Los Angeles, CA – Viewers of Young Sheldon are reeling this week after never-before-seen footage from the show’s emotional finale surfaced online—revealing key scenes from George Cooper Sr.’s funeral that never made it to air.

The Young Sheldon finale, which aired earlier this month, delivered a poignant and heartfelt goodbye to the beloved father figure. However, leaked footage and behind-the-scenes commentary have now revealed that several intimate, emotional moments were cut, including personal tributes from Sheldon, Mary, and Missy—sparking outrage and disappointment among fans.

“We needed that closure,” said longtime fan Rebecca Morris. “Sheldon breaking down at the funeral would’ve connected perfectly to what we know of him in The Big Bang Theory. Cutting it felt like a disservice.”

What Was Cut?

According to sources close to the production, the deleted scenes include:

A heartfelt eulogy from young Sheldon, in which he awkwardly yet tenderly attempts to express admiration for his father.
A breakdown from Missy, showing a rare moment of vulnerability.
George’s fellow coaches and friends reminiscing, bringing depth to his character and relationships.
A final montage showing the Cooper family in quiet mourning, symbolizing their grief through visual storytelling.

Producers Speak Out

Executive producers Chuck Lorre and Steve Molaro addressed the omissions in a post-finale interview, stating that runtime constraints and pacing choices forced difficult editorial decisions.

“There was so much love for George Cooper, and believe me, we filmed scenes that broke our hearts,” said Molaro. “But ultimately, we had to choose what served the episode’s flow best.”

Despite the reasoning, many fans argue that emotional resolution was sacrificed in favor of brevity.

Fan Response: A Call for a Director’s Cut

Social media erupted with calls for a Director’s Cut of the finale, with hashtags like #ReleaseTheFuneralScenes and #JusticeForGeorge trending within hours.

A petition on Change.org demanding the release of the full funeral sequence has already gathered over 150,000 signatures.

A Legacy Undone?

George Cooper Sr., portrayed by Lance Barber, became one of the show’s most beloved characters over its seven-season run. His death, a long-anticipated moment for fans of The Big Bang Theory, was always going to be pivotal—but some now feel it didn’t get the emotional weight it deserved.

“We knew it was coming, but we wanted to cry with them,” said fan Aliyah James. “Those missing scenes would’ve made that moment unforgettable.”

As pressure mounts on CBS and Warner Bros. to release the full footage, one thing is clear: George Cooper’s final goodbye isn’t over yet.