HBO Max Officially Orders Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, The Big Bang Theory Sci-Fi Comedy Spinoff

In keeping with the expanding universe theme, HBO Max has officially greenlit Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a comedy spinoff centered on Stuart Bloom (played by Kevin Sussman) from the original The Big Bang Theory series.

Created by Big Bang Theory co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, alongside Zak Penn (Free Guy, Beacon 23), this new series differentiates itself by incorporating a heavy dose of sci-fi alongside the beloved comedic elements.

The show marks the first series order for the newly rebranded HBO Max, which switched from Max back to HBO Max in mid-2025.

Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max Content, expressed excitement about continuing The Big Bang Theory legacy, praising the creative vision of Lorre, Prady, and Penn.

Chuck Lorre said, “I wanted to do something radical that would take me out of my comfort zone. Something the characters on The Big Bang Theory would have loved, hated, and argued about.”

Along with Sussman, the cast includes Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn, and John Ross Bowie, all of whom had recurring roles on the original show. The series plot involves Stuart accidentally breaking a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, triggering a multiverse Armageddon. Assisted by his girlfriend Denise (Lapkus), geologist friend Bert (Posehn), and quantum physicist Barry Kripke (Bowie), Stuart encounters alternate-universe versions of familiar characters.

Bill Prady described the writing process as “damn fun,” blending complex science fiction mythology with classic Big Bang humor.

Zak Penn humorously recalled receiving the project invite while on a vision quest in the Amazon rainforest, emphasizing the unique creative spirit behind the show.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is executive produced by Lorre, Prady, and Penn, produced under Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Warner Bros. Television Group CEO Channing Dungey highlighted the project’s goal to capture what fans loved about the original series, while adding a fresh and innovative twist, thanking HBO Max for their partnership on this “next adventure.”