The upcoming Big Bang Theory spinoff on Max is moving forward, with exciting news for fans of the original series. Veteran actors Kevin Sussman (Stuart), Lauren Lapkus (Denise), and Brian Posehn (Bert) have officially signed on for the new project. TVLine has confirmed their involvement, marking a significant step in the development of the series.
The spinoff, still in the early stages, has yet to receive an official green light, and the script is currently being written. Despite the secrecy surrounding the plot, the casting of these familiar faces confirms that the show will be a true continuation of the Big Bang universe rather than a complete departure with a new set of characters, as seen in other recent spinoffs like Hulu’s How I Met Your Father.
The untitled spinoff was first announced in April 2023, just four years after the original Big Bang Theory ended its 12-season run. Warner Bros. Discovery initially revealed that Chuck Lorre, the creator of the hit CBS sitcom, was working on a new series derived from the franchise. However, details have been scarce since then, and the project faced delays due to the Writers Guild of America strike, which lasted 148 days and paused development.
By November, Lorre described the project as being in its “prenatal stage,” with much of the concept still being ironed out. In February, Kunal Nayyar, who played Raj in the original series, stated that it felt “a little too soon” for him to consider reprising his role, leaving fans curious about which characters might make a comeback.
However, there’s reason for excitement. Lorre’s comments from 2019 suggested that any new spinoff would need a compelling creative vision rather than being driven by financial motives. This indicates that the new series will have a well-thought-out concept, and with the return of comic book store owner Stuart, his girlfriend Denise, and Caltech geologist Bert, the spinoff promises to tap into the charm of the original series.
The casting news comes just as the Young Sheldon spinoff, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, debuts on CBS. In an interview with TVLine, former showrunner Steve Holland expressed his confidence in Lorre’s vision for the new project, saying, “Chuck knows what he’s doing. He’s got a great idea for these characters, and I’m sure it’s going to be fantastic.”
With the return of these beloved supporting characters, fans of The Big Bang Theory can look forward to more laughs and familiar faces as the franchise expands once again.
