldon's childhood, growing up as a gifted youngster in Texas with a religious mother. A potential Sheldon prequel would likely have to involve Laurie Metcalf, who has recurred throughout the show's 10-year run as Mary Cooper, Sheldon's mom. A prequel series would also give the writers a lot of material to work with given Sheldon's history - as well as a structure to follow. Big Bang, unlike most series on TV, does not plot out its arcs and seasons ahead of time but rather the writers take it episode by episode.

If the Big Bang prequel were to move forward, it would give WBTV-based Lorre at least two series on the air next year and join Netflix's pot comedy "Disjointed," starring Kathy Bates, and likely three series should contract talks move forward on "Big Bang." He also is teaming with Amazon for a "Bonfire of the Vanities" miniseries, according to The Hollywood Reporter.