Possible third spin-off for The Big Bang Theory at HBO Max

The new spin-off of the hit comedy series The Big Bang Theory is starting to take shape on HBO Max. Three actors from the original series, Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn and Lauren Lapkus (pictured from left to right), have signed a talent deal with the studio behind the hit comedy franchise, Warner Bros Television, with the intention of starring in the proposed demerger.



This is the first new development since the project was announced a year and a half ago, with no further details beyond that it comes from The Big Bang Theory franchise man Chuck Lorre, co-creator/executive producer of the main series and all spin-offs to date.

Sources warn that the project is still in the early stages of development and that there is no green light yet as the script is still being written. A WBTV representative declined comment.

From the moment the untitled spin-off was revealed in April 2023, there was speculation that it would revolve around Stuart Bloom (Sussman) and his comic shop. The holding deals, which keep the three actors available to reprise their roles, support that theory, as Lapkus played the quirky comic store assistant manager and then Stuart's girlfriend in The Big Bang. Posehn played another notable secondary character from the series, geologist and guitar enthusiast Bert Kibbler.

Sussman, Posehn and Lapkus are expected to star in the proposed spinoff, which is rumored to have three leads: two male and one female. That would mirror the original format of the parent series, which started with three leads - played by Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco - before evolving into a true ensemble comedy.

The Big Bang Theory debuted on CBS in 2007 and was the No. 1 comedy series on television when it ended in 2019 as the longest-running multi-camera series in television history, with 279 episodes over twelve seasons. Like that series and other offshoots, Young Sheldon and the upcoming Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, the HBO Max series is from Chuck Lorre Productions in association with WBTV, where Lorre has an umbrella deal.

Sussman's kind-hearted Stuart was introduced in season two of The Big Bang Theory. He quickly became a popular recurring character who continued throughout the sitcom, with Sussman becoming a regular in seasons 8-12 (and part of season six). Posehn guest-starred in seasons six and seven before returning as a recurring character in the tenth season. Lapkus had a recurring role in the last two seasons.