HBO Max has officially ordered Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a new Big Bang Theory spinoff series centered on fan-favorite character Stuart Bloom, played once again by Kevin Sussman. The streamer announced the news on Wednesday, July 9, confirming that Sussman, 54, will reprise his longtime role as the socially awkward comic book shop owner.
Joining him in the upcoming sitcom are fellow returning cast members Lauren Lapkus as Denise, Brian Posehn as geologist Bert, and John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke. Together, the group will embark on a chaotic sci-fi adventure sparked by Stuart’s latest blunder: accidentally breaking a device created by Sheldon and Leonard—an error that unleashes a multiverse Armageddon, according to the official logline. Now, Stuart must figure out how to restore reality before it collapses entirely.
The new series promises plenty of surprises, including run-ins with alternate-universe versions of iconic Big Bang Theory characters. As the title suggests, things quickly spiral out of control.
Stuart and Kripke were first introduced during season 2 of the original CBS series, which aired from 2007 to 2019 across 12 seasons. Bert later joined in season 6, appearing in 15 episodes, while Denise debuted during the sitcom’s final season as Stuart’s love interest.
Chuck Lorre Productions will helm the new project, bringing back familiar creative leadership. Executive producers Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady—co-creators of The Big Bang Theory—are teaming up with writer and producer Zak Penn. Lorre said he wanted to take a bold creative leap with a concept “the characters on The Big Bang Theory would have loved, hated, and argued about.”
Prady echoed the excitement, calling the writing process with Lorre and Penn “damn fun,” adding that blending beloved characters with a rich science-fiction mythology while keeping the show’s comedic spirit intact has been “incredibly satisfying.” Penn shared his enthusiasm as well, saying he was honored to be part of the next expansion of the franchise.
Warner Bros. Television Group chairman and CEO Channing Dungey praised the team behind the new installment, noting that Lorre and Prady “have given us one of the most enduring comedies of our time,” and promised that this series will capture what fans love while offering “a completely fresh twist.”
All 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory are currently streaming on HBO Max. If the past success of the franchise is any indication, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is poised to bring both nostalgia and a new cosmic comedy adventure to longtime fans.
