Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
American TV series
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Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is an upcoming American science fiction television comedy 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.
| Stuart Fails to Save the Universe | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy Science fiction Action-adventure |
| Created by | |
| Based on | |
| Starring | |
| Theme music composer | Danny Elfman |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Production companies | |
| Original release | |
| Network | HBO Max |
| Related | |
The series is slated to premiere on HBO Max on July 23, 2026.
Cast and characters
Main
- Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom / Alternate Stuart Bloom[2]
- Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler
- Lauren Lapkus as Denise
- John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke / Supreme Ruler Barry Kripke[2]
Recurring
- Ryan Cartwright as Kyle
- Josh Brener as Trevor
- Tommy Walker as Gary
Kevin Sussman and John Ross Bowie portray alternate versions of their characters from another stream of reality.[2] Joshua Malina, who portrayed Caltech President Siebert in the original series, will also appear in an undisclosed role.[3] Wil Wheaton will appear as a powered version of himself, reprising his recurring role from The Big Bang Theory.[4] Christine Baranski, Riki Lindhome and Teller, who had roles on The Big Bang Theory will also appear though it's unclear if in their roles from The Big Bang Theory. Jon Cryer will also appear.[5]
Episodes
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by [6] | Original release date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | Kyle Newacheck[7] | Chuck Lorre & Zak Penn & Bill Prady | July 23, 2026[8] | TBA |
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.[9][10] The spin-off series was formally announced at the 2023 Warner Bros. Discovery upfront presentation by HBO and Max CEO and chairman, Casey Bloys.[11][10] 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.[10] Actor and director Jonathan Frakes is involved in the show.[12] Robert Duncan McNeill will be directing episodes.[13]
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.[14] In March 2025, it was announced that the spin-off would be titled Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.[15] In July 2025, HBO Max officially gave Stuart Fails to Save the Universe a series order.[16]
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."[17]
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.[14] 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.[18] In August 2025, Ryan Cartwright, Josh Brener, and Tommy Walker joined the cast as recurring guest stars.[19]
Filming
The series began filming in September 2025,[20] and wrapped in February 2026.[21][17]
