Stuart Can't Save the Universe: TBBT Spinoff Release Countdown, Where to Watch and Story Preview
Chuck Lorre is expanding The Big Bang Theory universe again with spinoff Stuart Fails to Save the Universe — the franchise’s third offshoot after Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.
The Big Bang Theory is not done expanding. Chuck Lorre finally put a name on the new spinoff: 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.' That title is a choice, and yes, it hints at exactly the kind of nerdy chaos you think it does.
So what is this one, and where it fits
This is the third branch off the mothership, following 'Young Sheldon' and 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage.' This time the spotlight lands on comic shop lifer Stuart Bloom, which, honestly, is a fun swing considering how often he stole scenes on the original show.
Release timing
No premiere date yet. Cameras started rolling in September 2025, and the plan is to land it sometime in 2026. Co-creator Bill Prady marked day one of filming with an Instagram shot and the caption 'Here we go!'
As for rollout style, that part is still fuzzy. Early chatter suggested a binge drop, but there has not been a formal confirmation on weekly vs all-at-once.
Where to watch and episode count
Unlike the previous Big Bang entries that aired on CBS first, this one is going straight to streaming. It has a full series order at HBO Max and will live exclusively there. The first season is 10 episodes. Some early materials said all 10 will be available at launch, but again, the release pattern has not been officially locked in.
Who is in it
- Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom
- Lauren Lapkus as Denise
- Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler
- John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke
- Ryan Cartwright as Kyle
- Josh Brener as Trevor
- Tommy Walker as Gary (reportedly Denise's new love interest)
The premise (and yes, it gets weird)
Instead of just hanging out behind the counter, Stuart gets tossed into a full-blown sci-fi mess that sounds like a comic arc the guys would argue about over takeout. It involves a Sheldonesque gadget going sideways and a multiverse spiraling out of control. Familiar faces pop back in, plus alternate versions of people you already know.
'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. 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 have come to know and love from 'The Big Bang Theory.' As the title implies, things don't go well'
Big swing? Absolutely. But the mix of sci-fi chaos, deadpan Stuart energy, and returning favorites has real comedic potential.
Need a refresher
'The Big Bang Theory' and 'Young Sheldon' are streaming on HBO Max. 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage' is on Paramount+. Production on 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' is underway, so expect more updates as it gets closer to that 2026 window.