In a universe that’s given us 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory and 7 seasons of Young Sheldon, CBS’s next spinoff, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe, is taking a bold new approach — and it starts with fewer episodes.
According to official CBS announcements, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe will premiere with just 13 episodes in its debut season — a dramatic shift from the 20+ episode runs we’ve come to expect from this franchise.
So, what does this change mean? And why is CBS scaling things down for this beloved comic shop owner turned leading man?
Let’s dive in.
Who Is Stuart, and Why Is He Getting a Spinoff?
Fans of The Big Bang Theory will remember Stuart Bloom, the awkward, kind-hearted owner of the comic book store who slowly became a lovable part of the core group — especially in later seasons.
Played by Kevin Sussman, Stuart started out as a side character, but his:
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Deadpan humor
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Unlucky love life
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Endearing awkwardness
…made him a fan-favorite underdog.
Now, he’s finally getting the spotlight. But with a very different structure.
Confirmed: Season 1 Will Feature 13 Episodes
That’s right — instead of the typical 22-24 episode run we saw with Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe will launch with 13 tightly written episodes.
And that change? It’s intentional.
Why the Shorter Season Makes Sense
1. Modern TV Trends Are Changing
Today’s audiences are more used to:
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Shorter seasons
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Tighter plots
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Bingeable arcs
Gone are the days when every show needed 22 episodes. With streaming influence, quality now trumps quantity — and CBS knows it.
2. Creative Risk, Controlled Format
This spinoff is a gamble. While Stuart is a fan favorite, he’s also never carried a storyline on his own.
Starting with 13 episodes allows CBS to:
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Test the waters
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Gauge audience reaction
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Fine-tune tone and story direction
3. Higher Production Values
A shorter season often means:
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More budget per episode
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More creative flexibility
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Stronger writing and pacing
This isn’t just filler sitcom — it’s a character piece with depth (and probably a few surreal twists, if the title is any hint).
How This Compares to The Big Bang Theory
| Show | Typical Season Length |
|---|---|
| The Big Bang Theory | 22–24 episodes per season |
| Young Sheldon | 18–22 episodes per season |
| Stuart Fails To Save The Universe | 13 episodes (Season 1) |
The difference is stark — but it might just work in Stuart’s favor.
The Tone Will Likely Be Very Different
Judging by the title (Stuart Fails To Save The Universe), this isn’t your average sitcom. It sounds quirky, introspective, maybe even a little surreal.
Fans are speculating that:
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The “universe” may not be literal — it could refer to his personal world falling apart.
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It might lean into dark comedy, mental health themes, or even imaginative sci-fi-style metaphors.
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The show could use narrative devices not seen in previous entries.
And with a shorter season, there’s more room to experiment without worrying about filling 24 episodes of fluff.
Is This a Spinoff or a Soft Reboot?
Interestingly, the show isn’t picking up exactly where Big Bang left Stuart. Rumors suggest that:
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Stuart might be reimagined rather than directly continued
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The setting may shift away from Pasadena
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The show might feature no main cast returns — at least not in early episodes
So, while it exists in the Big Bang universe, it might feel like a brand-new series — not just a side quest.
What Fans Are Saying Online
Social media reactions have been a mix of curiosity and cautious excitement:
“Stuart finally gets his own story? About time!”
“Only 13 episodes? Must be something different — and I’m here for it.”
“Please let it be weird and wonderful. Stuart deserves more than just punchlines.”
Why This Could Be a Smart Move for CBS
CBS is clearly testing a new format — and for good reason:
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It lets them attract both loyal fans and new viewers
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It avoids franchise fatigue by changing tone and structure
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It allows more creative experimentation
Plus, if it’s successful, Season 2 could always go bigger.
Will There Be Cameos from Big Bang Characters?
As of now, no official confirmations have been made about returning characters like Sheldon, Penny, or Howard.
But the door isn’t closed.
Expect:
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Nods to the original show
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Possible surprise cameos
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Easter eggs hidden in plain sight (Stuart does own a comic shop, after all)
Conclusion: A Smaller Season with Big Potential
Stuart Fails To Save The Universe might only have 13 episodes, but it’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing entries in the Big Bang franchise yet.
By breaking from the traditional formula, CBS could deliver a fresher, smarter, and more emotionally resonant story — all through the eyes of one of its most unlikely heroes.
Because sometimes, the best way to save a universe…
…is to start with your own.
FAQs
1. How many episodes will Stuart Fails To Save The Universe have?
Season 1 will feature 13 episodes, a significant change from previous Big Bang shows.
2. Why is the episode count so low?
It’s likely a strategic choice to focus on storytelling quality and test the show’s reception with a modern audience.
3. Is Stuart the same character from The Big Bang Theory?
Yes, played by Kevin Sussman, though the spinoff may explore new dimensions of his personality and life.
4. Will other Big Bang Theory characters appear?
No official cameos have been announced, but references and Easter eggs are expected.
5. When does the show premiere?
An exact release date hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s expected to air in the upcoming season on CBS.
