Professor Proton - The Big Bang Theory Spinoff that Should Have Happened

After being off the air for seven years, The Big Bang Theory will be getting a spin-off series that isn't a prequel and will be centered around characters from the original series, albeit not the main cast members.

I haven't decided if I am going to watch Stuart Fails to Save the Universe because, not unlike TBBT's Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), I do have to consider if it will be worth the time commitment. Plus, while the plot does sound intriguing, I'm not convinced it wouldn't have been better as a movie rather than a television series.

One thing the new show does do for me, however, is remind me of the missed opportunity for another TBBT spinoff that probably wasn't even considered but, if done correctly, could have been a success, at least in my opinion.

The spin-off series I am referring to is Professor Proton, starring Wil Wheaton.

Let me give you a quick recap in case you need a refresher or haven't seen the series yet (sorry for the spoilers if it is the latter). On TBBT, Sheldon's childhood hero is Arthur Jeffries, aka Professor Proton, who was played by the legendary Bob Newhart. After Jeffries died, his show was rebooted with Star Trek alum and Sheldon's frenemy Wheaton (who played a caricature of himself on TBBT) starring.  Despite not having a science background, Wheaton excels at the role, and his show becomes a hit.

The way I envision the spin-off, had it happened, would be a show not unlike Home Improvement. Only, instead of having a tool salesman hosting a home improvement show, you'd have a science fiction actor hosting a science show with a focus on the behind-the-scenes. You could introduce new characters to expand the TBBT universe, bring back established characters in cameos and would have a recognizable veteran actor as the star. Plus, the show within the show could even be educational.

Sadly, that didn't happen and both Wheaton and his show made their final appearance early in the last season of TBBT, never to be mentioned again. 

It could have been a hit or a flop, but we'll never know - though maybe we'll be able to judge its potential success based on how successful the newest spin-off is.

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