The universe of The Big Bang Theory is expanding once again, but this time, it's taking a different direction. Fans are set to re-meet an old hero—Stuart Bloom—whose story will unfold in a fresh series titled Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, coming to HBO Max.
This show promises to explore the life of the comic book store owner we've seen on the original sitcom, but with a science fiction twist that could surprise many.
Who is Stuart Bloom?
Stuart Bloom, played by Kevin Sussman, has been a familiar face since Season 2 of The Big Bang Theory. He owns The Comic Center of Pasadena, a favourite hangout for the gang, and is known for his talent in drawing and deep knowledge of comic books. His first appearance was in the episode titled The Hofstadter Isotope. Over the years, Stuart's character has grown from a comic book shop owner to someone with more layers—struggling financially, battling loneliness, and seeking acceptance from his friends.
Stuart's relationships have also evolved. He was once involved romantically with Penny and Amy, with whom he sought connection. By Season 12, he finally found companionship with Denise, a fellow comic book enthusiast and artist, played by Lauren Lapkus. His friendship with Raj began in Season 6, when he filled in for Howard during his space missions, and their bond helped flesh out his character beyond comic books and store duties. Despite his kindness, Stuart often wrestles with feelings of loneliness and financial hardship, which have made him a relatable figure for many viewers.
What We Know About The New Show
The upcoming series, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, picks up after the events of The Big Bang Theory, but with a sci-fi flavour. Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions announced the project just recently, confirming that it will be available on HBO Max. The story revolves around Stuart accidentally breaking a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, which sets off a multiverse crisis that only he can fix.
@wherearetheyceleb 🛸 JUST IN: Stuart Fails to Save the Universe — a Big Bang Theory spin-off — has officially been greenlit! 💥 Everyone’s fave awkward comic book guy is finally getting his own spotlight… and possibly the fate of the universe? 😅 Expect geeks, chaos, and cosmic-level cringe. BigBangTheory StuartSpinOff FailsToSave
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The show will feature Kevin Sussman reprising his role as Stuart, alongside Lauren Lapkus as Denise, Brian Posehn as Stuart's geologist friend, and John Ross Bowie returning as Barry Kripke. Notably, the series will include characters from the original show meeting alternate versions of themselves, adding a science fiction layer to the comedy. Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki, who played Sheldon and Leonard, are not listed among the main cast, suggesting the series will focus more on Stuart's adventures.
Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady are credited as executive producers. Lorre expressed excitement about taking the characters into a genre they might not typically inhabit, describing it as a 'radical' project that would challenge and entertain both the characters and viewers. Prady added that blending the familiar humour with complex sci-fi mythology was a satisfying challenge.
Why Is This Series Important?
The Big Bang Theory ended in May 2019 after a successful twelve-season run. Its spin-off, Young Sheldon, has been well-received, but this new series aims to bring a fresh perspective by focusing on a lesser-known character.
Stuart, often seen as the comic relief, is now set to take centre stage in a story that combines humour with a touch of science fiction.
What Can We Expect?
While details remain scarce, the premise indicates a mix of humour and chaos. Stuart's character has always been helpful but often overlooked, and now he finds himself responsible for fixing a multiverse mess. The show is likely to feature quirky versions of characters we know and love, as well as new characters that expand the universe.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe promises to be an intriguing addition to The Big Bang Theory universe. With Kevin Sussman returning as Stuart and a plot that involves multiverse mayhem, fans are in for a treat. Whether it will live up to expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Stuart's universe is about to get a whole lot bigger.
