HBO Max Unveils First Look at New ‘Big Bang Theory’ Spin-Off ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’

HBO Max is bringing fans back into The Big Bang Theory world with another spinoff, and this time the spotlight is finally on Stuart Bloom. The streamer recently shared a quick first look at the new show Stuart Fails to Save the Universe in its teaser for the 2026 lineup. The clip didn’t show much, but it confirmed the wild sci-fi angle fans have been hearing about.

According to updates first reported over the past few years, work on this spinoff began in April 2023. By October 2024, it was revealed that the show would bring back Kevin Sussman as Stuart, Lauren Lapkus as Denise, and Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler. Then in March 2025, the official title was announced. The series started filming in September.

The idea behind the show comes from Warner Bros. Television. The story follows Stuart after he accidentally breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard. The mistake opens the door to a full-on multiverse disaster. HBO Max describes the setup with the line: “Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon.”

They also explain that “Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert, and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke. Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from The Big Bang Theory. As the title implies, things don’t go well.”

John Ross Bowie is returning as Barry Kripke, and HBO Max has confirmed that Ryan Cartwright and Josh Brener will show up as guests. The show is also the first Big Bang Theory-related project made directly for HBO Max.

The quick teaser released by HBO Max mixes short clips from several big upcoming shows, including Euphoria, House of the Dragon, and Dune: Prophecy. Buried in the montage is the very first glimpse of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, though the footage mainly hints at the multiverse chaos waiting for Stuart and his friends.

This new comedy joins a growing list of spinoffs. With Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage already out, it seems the Big Bang universe is still going strong, even years after the original ended.

HBO Max hasn’t shared an exact release date yet, but the show is part of the 2026 schedule, so it’s expected to arrive sometime next year.

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