In a revealing new book about the popular sitcom *Young Sheldon*, Emily Osment has candidly discussed her experience on the show, detailing her request for an intimacy coordinator during on-screen kissing scenes. Osment, who portrayed Mandy McAllister, made this request due to her discomfort regarding her co-star, Montana Jordan’s age at the time of their first kiss. Jordan was only 18 years old when Osment, then aged 29, joined the cast.
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In the recently released book, titled *Young Sheldon: The (Juicier-Than-Meemaw’s-Brisket) Inside Story of the Hit Comedy*, Osment explained her concerns to author Jessica Radloff. She noted that while she was accustomed to the dynamics of acting, the significant age gap between herself and Jordan made her uneasy. “My discomfort was that he was eighteen… And that made me uncomfortable,” the actress noted, humourously referring to Jordan as “a baby with a mullet.”
Upon joining *Young Sheldon* in its fifth season, Osment took the initiative to speak with producer Tim Marx about incorporating an intimacy coordinator for future emotional scenes. However, she admitted that it was “too late in the day” to have one present for her initial kissing scene. Thankfully, moving forward, an intimacy coordinator was made available as the romantic narrative between the characters developed over subsequent episodes, allowing for a more comfortable working environment.
Osment emphasised the importance of hiring someone to facilitate these moments, believing that it not only eased her own concerns but also created a supportive atmosphere for her younger co-star. She expressed a desire for Jordan to feel comfortable voicing his own apprehensions regarding the shooting, stating, “He’s such a sweet kid, I think he would just eat his discomfort. I don’t know if Montana even knew if he could ask for that.”
The co-creator of *Young Sheldon*, Steve Molaro, supported Osment’s request, stating that she had every right to seek such assistance. Reflecting on the filming process, he mentioned that Osment eventually felt positive enough to perform the scenes without a coordinator. Alex Reid, who directed several episodes, echoed her sentiments, admitting that the inclusion of an intimacy coordinator had not been thoroughly discussed prior. He conceded, “We don’t have sex scenes on the show, so it wasn’t a muscle we were used to using,” highlighting the importance of adapting practices as the show evolved.
*Young Sheldon*, a prequel to the beloved sitcom *The Big Bang Theory*, follows the early years of Iain Armitage’s character, Sheldon Cooper. Montana Jordan plays Sheldon’s brother, Georgie, and Osment’s character, Mandy, has become a significant part of the storyline, eventually becoming a series regular after her initial appearance.
The spin-off, which premiered in September 2017, has seen continued success over its seven-season run, concluding in May 2024. Following *Young Sheldon*, a sequel series titled *Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage* debuted in October 2024, with Osment reprising her role. This new series recently launched its third season, which began airing on October 8.
As the television landscape continues to evolve, the discussions surrounding intimacy on screen are becoming increasingly vital. The revelations made by Osment highlight the importance of ensuring a safe and comfortable working environment for all actors, regardless of age.
*Young Sheldon: The (Juicier-Than-Meemaw’s-Brisket) Inside Story of the Hit Comedy* is currently available for purchase, offering fans a deeper insight into the beloved sitcom. Additionally, *Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage* airs on Thursdays at 8:00 PM EST/5 PM PST on CBS, where viewers can continue to follow the evolving relationship between Osment’s character and her on-screen counterpart.