The show is called Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, and based on the trailer HBO Max has released, it’s not a misleading title.
The Big Bang Theory spinoff centers on comic-book shop owner Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman), who “breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon,” according to the show’s description. The comedy will send Stuart into several different realities, including one that looks an awful lot like The Matrix (his main issue there: “I’m bald”), one where Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie) is a dictator and one that’s a Mad Max-ish dystopia. Watch the trailer below.
Lauren Lapkus and Brian Posehn also star, reprising their Big Bang Theory roles as Denise and Bert. HBO Max also promises that the series will feature “alternate-universe versions” of other Big Bang characters.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is the fourth show in the Big Bang Theory-verse, following the original series, which ran on CBS from 2005-19, and prequels Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, also on CBS. It’s safe to say that Stuart also strays the farthest from the parent show’s premise.
Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions are behind Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. Big Bang Theory co-creators Lorre and Bill Prady created the series with Zak Penn, and all three executive produce along with Kyle Newacheck, who directed several installments of the 10-episode season.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe premieres July 23 on HBO Max.
