HBO Max Orders Series for The Big Bang Theory Spinoff Stuart Fails To Save The Universe

Warner Bros. Discovery streamer HBO Max’s first major move after officially rebranding is the series order for The Big Bang Theory spinoff, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe (SFTSTU). The new comedy stars the original show’s Kevin Sussman alongside Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn, and John Ross Bowie.

Co-created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, the original Big Bang Theory creators, the spinoff will blend science fiction and fantasy elements into a comedic narrative, featuring extensive CGI. Lorre described the show as “trying to incorporate some of the world of science fiction, fantasy into a comedy.”

Set in the future after the events of The Big Bang Theory, the series follows comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Sussman) who must restore reality after accidentally breaking a device invented by Sheldon and Leonard, triggering a multiverse Armageddon. Stuart is supported by his girlfriend Denise (Lapkus), geologist friend Bert (Posehn), and the irascible quantum physicist Barry Kripke (Bowie).

The premise opens the door for alternate-universe versions of beloved characters from the original series to appear, with the expectation that Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki might reprise their roles as Sheldon and Leonard, respectively.

HBO Max Content CEO Casey Bloys expressed enthusiasm for continuing The Big Bang Theory legacy, highlighting the creative vision of Lorre, Prady, and Zak Penn—known for his work on The Avengers—who brings fresh insight to the project.

Lorre said he wanted to do something “radical” and out of his comfort zone—something the original characters would both love and argue about.

The spinoff has been in development since April 2023, with Lorre recruiting Prady and Penn as co-writers and executive producers. The main cast signed talent holding deals in preparation for the show’s greenlight, which came with the official series title Stuart Fails to Save the Universe in early 2024.

Prady described the writing process as “damn fun,” combining beloved characters with a complex science fiction mythology while maintaining comedic elements.

Penn, experienced in genre storytelling (Ready Player One, Free Guy), humorously recounted his recruitment during a vision quest in the Amazon rainforest, emphasizing the show’s unique creative origins.

By spring 2024, the team held informal table reads and polished scripts before HBO Max’s official pickup. Lorre revealed that 10 scripts have been written to date.

Warner Bros. Television Group CEO Channing Dungey praised the project as a fresh twist on a beloved comedy, anticipating the new series to capture the essence of the original while exploring new territory.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is produced by Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and will be filmed in Los Angeles.