Fans of The Big Bang Theory have a new show to enjoy! The spin-off, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, is now streaming on HBO Max, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
After the massive success of The Big Bang Theory‘s twelve seasons, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is the third show to branch out from the original. It’s once again created and overseen by Chuck Lorre, known as a master of comedy sitcoms.
In this new 10-episode season, Stuart Bloom – the comic book store owner played by Kevin Sussman – has a huge problem on his hands! He accidentally triggers a multiversal crisis after damaging a device created by Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter. Now he’s responsible for fixing reality…and you can imagine things won’t go smoothly!
Viewers who enjoyed the original series will remember Stuart, the kind and friendly comic book store owner. He first appeared in season two of The Big Bang Theory and quickly became a beloved character. Although he started as a supporting role, Stuart became a regular cast member – and now, seven years after The Big Bang Theory concluded, he’s getting his own show.
He’s not the only returning character in this new series. As Stuart journeys through different dimensions trying to save humanity, he brings along his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), his geologist friend Bert (Brian Posehn), and the somewhat annoying but brilliant physicist Kripke (John Ross Bowie). However, things don’t exactly go as planned for Stuart on his mission.
Long-time fans of the Big Bang series are in for a real treat! As Stuart and his friends explore new worlds, they’ll encounter alternate versions of beloved Big Bang characters – ones you’ve never seen before. Each episode will be fun, like spotting familiar faces in a crowd, and the returning cast members are a surprise the creators are keeping secret – but it promises to be exciting!
What to Read Next
Chuck, one of the show’s creators alongside Zak Penn and Bill Prady (who also co-created The Big Bang Theory), explains that the show’s unique format – each episode set in a different universe – gave them a lot of creative freedom. They quickly discovered they could explore almost any idea they wanted.
We’ve made a fun decision: characters from our show, Big Bang, will reappear in new roles and locations! We’re really excited for viewers to discover which familiar faces pop up.
About ten years ago, I envisioned a spin-off series centered around Kevin Sussman’s character. It would have been a science fiction show exploring the multiverse – something more ambitious than a typical sitcom. While we couldn’t afford elaborate special effects – no dragons, unfortunately! – our main goal was always to make people laugh, and I’m confident we’ve achieved that.
Unlike earlier shows like Young Sheldon and Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage, which focused on family life, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is a sci-fi adventure. Each episode features the main characters battling a new threat in a different alternate reality—imagine a blend of Men in Black and Doctor Who.
Each episode of this innovative show concludes with Stuart and his friends arriving in a brand new alternate world, giving viewers a sneak peek at what’s next. But the surprises don’t stop there! Alongside familiar faces from the original series, each episode is packed with hidden details and boasts amazing opening credits – which cleverly hint at spoilers for that specific installment to keep you engaged.
Kevin Sussman, known for playing the character Stuart, shared that getting to work again with familiar faces made this role a perfect fit for him.
It was great to be working with the team again after so long,” he said. “We’ve known each other for years, so when we found out we were doing the show, we immediately got together to chat and reconnect. Everyone feels really fortunate, and the atmosphere on set is fantastic.
Even though I’m listed first in the credits, this movie really feels like a team effort. The four of us who play the main roles are genuinely great friends, and honestly, we had a blast making it! Getting back into character wasn’t hard at all, which is always a good sign, I think.
It wasn’t hard to step back into the role of Stuart because I drew on my own experiences when creating the character originally. I also appreciate that this new series delves deeper into the connection between Stuart and Denise; facing life-or-death situations daily definitely brings people closer!
But launching a new show off the back of a much-loved franchise doesn’t come without its fears.
Sussman admits they were apprehensive about creating a spin-off of the popular series The Big Bang Theory. They’re hoping fans will enjoy it, even though it’s quite different. It leans more into science fiction than traditional sitcom humor – so viewers can expect a fresh perspective on the world and characters they’re already familiar with.
The new animated series, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, launched first on HBO Max in the United States on Thursday, July 23rd. Viewers in the UK and Ireland could start watching it the next day, Friday, July 24th. New episodes will be released each week.
Check out our Streaming Guide to quickly find out which streaming services have the shows and movies you love!
The latest issue of Living Legends, a tribute to the worldwide success of BTS, has arrived! You can purchase this must-have guide for fans at newsstands and online.
2026-07-24 11:20