The Big Bang Theory’s upcoming spinoff gets an official title, which effectively confirms the show’s official lead character. Despite the ongoing success of Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Chuck Lorre is also pumping the gas in the development of the third spinoff in his comedy franchise that will take place years after the end of The Big Bang Theory. Reteaming with Bill Prady for the new show, the project will see the return of some familiar faces from the nerd-centric sitcom, as they become the new faces of the endeavor now that the story of the Pasadena gang is done.
Per Deadline, Lorre and Prady’s The Big Bang Theory spinoff sequel is officially called Stuart Fails To Save The Universe. This confirms that Kevin Sussman’s awkward but lovable comic book shop owner will be the face of the new comedy. Joining him is Lauren Lapkus, as Denise, Stuart’s girlfriend, Brian Posehn’s Bert Kibbler, and John Ross Bowie’s Barry Kripke. Lorre and Prady are joined by Zak Penn in writing and producing the offshoot. It’s worth noting, however, that the series is still waiting for a proper series order.
What Stuart Fails To Save The Universe Title Reveals About The New TBBT Series
Sussman’s Patience Pays Off
Admittedly, it’s surprising that the new The Big Bang Theory spinoff’s title crowns a clear lead star. Considering the rest of the announced cast, there were assumptions that, like the original show, it would be an ensemble — at least in its first few seasons. Looking back at Stuart’s arc in The Big Bang Theory, however, it makes sense that the spinoff’s story is anchored by him. Not only was he the mothership’s most recognizable supporting character, Stuart was also closest to Sheldon, Leonard, and the rest of the inaugural cast.
Sussman finally getting his time under the spotlight in the Lorre comedy universe is also a satisfying payoff to his previous missed opportunities. He and Bowie were almost cast as the original Sheldon and Leonard in The Big Bang Theory before the roles were eventually given to Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki. To make things worse, Sussman was also officially cast as Howard, but his previous contract forced CBS to let him go and cast Simon Helberg instead. It’s interesting, however, how Stuart Fails To Save The Universe will explain the absence of the Pasadena gang.
Our Take On The Big Bang Theory Spinoff’s New Title
Stuart Is The Lead, But Denise, Bert, And Barry Are Still Important
The Big Bang Theory’s new spinoff’s official title follows a trend where it establishes the leads of the series. Young Sheldon started this, followed by Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. That said, just because a character’s name is in the title doesn’t mean they will always be the show’s face. By the time Young Sheldon ended, the rest of the Cooper family was as important to its storytelling as the boy genius. So, while Stuart will be presented as Stuart Fails To Save The Universe’s hero, Bert, Denise, and Barry will still be pivotal to its storytelling.
It’s worth noting that while Stuart, Denise, Bert, and Barry were all supporting characters, the couple barely had any crossovers with the latter two in the flagship without the involvement of any member of the Pasadena gang.
What’s curious is the implication of its name to the show’s story. Unlike Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage’s titles, which are more straightforward, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe is a more creative title. Aside from confirming that Sussman’s socially-awkward character will be its focal point, it doesn’t give anything solid that would indicate the project’s premise. It’s worth noting that while Stuart, Denise, Bert, and Barry were all supporting characters, the couple barely had any crossovers with the latter two in the flagship without the involvement of any member of the Pasadena gang.
Will Stuart Fails To Save The Universe Feature Any Of The Big Bang Theory Cast Members?
Maybe Not Sheldon
2024’s Young Sheldon finale wrapped up Sheldon’s 17-year story on TV. Parson has been vocal about wanting to fully take a break from the character that he had played for the majority of his career. While The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019, the actor continued to play the role through its prequel’s narration. Because of this, it’s safe to say that Sheldon won’t be appearing in Stuart Fails To Save The Universe anytime soon. That being said, other original cast members have been vocal about wanting to revisit the franchise. So, they can easily be integrated into the sitcom.
Kaley Cuoco and Mayim Bialik, in particular, both expressed their desire to play Penny and Amy again. Kunal Nayyar has also sent his support for the new sitcom Lorre and Prady. Chances are that if they are invited, they will be happy to reprise their respective roles, even for just a cameo capacity. That said, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe might be better holding off any major guest stars, at least in season 1. This way, Sussman and his ensemble have enough time to settle into the show and establish its identity separate from The Big Bang Theory.
