Young Sheldon: Meemaw's Relationship Timelines

Summary

• Key Takeaways:
• Meemaw’s priorities are her grandchildren, leading to her avoiding serious relationships.
• Meemaw had notable relationships with John Sturgis and Dale Ballard on Young Sheldon.
• Despite ups and downs, Meemaw ultimately ends up with Dale after a tumultuous relationship journey.

One of the biggest questions going into the final season of Young Sheldon was who Meemaw ends up with. Connie, aka Meemaw has had some notable relationships over the course of the series with some being more serious than others. At the end of the day, however, Meemaw’s priorities are her grandchildren. Sometimes this has led her to avoid taking her relationships to the next level, turning down a number of suitors and dedicating herself to Sheldon and his siblings. However, the timeline of Meemaw’s romances hinted at who she’d settle down with by the time Young Sheldon concluded.

Meemaw has a thriving social life of her own where she enjoys gambling at the casino, running her laundromat, and, of course, dating. Following the death of her husband, Meemaw actually had a pretty healthy dating life with some memorable beaus. So far on Young Sheldon, Meemaw has seen three separate men but only had two serious relationships, with each of them making a significant mark on her dating life. While there are certainly some suitors who feel like stronger prospects, the final season of Young Sheldon ultimately revealed who Meemaw ended up with.

Pop-Pop

Before Young Sheldon

It was revealed in The Big Bang Theory that Pop-Pop had passed away when Sheldon was very young. For much of her adult life, Meemaw was married to her beloved husband, Mary’s father, and Sheldon, Georgie, and Missy’s grandfather, Charlie. Known as Pop-Pop, he and Meemaw had a wonderful marriage. Pop-Pop, who Sheldon described as the only member of his family who actually encouraged him to pursue a career in science, died of complications from surgery. Though he was never seen on the show, Young Sheldon makes him a big part of the Cooper family.

However, he also shared the same ego and narcissism as Sheldon. Charlie passed in 1985 when Sheldon was just five years old and he and Meemaw were likely married for decades, where they had three kids together, including Mary. It was clear that Pop-Pop would always be the love of Meemaw’s life, as evidenced when she got upset at John for wearing her husband’s old blazer she was attempting to sell in a garage sale. However, it was time for Meemaw to move on and work on finding love again.

Annie Potts also played Sharon Elkin in
The Fosters
(2013–2018).

Meemaw & John Sturgis Meet & Start Dating

Season 1, Episode 19 – Episode 21

Meemaw’s first boyfriend in Young Sheldon was John Sturgis, played by Wallace Shawn. An unlikely pairing, John Sturgis was socially awkward and completely opposite to Meemaw, but despite not appearing on The Big Bang Theory, he becomes a beloved character on Young Sheldon. Yet she fell easily for his quirks and charms and the pair soon began dating in season 1, episode 19, “Gluons, Guacamole, and the Color Purple.”

After several successful dates and a blunder in which she must leave his lecture hall for distracting him too much, they take their relationship to the next level in episode 21, “Summer Sausage, a Pocket Poncho, and Tony Danza,” when John cooks dinner for her, and she invites him to stay the night. They were definitely one of the best relationships in Young Sheldon during the shows earlier seasons, but it was also through the pairing of John and Meemaw that it became clear just how much of a free spirit Sheldon’s grandmother truly was.

Meemaw Dates Ira & John At The Same Time, Then Dumps Ira

Season 1, Episode 22

It didn’t take Young Sheldon long to prove that Meemaw was romantically a free spirit who wasn’t in a rush to get tied down, as before the end of season 1 she found herself involved in a love triangle. Meemaw’s success in the dating world is highlighted when she briefly dated Ira and John at the same time. Ira, played by Richard Kind, wasn’t a continuous presence in Young Sheldon, but ended up being an incredibly important character for the wider narrative both because of his being used to show Meemaw’s approach to romance, and because of the impact this had on Sheldon.

In episode 21, “Vanilla Ice Cream, Gentlemen Callers, and a Dinette Set,” Meemaw goes out on a date with Ira but finds that they aren’t compatible. Ira tries to win her back — by buying her furniture — but she stands her ground. John confronts Ira when he finds this out, infuriating Meemaw, but Ira backs off. In the meantime, Sheldon has been watching this all very closely and draws up his first-ever relationship contract.

