Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a new comedy series Max Original spun off from The Big Bang Theory, will premiere in July 2026 on HBO Max. Unveiled at CCXP Mexico City, the show reunites Stuart Bloom, the owner of the comic book shop, for a multiverse-spanning adventure imagined by Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
Series | 2026
Available on HBO Max in July 2026
Comedy, science fiction
Created by Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, Bill Prady | Starring Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn, John Ross Bowie
Nationality: United States
The plot follows Stuart Bloom after an accident that upends reality. After breaking a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, he triggers a multiverse-wide catastrophe and must work to repair the fallout. To achieve this, he’s joined by Denise, his girlfriend, Bert, his geologist friend, and Barry Kripke, a quantum physicist as brilliant as he is hard to bear.
This spin-off brings back a number of supporting characters from The Big Bang Theory, while nudging the show's universe into science-fiction comedy territory. The multiverse concept is designed to let the series introduce alternate versions of familiar characters, in a tone that's more adventurous than the original.
Kevin Sussman reprises his role as Stuart, alongside Lauren Lapkus as Denise, Brian Posehn as Bert, and John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke. Also confirmed: the show's original opening theme will be composed by Danny Elfman, an Emmy and Grammy winner who is also an Oscar nominee.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is produced by Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, the team behind The Big Bang Theory, are co-developing this new series with Zak Penn, a writer whose résumé features a string of science-fiction and action projects.
With its multiverse-driven premise and a lead character drawn from the fringes of the original series, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe mainly targets fans of The Big Bang Theory, but it will also appeal to lovers of geek comedies built on paradoxes, alternate realities, and scientific misadventures.
To go further, also check out our selection of HBO Max’s July releases, our guide to new streaming titles across all platforms, and today’s streaming pick: What to watch today.
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