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| Kevin Sussman in 'The Big Bang Theory'.Credit : Monty Brinton/CBS/Getty |
Kevin Sussman to Star in New Big Bang Theory Spinoff, Reviving His Journey as Stuart
The Big Bang Theory universe is getting a delightfully unexpected expansion, and this time, it’s Stuart Bloom’s turn to shine.
HBO Max has officially ordered Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a new sitcom from Chuck Lorre Productions starring Kevin Sussman in the title role. The show promises a wild blend of science fiction, comedy, and heartfelt nostalgia, drawing heavily from the beloved Big Bang Theory DNA while taking its story in an entirely fresh, fantastical direction.
The news came as a pleasant surprise to fans on July 9, when HBO Max revealed the spinoff, confirming that the quirky comic book store owner would take center stage in a narrative that blends multiverse madness with character-driven hilarity.
What Is ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ All About?
In a premise that could only be born in the minds of Big Bang Theory creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady — and screenwriter Zak Penn (Ready Player One) — the new series follows Stuart Bloom after he unintentionally causes a multiverse catastrophe.
According to the official logline, Stuart “breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon.” Suddenly, the socially awkward comic shop owner must save all known realities — a mission both absurd and epic.
In true Big Bang fashion, this plot is loaded with comedic potential. Imagine Stuart — who once struggled to get a date and keep his business afloat — now being the only person who can restore balance to the universe. The stakes are higher than ever, but so are the laughs.
Returning Fan Favorites
The spinoff will also bring back several familiar faces from the original Big Bang Theory cast:
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Lauren Lapkus returns as Denise, Stuart’s girlfriend and fellow comic book enthusiast.
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Brian Posehn reprises his role as Bert, the lovable geologist.
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John Ross Bowie is back as Barry Kripke, the speech-impediment-riddled quantum physicist known for both brilliance and bizarre office antics.
Together, this group of underdog nerds will explore alternate realities, encounter multiverse versions of original Big Bang characters, and likely find themselves in chaotic — and hilarious — predicaments.
This creative leap into science fiction territory is not just a fun concept; it’s something the original characters would have absolutely obsessed over. Chuck Lorre himself acknowledged this when he said, “I wanted to do something radical… something the characters from The Big Bang Theory would have loved, hated, and argued about.”
Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady Return to Guide the Universe
The original masterminds of the Big Bang Theory, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, will return to executive produce the new series. Joining them is Zak Penn, who brings serious sci-fi storytelling chops.
Prady shared that developing the show has been a joyful experience, saying, “Putting characters we loved into a complex science fiction story with mythology those characters would geek out over, while keeping the comedy alive, is incredibly satisfying.”
Penn added, “Chuck and Bill have created one of the most enduring comedies of our time. This next iteration captures what fans loved about the original while giving us something totally new.”
A Radical New Direction — with Familiar Heart
While Young Sheldon gave audiences a heartfelt look at the origins of Sheldon Cooper, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is poised to do the exact opposite — stretching the boundaries of believability in the most entertaining way possible.
Expect time travel, dimensional rifts, and bizarre versions of beloved characters. Alternate-universe Sheldons, Leonards, Amys, and Pennys? Count on it.
But beneath the cosmic chaos, there’s a beating heart: Stuart Bloom. An often-overlooked character during The Big Bang Theory’s original run, Stuart’s journey will now take center stage. From a lonely, struggling shop owner to a multiverse hero, it’s a glow-up arc with plenty of room for growth — and goofiness.
A Spinoff for the Underdogs
What makes this series so special is its celebration of the "background" characters who often stole scenes but never got full storylines. Stuart, Denise, Barry, and Bert were never the stars — but they represented real, quirky, imperfect people who still found meaning, friendship, and joy.
Giving them a multiverse mission might seem unexpected, but in a way, it’s the most Big Bang Theory thing ever: making the socially awkward superheroes in their own right.
And with HBO Max behind the project, there's confidence that this show will balance sci-fi absurdity with emotional storytelling and classic sitcom charm.
What’s Next?
Production is set to begin soon, with a release date likely to land in late 2025 or early 2026. In the meantime, Big Bang Theory fans can revisit all 12 seasons of the original series on HBO Max, and Young Sheldon remains available for those craving more of the Cooper family origins.
As for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, it’s not just another spinoff — it’s a bold leap into new territory with the same lovable nerd DNA. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if the comic shop gang had to save existence itself, your answer is finally here.
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