Meemaw & John Date While John Tries To Help Sheldon

Season 2, Episode 1 – Episode 6

John Sturgis ended up being quite a long-term presence in the earlier Young Sheldon seasons, as Meemaw’s date with Ira didn’t seem to jeopardize their relationship. By the time Young Sheldon season 2 arrived, John Sturgis was still around, and was an important part of both Meemaw’s and Sheldon’s lives. John and Meemaw’s season 2 relationship is undeniably sweet, as John continues to mentor Sheldon’s incredible intelligence, growing closer to the Cooper family in the process.

There are a few bumps here, as Meemaw has to tell John not to praise Paige too much in front of Sheldon in Young Sheldon season 2, episode 2, “A Rival Prodigy and Sir Isaac Neutron,” and John tries to get Sheldon and Missy to participate in a twin study in episode 5, “A Research Study and Czechoslovakian Wedding Pastries.” Otherwise, this is a peaceful time in Meemaw and John’s relationship.

John Upsets Meemaw, But They Admit They Love Each Other

Season 2, Episode 7 – Episode 10

John Sturgis and Meemaw had quite a caring relationship, though it wasn’t without its ups and downs. This is somewhat unsurprising in retrospect, since the pair were almost opposites in many ways, but they still had some incredibly touching moments. While Meemaw doesn’t end up with John, the seemingly mismatched pair did love each other. In season 2, episode 7, “Carbon Dating and a Stuffed Raccoon,” Meemaw decides to have a garage sale.

However, a fight arises when John puts on Pop-Pop’s old jacket and Meemaw struggles with the loss of her husband, being one of the few times Young Sheldon dealt with serious issues. The two quickly reconcile and continue on their merry way until episode 10, “A Stunted Childhood and a Can of Fancy Mixed Nuts.” John expresses an interest in driving and Meemaw tries to teach him — to disastrous results. However, the two express their love for one another.

John Proposes To Meemaw & Meemaw Rejects Him, But They Stay Together

Season 2, Episode 11 – Episode 20

It was clear that, had events gone differently, Meemaw and John Sturgis could have become much more serious, and possibly even have been who Meemaw was with by the time the Young Sheldon finale arrived. John initially seems like he will be the one to end up with Meemaw when he proposes to her in season 2, episode 20, “A Proposal and a Popsicle Stick Cross.” John takes Meemaw out to a restaurant and gets down on one knee, but Meemaw is one step ahead.

She tells him that she’s already been a wife and doesn’t want to repeat that chapter of her life. She would, however, like to remain a couple. John believes this is the only way people will know they’re in a relationship, and as a later token of reconciliation, Meemaw announces their relationship in the newspaper.

Wallace Shawn who plays Dr.John is also known for his work in
Marriage Story
(2019) as Frank and
The Double
(2013) as Paparazzo.

Meemaw Takes John To A Casino & John Shows Signs Of Depression

Season 2, Episode 21 – Episode 22

After the incredibly touching follow-up to John’s failed proposal, it seemed like the pair were going through a relatively happy period. However, this did end up being the calm before the proverbial storm. Meemaw’s romance with John begins to show signs of complications nearing the end of Young Sheldon season 2. Meemaw takes John to her favorite place, the casino, in season 2, episode 21, “A Broken Heart and a Crock Monster.”

He’s wholly out of his element but eventually joins in the fun when Meemaw gets a lucky streak. However, John’s happiness is short-lived as he falls into a deep depression in episode 22, “A Swedish Science Thing and the Equation for Toast,” due to the Nobel Prize announcement convincing him he will never win one. Sadly, John has a breakdown and is checked into a mental hospital.

John Stays In A Mental Hospital & Dr. Linkletter Puts The Moves On Meemaw

Season 3, Episode 1 – Episode 4

Meemaw’s relationship drama continued when John was in the mental hospital and someone else immediately showed interest in her. Meemaw didn’t date Dr. Linkletter, but while she was in a relationship with John, she attended the school with him and Sheldon, and met Dr. Linkletter there in season 3, episode 2, “A Broom Closet and Satan’s Monopoly Board.”

Played by Ed Begley Jr., Dr Linkletter was certainly a different kind of man to John Burgis. He was much more forward and much less awkward, immediately flirting with Meemaw upon meeting her. Even after he found out she was with his coworker, he continued to flirt with Meemaw until she completely shut him down. They are one of the couples that would have made a lot of sense on Young Sheldon but never happened.

