“Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” Brings Franchise Back to San Diego Comic-Con
“The Big Bang Theory” franchise has officially returned to San Diego Comic-Con with the upcoming HBO Max spinoff “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.” According to a panel hosted by Felicia Day, the first episode of the series features surprise appearances from original cast members, with co-creator and executive producer Bill Prady teasing the return of more minor characters throughout the season.
The upcoming series centers on comic bookstore owner Stuart Bloom, played by Kevin Sussman. Per the show’s logline, Stuart accidentally triggers a multiverse Armageddon after breaking a device built by Sheldon and Leonard. He must work to restore reality alongside his girlfriend Denise, played by Lauren Lapkus; geologist friend Bert, played by Brian Posehn; and quantum physicist Barry Kripke, played by John Ross Bowie.
Shifting From Multi-Camera Sitcoms to a Single-Camera Format
For the first time in the history of the television franchise, “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” departs from the traditional four-camera sitcom model in favor of a single-camera setup. According to co-creator, executive producer, and writer Chuck Lorre, the four-camera format resembles a weekly stage play that limits physical movement beyond characters sitting on a couch and talking.
“As you just saw, I wanted to do a lot,” Lorre stated at the panel regarding the visual ambition of the new project. The simple solution to that creative constraint was to shoot the production like a movie. The series is produced by Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, with Kyle Newacheck serving as executive producer and director of multiple episodes.
Pro Tip: New episodes of “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” release weekly on Thursdays at 6 p.m. PT on HBO Max.
Expanding the “Big Bang Theory” Universe Across Networks
The new spinoff expands a television universe that began with the original CBS namesake series running for 12 seasons. That foundational run led to the prequel series “Young Sheldon,” which concluded its seven-season run before spawning another spinoff, “George & Mandy’s First Marriage,” which recently secured a renewal for its third season.
During the recent Comic-Con panel, Jim Lee from DC Comics joined the creators to discuss exclusive cover art created for a special comic book tie-in for the show. Zak Penn also joined Lorre and Prady as a co-creator, executive producer, and writer on the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe”?
The series stars Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom, Lauren Lapkus as Denise, Brian Posehn as Bert, and John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke.
How does this spinoff differ from the original show?
According to Chuck Lorre, this is the first series in the franchise to use a single-camera format instead of the traditional four-camera audience setup used by “The Big Bang Theory.”
When and where can I watch new episodes?
New episodes release weekly on Thursdays at 6 p.m. PT on HBO Max.
Join the Conversation
Are you excited to see Stuart and Denise take center stage in the multiverse? Drop a comment below and let us know which minor characters you hope to see make a surprise return!
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