Seven years after The Big Bang Theory signed off, the franchise is preparing for its first true sequel—and fans are already on alert. With Stuart Fails to Save the Universe on the way, one question looms large: will the new series finally fix CBS’s biggest Penny problem?
Kaley Cuoco recently made it clear she still loves both Chuck Lorre and the world of The Big Bang Theory—and that she’s open to returning as Penny. That revelation only made past missteps sting more. Most notably, Young Sheldon’s finale skipped a Penny appearance entirely, opting for a name-drop instead. For fans, it felt like a missed emotional payoff that didn’t need to happen.
This time, there’s no such excuse. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is set in the same canon and leans into a wild, multiverse-driven premise. That creative freedom makes a Penny cameo not just possible, but easy. Whether it’s a brief update in the main timeline or a playful alternate-universe version, the door is wide open.
And the payoff could be huge. Penny remains one of the most beloved characters in the franchise, and seeing Cuoco step back into the role—even briefly—would instantly raise the sequel’s profile. More importantly, it would restore a sense of emotional continuity fans have been craving.