John & Meemaw Break Up, Meemaw Dates Ira For The Wrong Reasons, & Meemaw Gets A Date With Dale

Season 3, Episode 5 – Episode 6:

Unfortunately, after this, Meemaw and Dr. Sturgis don’t get back together. After John was released from the mental institution, Meemaw still had feelings for him and wanted them to try and work on things. However, John believed it was best that they break up in season 3, episode 5, “A Pineapple and the Bosom of Male Friendship,” so Meemaw would not have to bear the burden of his mental health challenges. She was so upset that she threatened to call Ira to ask him out on a date, but she didn’t get the reaction she wanted out of John when he agreed that it was a good idea.

Meemaw was certainly sad, but she found her next relationship relatively quickly.

Meemaw was certainly sad, but she found her next relationship relatively quickly. After going out on a date with Ira and admitting to his face that she did it to make John jealous in episode 5, Meemaw meets baseball coach and sports gear store owner Dale Ballard in Young Sheldon season 3, episode 6, “A Parasol and a Hell of an Arm.” Meemaw confronts Dale for not letting Missy on to the baseball team because she’s a girl, and Dale finds himself impressed with her vigor. He asks her out on a date, and Meemaw accepts — and Missy makes the team.

Meemaw & Dale Date, John Is Jealous

Season 3, Episode 7 – Episode 10

It was one of the saddest moments on Young Sheldon when Missy was upset about not being able to play on the baseball team, but Dale relented and he and Meemaw began their relationship proper. However, Dr. John Sturgis is still in the picture as a friend of the Cooper family, and it’s clear from the start that Dale and John don’t get along.

John tries unsuccessfully to spy on Dale in Young Sheldon season 3, episode 10, “Teenager Soup and a Little Ball of Fib.” This eventually prompts Dale to question Meemaw on why she ever dated him, but Meemaw defends John. It’s a bittersweet moment between John and Meemaw, even if it’s not one that comes during the period they’re a couple. It shows that, of all her romantic partners, John remained one who had the most emotional significance to her.

John & Dale Don’t Get Along, Dale Continues To Help Missy

Season 3, Episode 11 – Episode 14

While Meemaw was dating Dale, John Sturgis was of course still in the picture, and since Meemaw still had a soft-spot for John the inevitable sitcom trope of a love triangle soon came into play. The Dale-John-Meemaw triangle comes to a head in Young Sheldon season 3, episode 13, “Contracts, Rules and a Little Bit of Pig Brains,” when they all end up on a camping trip together.

The season 3 installment of Young Sheldon mainly sees Dale making fun of John and all of his eccentricities and the two have an argument. It ends with John leaving the campsite, much to George’s displeasure. Though Meemaw doesn’t end up with John, their prior relationship is a source of incredulity for Dale, who at least spent the earlier half of the episode helping Missy lead their team to victory.

Meemaw & John Meet Dale’s Ex-Wife June, June Stirs Up Trouble

Season 3, Episode 15 – Episode 17

Meemaw is in her late 60s while dating Dale, and like all adults in their later years, both have a history. In Young Sheldon, Dale’s past also comes back an impacts their relationship, just as John has caused a few problems and emotional confusion for Meemaw. Reba McEntire was one of Young Sheldon‘s best guest stars, and she plays Dale’s ex-wife June.

Meemaw runs into Dale’s ex in episode 15, “A Boyfriend’s Ex-Wife and a Good Luck Head Rub,” and she reveals some troubling things about their past relationship. The two end up hitting it off and are joined at the restaurant by John. Later, John asks Meemaw if June would be interested in him, and Meemaw gives him June’s number. While June rejects his advances, she stirs up trouble by telling John he should hold out for Meemaw, as Dale is sure to mess up the relationship.

Meemaw & Dale Commit To Exclusivity

Season 3, Episode 18 – Episode 19

At one point in Young Sheldon, it seemed like who Meemaw ended up with could well be Dale, despite June’s interference and the lingering presence of John Sturgis. The pair had certainly had to work past a few obstacles, but the way they always managed to find common ground did make them seem more and more suited to one-another as the show progressed. Meemaw and Dale decided to make their relationship exclusive in Young Sheldon season 3, episode 18, “A Couple Bruised Ribs and a Cereal Box Ghost Detector.”

After questioning Georgie on the matter, Meemaw asks Dale point-blank if he’s seeing anyone else. Dale admits that he isn’t, though both of them are still friends with their exes John and June. The pair decide to make their relationship exclusive — and had Young Sheldon gone differently, it’s not entirely inconceivable that Meemaw ended up with Dale. However, their relationship was doomed to be shortlived.

