HBO Max has just greenlit Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a spin-off of The Big Bang Theory, which follows Stuart Bloom’s attempt to restore the universe after breaking a device of Sheldon and Leonard’s.
The show was first teased back in 2023, with The Big Bang Theory cast members like Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn, and John Ross Bowie all pegged for a triumphant return.
“We’re excited to be continuing the legacy of ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ Much like the original series, this new chapter wouldn’t be possible without the vision and storytelling brilliance of Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, as well as Zak Penn, who has brought fresh insight and a distinctive voice to an already exceptional creative team,” said Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max Content.
The show was officially given the go-ahead this week, according to Variety, so here’s everything we know so far.
What is Stuart Fails to Save the Universe about?
Credit: CBS
Following the success of both The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon, it’s natural that HBO would want to cash in on the general love of the franchise. Though people have been demanding a Penny spin-off for years, with others preferring something else on Sheldon, they ultimately went with The Big Bang Theory’s most awkward character: Stewart.
Confirming plot details for the first time, HBO said: “Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Sussman) is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon.
“Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise (Lapkus), geologist friend Bert (Posehn), and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke (Bowie). Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ As the title implies, things don’t go well.”
Chuck Lorre revealed further details
The new ‘BIG BANG THEORY’ spin-off series ‘STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE’ is moving forward.
The series follows Stuart who must restore reality after he breaks Sheldon and Leonard’s new device and causes a Multiversal Armageddon. pic.twitter.com/i1ZdNIaBo6
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 9, 2025
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is set to be produced by Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, and the creators of The Big Bang Theory has been slowly drip-feeding us information.
“I was on a vision quest in the most remote parts of the Amazon Rainforest when a carrier pigeon arrived with a note from Chuck Lorre asking if I wanted to help make a show that the characters from ‘Big Bang Theory’ would watch,” Zak Penn said.
“I couldn’t resist that idea, so I packed up my yurt and hailed the next dirigible out. At the same time, Chuck sent an expedition to locate Bill Prady, who had been frozen with his shield across his chest in a block of arctic ice. The team assembled, we set out to make this insane show, which lives in a universe created by Chuck and Bill. I couldn’t be more honored to be working with these amazing people.”
“I wanted to do something radical that would take me out of my comfort zone. Something the characters on ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ would have loved, hated, and argued about,” Chuck Lorre added.
Who is returning?
The following cast members are already pegged for a return to The Big Bang Theory universe, but it’s yet to be seen whether there will be any cameos from the original series:
- Kevin Sussman is back as Stuart
- Lauren Lapkus returns as Denise
- John Ross Bowie is Barry Kripke once again
- Brian Posehn returns Bert Kibble
There’s yet to be an announcement on the release date, but Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will presumably enter pre-production soon.
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Featured image credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment
