HBO Max is scheduled to premiere a new spin-off series, "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe," on July 23. This show expands "The Big Bang Theory" universe by focusing on supporting characters and their adventures in a multiverse. The series follows comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, played by Kevin Sussman, as he inadvertently creates a multiverse armageddon after breaking a device built by Sheldon and Leonard. He is joined by his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist Bert Kibbler (Brian Posehn), and quantum physicist Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie).
The creators, Bill Prady and others, have clarified that the new series is not canon to the original "The Big Bang Theory." Instead, it introduces an alternate universe, picking up years after the original series' timeline. The show aims for a different tone, departing from the original immediately, though it will periodically return to familiar character interactions. It is intended to be the kind of show that characters like Leonard and Sheldon would enjoy.
The series will feature guest appearances from familiar faces, including Christine Baranski, Wil Wheaton, Teller, Penn Jillette, Riki Lindhome, and Joshua Malina, some reprising their original roles and others appearing as alternate-universe versions or new characters. Josh Brener and Ryan Cartwright will return but play new characters named Trevor and Kyle. The show's premise involves ordinary people thrust into extraordinary, dangerous situations, with the narrative commenting on multiverse shows themselves.