Dale Proposes & Meemaw Rejects Him, Dale Breaks Up With Meemaw, & Meemaw Teaches Dale A Lesson

Season 3, Episode 20 – Episode 21

Dale and Meemaw’s weekend getaway goes awry in Young Sheldon season 3, episode 20, “A Baby Tooth and the Egyptian God of Knowledge.” The couple goes to the casino and Dale leaves Georgie in charge of his store. After a lucky streak, Dale and Meemaw hit the bar where she tells him to enjoy his retirement. He, in turn, proposes to her and tells her that he loves her. Meemaw, of course, rejects his sudden proposal, and Dale leaves, breaking up with her. In the meantime, Georgie finds out that one of the customers emptied the cash register right under his nose.

In the meantime, Georgie finds out that one of the customers emptied the cash register right under his nose.

The drama ends with Georgie paying Dale back for the robbery with his own money, and Dale firing him. In season 3, episode 21, “A Secret Letter and a Lowly Disc of Processed Meat,” Meemaw is incensed over Georgie’s termination and decides to take matters into her own hands. She tries to appeal to Dale on the phone, but he won’t budge. In turn, Meemaw takes Georgie on a ride, and together they egg Dale’s sporting goods store.

Dale & Meemaw Get Back Together

Season 4, Episode 1 – Episode 4

Like many sitcom couples, and most of the other relationships in both Young Sheldon and The Big Bang Theory, Dale and Meemaw have an off-again-on-again dynamic. After parting ways in season 3, Dale returned so he and Meemaw could have another crack at their romance. Despite a messy breakup, Meemaw and Dale get back together in Young Sheldon season 4, episode 1, “Graduation.”

Despite his faults, Dale proved in “Graduation” that he could make an incredibly sweet and wholehearted romantic gesture when he needs to, and it’s this that won Meemaw over. Dale shows up at her house with flowers and also gives Georgie his money back. Dale forgives Georgie, which solidifies his and Meemaw’s reconciliation. Meemaw tries her hardest to convince Dale to give Georgie the job back, despite the admitted egging, which he does.

Meemaw & Dale Work Out Their Issues Through D&D, Meemaw Attends Dale’s Son’s Wedding

Season 4, Episode 5 – Episode 9

While Dale and Meemaw have reconciled, they’re clearly on shaky ground as their issues surrounding the botched proposal come to light in Young Sheldon season 4, episode 5, “A Musty Crypt and a Stick to Pee On.” The two hash it out in front of an unwitting Sheldon during a game of Dungeons & Dragons.

Nevertheless, their relationship continues and Meemaw feels awkward when Dale invites her to his son’s wedding in episode 9, “Crappy Frozen Ice Cream and an Organ Grinder’s Monkey.” She does attend, but Dale becomes perturbed by his ex-wife June’s much younger date and Meemaw loses her liking for June when she finds out June only brought her date to upset Dale.

Dale & Meemaw Are Happy, Dale Tries To Get Meemaw To Focus On Her Health

Season 4, Episode 10 – Episode 18

Meemaw and Dale’s romance was going strong throughout most of Young Sheldon season 4, and they were arguably one of the best couples during this period of the show. The two get on relatively peacefully and June and Meemaw reconcile. They also had some moments when the show touched on some of the unique obstacles and conversation that come with dating later on in life.

When Dale is forced to get a colonoscopy in episode 14, “Mitch’s Son and the Unconditional Approval of a Government Agency,” he suggests that Meemaw get one as well. Meemaw adamantly rejects this idea at first, but after a game of pool, the pair decides to go together. It’s a surprisingly sweet moment between the two, and one where Meemaw shows no shortage of emotional vulnerability.

Dale & Meemaw Help June Recover & Get Into An Argument

Season 5, Episode 1 – Episode 7

After Meemaw and Dale had seemed like an incredibly stable relationship throughout Young Sheldon season 4, season 5 decided to switch things up again by introducing a few more obstacles and issues for them to work through. Specificaly, Dale’s ex-wife June made another appearance. Despite reconciling with Meemaw, June continues to cause bumps in the road for Dale and Meemaw when June injures her knee in Young Sheldon season 5, episode 7, “An Introduction to Engineering and a Glob of Hair Gel.”

