Big Bang Theory Spinoff 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' Sets HBO Max Release

A new spinoff series starring four minor characters from The Big Bang Theory will begin streaming on HBO Max Wednesday, July 23, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.

The show, titled Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, brings comic book store owner Stuart (Kevin Sussman), his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist Bert (Brian Posehn), and the amoral Kripke (John Ross Bowie) to the forefront. The series is the fourth entry in the Big Bang timeline.

What is the new spinoff about?

The 10-episode series follows the four leads as they are forced to save the space-time continuum. They accomplish this by slipping through different timelines each week, aided by a gizmo designed by original series characters Leonard, Sheldon, and Wolowitz. Co-creator Bill Prady described the concept as reminiscent of the 1990s series Sliders, but with a Big Bang Theory twist.

Prady emphasized that the show is designed for newcomers. "We realized when we started into this that you didn't have to have knowledge of 'Big Bang Theory,' that the characters introduce themselves, you understand," he said during a July 6 videoconference.

Who are the main characters?

While all four leads share equal investment, Stuart, as the titular character, carries much of the narrative weight. In the season opener, one of his alternate selves informs him it's his responsibility to save the universe from an apocalyptic hellscape.

Sussman's Stuart was a fan favorite during the original series' 12-season run, receiving significant screen time. The actor originally tested for the role of Leonard and won the role of Wolowitz, but a competing network contract prevented him from taking it, according to reports. He later made the comic book store owner memorable, a role he said was informed by his real-life experience working in a comic book store.

His relationship with Denise, which began in the original series, gets a new chance in the spinoff. Stuart initially assumes she died in their apocalyptic world, but that proves false. "Stuart has this new relationship, this good relationship, and it was really exciting," Sussman said, "and then, of course, the show stopped, and it’s like that’s so Stuart."

Lauren Lapkus noted the natural chemistry among the cast. "There was some natural chemistry there, which was great. And then, of course, I think the way the scripts unfold, I feel like it just, we come together really well," she said.

The series also expands the roles of Bert and Kripke, giving them unexpected opportunities to develop while staying true to their established characters.

Will other Big Bang Theory characters appear?

The creators confirmed that characters from the original series will appear. "It was really fun finding places for characters outside of our four main characters," Prady said.

The show leans into comedy freed from network television constraints and embraces absurd, hilarious scenarios as the characters pop into ridiculous timelines, with a heaping dose of sci-fi.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe begins streaming on HBO Max on July 23.