Stuart Fails to Save the Universe: plot, cast and release of The Big Bang Theory spin-off on HBO Max

The new spin-off of The Big Bang Theory: Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a science fiction sitcom created by Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn and Bill Prady which debuted on 23 July 2026 on the streaming platform.

What is it about?

The series follows Stuart Bloom, the comic book store owner previously seen in The Big Bang Theory, who accidentally triggers an experimental device and finds himself traveling through parallel multiversesFrom a reality dominated by giant robots to a dystopian world ruled by Barry Kripke, via a Matrix-esque dimension, Stuart must find a way home—and maybe save the universe along the way. Unfortunately for him, each attempt makes things worse.

cast

• Kevin Sussman reprises the role of Stuart Bloom, the absolute protagonist
• John Ross Bowie returns as Barry Kripke, the arch-nemesis
• Lauren Lapkus is Denise, Stuart's girlfriend and co-owner of the shop
• Brian Posehn plays Bert Kibbler, the Caltech geologist
• The series includes numerous cameos from characters from the original franchise

Production and background

The series is written and produced by Chuck lorre (creator of The Big Bang Theory), Zack Penn (Ready Player One) and Bill Prady (co-creator of TBBT). The plot follows in the tradition of meta-humor already experimented with in the episode-within-an-episode “Professor Proton” of The Big Bang Theory: Stuart plays himself in a sci-fi adventure that mixes reality and fiction.

The trailer released on June 23, 2026 shows Stuart in a series of parallel dimensions: a Matrix-style one with him in a trench coat and dark glasses, a universe populated by Kripke as a dictator, and a Japanese-style animated dimension.

The Big Bang Theory franchise

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is the fourth television series in The Big Bang Theory franchise, following:

• The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) — the parent series, 12 seasons
• Young Sheldon (2017–2024) — prequel about Sheldon Cooper's childhood
• Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage (2024-) — spin-off about Georgie Cooper

Availability

The series will be available exclusively on HBO Max starting from 23 July 2026, with episodes released weekly. In Italy it will be distributed on Warner Bros Discovery through the group's platforms.