“She’s Very Busy”: Young Sheldon Might Not Bring Fan-Favorite Character Back Before Show Ends

Young Sheldon season 7 may not see the return of a fan-favorite character despite its attempts to bring them back. After George’s cheating scandal retcon, Young Sheldon only has 10 episodes left before it officially wraps up its successful run. This means that its storytelling will be more focused on tying narrative loose ends for a satisfying culmination. Aside from that, however, there are hopes that certain characters from the past could make a final comeback, especially if the chances of them returning in Georgie and Mandy’s spinoff are very slim to none.

In a new interview with TVLine, executive producer Steve Holland reveals why Young Sheldon season 7 may not see the return of Reba McIntyre despite the writers wanting to bring her back. Playing June Ballard — Dale’s ex-wife, the character hasn’t been on the show since season 5. Beyond just an appearance, the creatives behind The Big Bang Theory prequel also want to stage a Reba reunion between her and Melissa Peterman, who plays Brenda Sparks in the spinoff. Read Holland’s full quote below:

“We would love to have her back. She’s expressed interest, but she’s very busy. She has another [sitcom] pilot that she’s shooting.I just don’t know if it’s going to work out.”

“I know! We really want that, and I think she would like it. It’s just a matter of logistics.”

How Reba’s Appearance Impacts Young Sheldon Season 7

Reba is one of the many stellar guest stars that Young Sheldon has had in its run thus far. Instead of bringing her in for a single episode, however, she returned several times, allowing the show to create a mini-arc for her. While she has never been the focus of any plot point the same way McKenna Grace’s Paige Swanson has been, her involvement in Young Sheldon is directly tied to Meemaw’s narrative. As the ex-wife of Dale, their relationship was initially tense — something that season 7 can potentially explore if McIntyre’s schedule clears up.

Bringing back Reba in Young Sheldon season 7 could drastically change Meemaw and Dale’s relationship. The couple has had their ups and downs, especially after Connie lost her house to the latest Medford tornado. That being said, the couple has seemingly found a great set-up during their cohabitation, which is supposedly temporary but can eventually become a permanent situation. Reba’s comeback could shake things up for Meemaw and Dale, and may even explain the change in Mary’s mother when she made her one-time appearance in The Big Bang Theory.

Filming for Young Sheldon season 7 is past its halfway mark, which means that if McInyre’s schedule allows her to return as June, her appearance may not happen until the final episodes of the series. By then, the writers would have to decide if bringing her in would contribute to the finale that they are currently building on. Considering the sheer number of loose storylines that The Big Bang Theory prequel still needs to address, it may be best for them to focus on the core characters of the show.