HBO Max has officially ordered a new Big Bang Theory spin-off titled Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, produced by Chuck Lorre Productions and Warner Bros. Television. The comedy series will be executive-produced by Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady, marking the second spin-off from the original franchise after the successful prequel Young Sheldon, which concluded after seven seasons.
Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max Content, said:
“We’re excited to continue the legacy of The Big Bang Theory. This new chapter wouldn’t be possible without the creative brilliance of Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, along with Zak Penn, who brings a fresh perspective and distinctive voice to the team.”
Lorre commented:
“I wanted to do something radical that pushed me out of my comfort zone — something the characters on The Big Bang Theory would have loved, hated, and passionately debated.”
Penn added a humorous take on joining the project:
“I was on a vision quest deep in the Amazon when a carrier pigeon delivered a note from Chuck asking if I wanted to help make a show the Big Bang characters themselves would watch. I couldn’t resist. Meanwhile, Chuck sent an expedition to thaw out Bill Prady from a block of arctic ice. Once the team was assembled, we set out to build this wonderfully insane show, and I’m honored to be part of it.”
Prady shared similar enthusiasm:
“Writing this series with Chuck and Zak has been incredibly fun, and I know that energy will shine through. Bringing beloved Big Bang characters into a complex sci-fi story with rich mythology, while keeping the comedic core intact, has been deeply satisfying.”
Channing Dungey, Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group and WBD US Networks, added:
“Chuck and Bill created one of the most enduring comedies of our time, and we’re thrilled to see the universe expand once again. With Zak’s exceptional storytelling, this new series will deliver the heart of the original with a fresh twist. We’re grateful to HBO Max for partnering with us on this next adventure.”
Set to film in Los Angeles, the series follows comic-book-store owner Stuart Bloom, who accidentally triggers a multiverse catastrophe after breaking a device created by Sheldon and Leonard. To restore reality, he teams up with his girlfriend Denise, geologist Bert, and quantum physicist and resident irritant Barry Kripke. Their mission leads them through encounters with alternate-universe versions of familiar Big Bang Theory characters — and, as the title suggests, things don’t go smoothly.
The cast includes Kevin Sussman (Stuart), Lauren Lapkus (Denise), Brian Posehn (Bert), and John Ross Bowie (Barry). The series will premiere on the recently rebranded HBO Max at a date yet to be announced.
