Leonard may be dead, and I am sad about it, but his demise paves the way for Penny’s return in The Big Bang Theory spinoff. Despite the decision to end Young Sheldon at the height of its success, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady’s universe will thrive with a new spinoff on the way. Born out of what I believe is, Young Sheldon‘s most unexpected original storyline, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage will tackle the couple’s arc as newlyweds and parents to Baby Cece. What’s often overlooked, however, is that there’s a second The Big Bang Theory spinoff on the way.

Before I get to the actual point of this article, I’d like to officially apologize for bringing up the idea that Leonard may be dead. I wrote the first article that cited how the Young Sheldon finale suggested that Leonard could be gone. It became viral and spawned multiple other pieces, but the idea originated from my piece on Screen Rant. To be clear, I want Sheldon’s best friend alive. But, I couldn’t ignore the clues hinting at his demise. If it’s any consolation, I’m here again to point out that something good may come out of Leonard’s death.

Johnny Galecki’s Retirement Makes It Almost Impossible For Leonard To Return In The Big Bang Theory Spinoff

After The Big Bang Theory, Galecki Pretty Much Stopped Acting

After The Big Bang Theory ended, Galecki stepped away from acting and hasn’t returned since. He is currently in an unofficial retirement from Hollywood, opting to focus on his family life. This is why David hasn’t returned in The Conners, which is a bummer for me because it forced the Roseanne spinoff to ruin the character. This is the reason why it’s almost impossible for him to reprise his role as Leonard in The Big Bang Theory universe in any capacity. Considering their characters’ connection, I’m convinced it makes it difficult for Kaley Cuoco’s Penny to be involved without him.

Leonard’s Death Clears Penny’s The Big Bang Theory Spinoff Return Path

Kaley Cuoco Can Return As Penny Without Raising Too Many Questions

The Big Bang Theory did lay out the foundation for Leonard possibly dying young. I remember so many episodes and funny bits in the sitcom centered around his allergies and bouts with asthma, among others. As sad as I am to think about the Pasadena gang losing a member, this may be the easiest way to bring Penny back to The Big Bang Theory universe. For starters, Lorre can recruit Cuoco, who is still very active in the business, to reprise her famous role for the upcoming spinoff without having to deal with questions about Leonard’s absence.

Considering Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which is technically more of a Young Sheldon sequel spinoff, I believe that the second The Big Bang Theory offshoot will be something more directly tied to the nerd-centric sitcom. Before Sheldon took over The Big Bang Theory and became its focal point, Penny and Leonard shared the spotlight with him. With Parsons more likely done recently ending Sheldon’s 17-year stint on TV and Galecki inactive, Penny’s appearance may be the only major way to lean on the show’s original trio. Anything less than that may not feel as exciting.