Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
Genre Sitcom
Created by
  • Chuck Lorre
  • Zak Penn
  • Bill Prady
Based on
The Big Bang Theory
by
  • Chuck Lorre
  • Bill Prady
Written by
  • Chuck Lorre
  • Zak Penn
  • Bill Prady
Starring
  • Kevin Sussman
  • Brian Posehn
  • Lauren Lapkus
  • John Ross Bowie
Theme music composer Danny Elfman
Country of origin United States
Original language English
Production
Executive producers
  • Chuck Lorre
  • Bill Prady
  • Zak Penn
Production companies
  • Chuck Lorre Productions
  • Warner Bros. Television
Original release
Network HBO Max
Related
  • The Big Bang Theory
  • Young Sheldon
  • Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is an upcoming American television sitcom created by Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady. The series will be the fourth television series in The Big Bang Theory franchise, and the second direct spin-off of the sitcom The Big Bang Theory.

The series is slated to premiere on HBO Max in July 2026.

Cast and characters

Main

  • Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom
  • Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler
  • Lauren Lapkus as Denise
  • John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke

Recurring

  • Ryan Cartwright as Kyle
  • Josh Brener as Trevor
  • Tommy Walker as Gary

Episodes

No. Title Directed by Written by [1] Original release date [2]
1 TBA TBD Chuck Lorre & Zak Penn & Bill Prady July 2026 (2026-07)

Production

Development

In April 2023, it was announced that an untitled The Big Bang Theory spin-off was in early development at Max, created by The Big Bang Theory co-creator and executive producer, Chuck Lorre.[3][4] The spin-off series was formally announced at the 2023 Warner Bros. Discovery upfront presentation by HBO and Max CEO and chairman, Casey Bloys.[5][4] In the announcement, Bloys did not mention any plot details or who the series would focus on from The Big Bang Theory series, but it was reported that the series would have a new cast, with former The Big Bang Theory cast to appear in guest roles.[4] Actor and director Jonathan Frakes is involved in the show.[6] Robert Duncan McNeill will be directing episodes.[7]

In October 2024, it was announced that the spin-off would focus on Stuart Bloom, the owner of the comic book store, Comic Center, on The Big Bang Theory.[8] In March 2025, it was announced that the spin-off would be titled Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.[9] In July 2025, HBO Max officially gave Stuart Fails to Save the Universe a series order.[10]

In February 2026, Lorre described the series as a "science fiction action-adventure comedy", and said of its creation, "I just wanted to do something that challenged me, that I was uncomfortable and in unfamiliar territory and the special effects stuff, the computer graphics, all those things. [...] Most of my career has been two people sit on a couch and talk."[11]

Casting

In October 2024, it was announced that Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn, and Lauren Lapkus, who played Stuart Bloom, Bert Kibbler, and Denise, respectively, on The Big Bang Theory would be reprising their roles from the series, and had also signed talent holding deals with Warner Bros. Television for the spin-off.[8] In February 2025, it was announced that John Ross Bowie would be reprising his role as Barry Kripke, with Bowie also signing a talent holding deal with Warner Bros. Television.[12] In August 2025, Ryan Cartwright, Josh Brener, and Tommy Walker joined the cast as recurring guest stars.[13]

Filming

The series began filming in September 2025,[14] and wrapped in February 2026.[15][11]

Release

The series is set to premiere on HBO Max in July 2026.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe - WGA Directory". Writers Guild of America West. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
  2. ^ a b Petski, Denise (April 26, 2026). "Big Bang Spinoff Stuart Fails To Save The Universe Sets Release Month; Danny Elfman To Compose Theme, First-Look Photos Unveiled". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  3. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (April 12, 2023). "'The Big Bang Theory' Offshoot In Works At Max From Chuck Lorre". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Hailu, Selome (April 12, 2023). "New 'Big Bang Theory' Spinoff in Development at HBO Max". Variety. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  5. ^ Maas, Jennifer (April 12, 2023). "Warner Bros. Discovery Unveils 'Max': Everything Revealed at Combined HBO Max-Discovery+ Streaming Presentation". Variety. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  6. ^ Pascale, Anthony (November 19, 2025). "Exclusive: Director Jonathan Frakes Talks "Lots Of Levity" In 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy'". Trekmovie. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  7. ^ Pascale, Anthony (November 19, 2025). "Exclusive: Director Jonathan Frakes Talks "Lots Of Levity" In 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy'". Trekmovie. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
  8. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (October 10, 2024). "'The Big Bang Theory's Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn & Lauren Lapkus To Star In Max Spinoff With WBTV Deals". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  9. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 19, 2025). "'The Big Bang Theory' Spinoff Gets Stuart-Centric Title". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
  10. ^ Porter, Rick (July 9, 2025). "'Big Bang Theory' Spinoff 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' a Go at HBO Max". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
  11. ^ a b Anello, Desiree; Huver, Scott (February 17, 2026). "Chuck Lorre Admits He's Taking a 'Big Swing' Big Bang Theory Spinoff: 'Will Be Revered or Reviled' (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved March 27, 2026.
  12. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 11, 2025). "'The Big Bang Theory's John Ross Bowie To Join Max Spinoff, Reprising Barry Kripke Role". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
  13. ^ Schwartz, Ryan (August 13, 2025). "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Adds 3 to Cast — Including 2 Big Bang Alums". TVLine. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
  14. ^ Schwartz, Ryan (December 12, 2025). "Stuart Fails To Save The Universe: First Footage Reveals A Darker, Stranger Big Bang Theory Spinoff". TVLine. Retrieved March 27, 2026.
  15. ^ Dumaraog, Ana (February 2, 2026). "Chuck Lorre's The Big Bang Theory Sequel Gets Exciting News Amid Wait For Release Date". Screen Rant. Retrieved March 27, 2026.