Big Bang Theory Co-Creator Teases New Spinoff: Cult Hit or Cautionary Tale?
Big Bang Theory co-creator Chuck Lorre lifts the lid on third spinoff Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a bold franchise swing that could be revered or reviled, and teases what’s next after Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.
Chuck Lorre is not playing it safe with the next Big Bang universe entry. The new spin-off is bold, weird, and apparently done shooting. And yes, it stars the comic shop guy.
What Lorre is cooking
The show is called 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,' announced back in April 2023 as the third official Big Bang Theory spin-off after 'Young Sheldon' and 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage.' Unlike those earlier Big Bang shows (and the mothership) that launched on CBS, this one is headed straight to HBO Max sometime this year.
Lorre says they just wrapped principal photography, and he is fully aware this one could split the room. His pitch for the tone:
'It is a science fiction action-adventure comedy... We just finished principal photography, and I'm pretty excited about it. It's a big swing.'
'I think it will be revered or reviled. I'm not sure which.'
The premise (yes, it's multiverse time)
Stuart Bloom, the comic book store owner played by Kevin Sussman, accidentally breaks a device Sheldon and Leonard built, which tears reality and nudges the universe toward multiversal armageddon. Stuart has to fix it. His team: his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist pal Bert Kibbler (Brian Posehn), and quantum physicist Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie). Along the way, they bump into alternate versions of familiar Big Bang characters. It is a hard swerve from the hangout sitcom vibe, by design.
Who is in it
- Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom
- Lauren Lapkus as Denise
- Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler
- John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke
Why this is a curveball for Lorre
Lorre, often dubbed the King of Sitcoms, is the guy behind 'The Big Bang Theory' and 'Two and a Half Men,' plus a long list of network staples like 'Grace Under Fire,' 'Cybill,' 'Dharma & Greg,' 'Mom,' and 'Mike & Molly.' This new show leans into VFX, genre worldbuilding, and higher stakes than his usual multi-cam comfort zone. He wanted the challenge:
'I just wanted to do something that challenged me, that I was uncomfortable and in unfamiliar territory... the special effects stuff, the computer graphics, all those things.'
Bottom line
The third Big Bang spin-off is not just more of the same. It is a sci-fi adventure comedy anchored by side characters, with principal photography in the can and a release set for HBO Max this year. Lorre knows it's a gamble. Frankly, that makes it a lot more interesting.