The world is falling apart in the first look at The Big Bang Theory spinoff series Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.
Castmembers Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie took the stage at CCXP Mexico City to tease their project that combines comedy with sci-fi and is set to begin streaming on HBO Max in July. Along with debuting images that can be seen above and below, the panel revealed that musician Danny Elfman will create an original theme song for the series.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe centers on Sussman as comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, who was introduced on the CBS comedy The Big Bang Theory when his pals Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons) would visit the shop. The new program features Stuart doing his best to restore reality after he breaks a device that Sheldon and Leonard had built, which inadvertently causes a multiverse armageddon.
Posehn told fans from the stage about the title character, “The fun is watching him fail every week.” Sussman added that viewers will get to learn more about Stuart’s romance with Lapkus’ character: “When The Big Bang Theory ended, our relationship was just budding, and now you can see where it goes.”
Joining Stuart’s quest are his girlfriend, Denise (Lapkus); geologist buddy Bert (Posehn); and irritating quantum physicist Barry Kripke (Bowie). Their path will see them meet alternate-universe versions of characters from The Big Bang Theory, which signed off in 2019 after 12 seasons.
Sussman notes that Stuart “takes on a leadership role in this” but warns, “He’s not very good at it.” The actor adds about his onscreen counterpart, “I do my best, but really, I’m way out of my comfort zone.”
Kevin Sussman (left), Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.
Colin Remas Brown/HBO Max
HBO Max’s Instagram account posted in a caption alongside the show’s stills: “If at first you don’t succeed, try in another multiverse.”
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe counts Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn and Bill Prady as creators, writers and executive producers. The series hails from Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Lauren Lapkus (left), Kevin Sussman, John Ross Bowie and Brian Posehn in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.
Colin Remas Brown/HBO Max
The Big Bang Theory previously spawned fellow spinoff Young Sheldon, which signed off in 2024 after seven seasons. Young Sheldon offshoot Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage is currently airing its second season on CBS.