Both Meemaw and Dale take care of June in the installment, and she proves to be an easy patient. However, Dale admits to Meemaw while the couple is at dinner that he had to help June shower, which causes a massive argument. This incident didn’t cause Dale and Meemaw to break up, but it came incredibly close.

Meemaw’s Gambling Room Is Successful & Dale Helps The Family

Season 5, Episode 8 – Episode 15

One of Meemaw’s season 5 arcs includes her opening up an illegal gambling room — and it turns out to be an incredibly lucrative venture. However, it does cause some tension when it comes to her relationship with Dale, although nowhere near as much as the infamous shower incident while the pair were caring for June.

While Dale has his concerns about Meemaw’s gambling room, he’s mostly supportive of the endeavor. In the meantime, Dale helps Missy get through her baseball slump in Young Sheldon season 5, episode 9, “The Yips and an Oddly Hypnotic Bohemian,” and gives Georgie advice on how to deal with Mandy in episode 15, “A Lobster, an Armadillo and a Way Bigger Number.” While things are nice for the two during this time, the relationship gets more complicated as season 5 progresses.

Meemaw & Dale Break Up, Dr. Linkletter & John Try To Cheer Her Up

Season 5, Episode 16 – Episode 22

Meemaw and Dale had enjoyed quite a long-term relationship on Young Sheldon by the next time they broke up — though the way their relationship ended in season 5 was far less dramatic than some of the other breakups in the show. Meemaw may have been happy with Dale, but her desire to keep going at a quick pace with her gambling room was completely opposite to Dale’s desire to retire and slow down in his golden years.

Because of their different mindsets about the future, Dale decides to end things with Meemaw, leaving her heartbroken once again in Young Sheldon season 5, episode 16, “A Suitcase Full of Cash and a Yellow Clown Car.” Both Dr. Linkletter and John hit on Meemaw in episode 18, “Babies, Lies and a Resplendent Cannoli,” making her feel slightly better.

Dale & Meemaw Maintain A Flirtatious Relationship

Season 6, Episode 1 – Episode 9

While Dale and Meemaw parted ways in Young Sheldon season 5, he returns in season 6 and the pair manage to rekindle their romance. This was a move that was celebrated by fans for the most part, as by this point they’d invested a lot of viewing time in the relationship. However, there remains a fair amount of confusion surrounding when Dale and Meemaw’s relationship rekindles on Young Sheldon, as their season 6 reunion seems to happen offscreen.

Dale assists in getting Meemaw and Georgie out of jail in the Young Sheldon season 6 premiere, and Meemaw offers to pay him back with a sexual favor. The two are seen together again in episode 5, “A Resident Advisor and the Word ‘Sketchy’,” when Dale is unsure about her plans for expanding her gambling operation and the pair go to a diner.

Meemaw will also return in
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.

Meemaw & Dale Get Back Together, But Meemaw Loses Her House

Season 6, Episode 10 – Episode 22

There were already talks that season 7 could be Young Sheldon‘s last prior to the announcement that the show wouldn’t extend onto season 8. Savvy fans realized that this meant Meemaw would probably end up with Dale – especially given how season 6 ended. The two are revealed to be officially dating again in Young Sheldon season 6, episode 10, “Pancake Sunday and Textbook Flirting.”

The rest of the season saw the pair relatively happy, with a few minor bumps and bruises along the way. However, their relationship was tested again when a tornado decimates Meemaw’s house in the Young Sheldon season 6 finale. However, while this caused understandable stress for Meemaw, it ultimately wasn’t enough for her and Dale to part ways.

Meemaw And Dale Are Settled

Season 7, Episode 1-14

By the time Young Sheldon season 7 had come and gone, viewers finally had their answer on who Meemaw ends up with. Meemaw and Dale were together throughout Young Sheldon season 7, and while their relationship during the show’s final episodes still had their ups and down, none were anywhere close to the situations they’d had to work through earlier on in the show. In season 7, the worst the pair came up against was Dale making an inappropriate joke about Tornado Insurance.

At the end of Young Sheldon, Dale and Meemaw are still going strong. Since the death of George Sr. was the dominating arc for the Cooper family in the final episodes of the show, there wasn’t much narrative space to explore Meemaw’s romance in more detail. As such, what happened to Dale and Meemaw after Young Sheldon remains ambiguous. However, with Young Sheldon spinoff Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage on the way, there’s every chance there’ll be some clarity given.