A small character change made in The Big Bang Theory back in 2009 may turn out to be the key to the success of the franchise’s newest sequel series. The upcoming show Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will spotlight Kevin Sussman’s Stuart Bloom in a multiverse adventure set after the original sitcom ended.
Unlike previous spinoffs such as Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which explore earlier points in the timeline, this new series moves the story forward. Stuart becomes the central figure after accidentally destroying a reality-preserving device built by Sheldon and Leonard.
But Stuart wasn’t always portrayed as the anxious comic book store owner fans remember. When he debuted in Season 2, he appeared confident, witty, and surprisingly charming — even scoring a date with Penny. By the following season, however, the writers shifted his personality dramatically, transforming him into a far more awkward and insecure character.
That retcon ultimately turned Stuart into an underdog, a role that fits perfectly for a leading character. Because he lacks the brilliance of Sheldon or Leonard, his attempts to fix the multiverse feel far more risky and unpredictable.
The series will also feature familiar faces like Barry Kripke, Bert Kibble, and Denise, bringing back several fan-favorite characters from the original sitcom.
If the story works as intended, Stuart’s journey could allow him to finally step out of the shadows and prove he’s capable of much more than anyone expected. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is scheduled to arrive on HBO Max in 2026.