HBO Max has officially greenlit a new comedy series titled "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe," which will focus on comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (played by Kevin Sussman). Stuart already had a prominent recurring role in the original CBS series.
The new spinoff is from The Big Bang Theory creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, along with Zak Penn (Beacon 23). Unlike the original series and previous spinoffs (Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage), this new series will feature plenty of science fiction alongside the familiar humor.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is the first series officially ordered by HBO Max since the platform recently reversed its name change from 'Max'.
"We're thrilled to continue the legacy of The Big Bang Theory," said Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max Content. "As with the original series, this new venture wouldn't be possible without the creative vision of Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, and the fresh perspective of Zak Penn."
Chuck Lorre added: "I wanted to create something radical, something outside my comfort zone. Something the characters from The Big Bang Theory would either love or hate, and discuss endlessly."
In addition to Sussman, other familiar faces are returning, including Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn, and John Ross Bowie, all of whom previously had recurring guest roles on The Big Bang Theory.
The series follows Stuart, who accidentally destroys a device belonging to Sheldon and Leonard, triggering a "multiverse Armageddon." Stuart must then try to restore reality, aided by his girlfriend Denise (Lapkus), his geologist friend Bert (Posehn), and the quantum physicist and notorious troublemaker Barry Kripke (Bowie). Along the way, they encounter alternate versions of familiar characters from The Big Bang Theory. As the title suggests, things don't exactly go smoothly.