Chuck Lorre is redefining his own playbook.
Best known for traditional multi-camera sitcoms, the producer is venturing into effects-heavy storytelling with Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a Big Bang Theory spinoff heading to HBO Max.
The project, described as a science fiction action-adventure comedy, centers on Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman) as he attempts to fix reality after triggering a multiverse-level disaster tied to Sheldon and Leonard’s invention.
“It’s a big swing,” Lorre admitted. “I think it will be revered or reviled.”
The series elevates former supporting characters — including Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie — into leading roles. For Lorre, that shift is part of the creative appeal.
“I wanted to do something that made me uncomfortable,” he explained. “Most of my career has been very simple production-wise. This involves special effects and computer graphics on a scale I’ve never worked with before.”
Reuniting with original co-creator Bill Prady and executive producer Zak Penn, Lorre hopes to combine mythological sci-fi elements with the comedic tone that defined the original 12-season hit.
All seasons of The Big Bang Theory remain available on HBO Max.