‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ Might Be Big Bang Theory’s Wildest Spinoff Yet (Exclusive)

When The Big Bang Theory ended its 12-season run in 2019, most fans assumed that was probably the end of the road for Sheldon, Leonard, Penny and the rest of television’s most lovable group of geeks. Sure, there was Young Sheldon, which had already become a hit in its own right, but that felt more like a nostalgic companion piece than the beginning of an expanding franchise universe (proven wrong with the advent of Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage).

Now comes Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a project that may be the strangest and potentially boldest evolution of the franchise yet. Instead of focusing on Sheldon Cooper or another central member of the original ensemble, the spotlight shifts to Stuart Bloom, the perpetually anxious comic book store owner played by Kevin Sussman.

In the show, Stuart accidentally breaks a device created by Sheldon and Leonard that unleashes a multiverse-style chain reaction. The result is a much more science-fiction-driven premise than fans are used to from the franchise, with alternate realities, returning characters and what appears to be a more cinematic single-camera style. According to Jessica Radloff, the show “incorporates the original Big Bang world with something that’s very different, but also very in line with Stuart and the comic book store and the whole universe.”

Kevin Sussman leads the series as Stuart alongside several familiar faces from the original show, including John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke, Lauren Lapkus as Denise and Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler. 

Thoughts on ‘Stuart’

According to Big Bang Theory producers Steve Holland and Steve Molaro (neither of whom are involved in the new show), as well as The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series author Jessica Radloff, that unlikely choice is exactly why the show looks like it could work.

STEVE HOLLAND: “This is a thing that Chuck Lorre had wanted to do since Big Bang ended. He had this thought of Stuart and Bert as this weird comedy duo in this sort of big action-adventure show. It’s exciting that it’s so different. And I think all of these shows in a smart way have been very different from one another and very different from Big Bang. This is totally unlike anything you’ve seen in this world before and I’m excited. I’ve seen a little bit of it just from visiting the set and saying hey to the actors. I’m excited to see what it becomes all put together. I know Chuck, just hearing him talk about it when he’s in our room [on Georgie and Mandie], is giddy about it, so it’s fun.”

That “totally unlike anything” description is telling, because Stuart Fails to Save the Universe appears to be leaning far more heavily into science-fiction storytelling than any previous installment of the franchise. That may sound risky for a comedy universe built largely around apartment conversations, relationship drama and comic book jokes, but Radloff believes that willingness to reinvent the formula is exactly why the franchise has survived.

JESSICA RADLOFF: “I think it’s so smart what they’re doing with Stuart Fails to Save the Universe the same way it was so smart when they made Young Sheldon single-cam instead of multi-cam, because it differentiates the universe and it helps a show stand on its own. Otherwise, you have people comparing and thinking they’re going to get the same thing—and it can’t be the same.”

Ironically, Stuart Bloom was never supposed to become one of the main characters of The Big Bang Theory in the first place. When viewers first met him in Season 2, Stuart was relatively confident, socially functional and even managed to date Penny. But over time, the character evolved into something else entirely: a lovable outsider struggling with insecurity, loneliness and self-worth issues that many viewers quietly identified with. 

JESSICA RADLOFF: “I think so many of us can relate to his character. And even Kevin said to me in the book that he gets so many fans that come up to him that are, like, ‘I’m such a Stuart.’ He’s got such a passion for comic books and he’s comfortable behind that desk. That’s his element, being in that comic book store. That’s where he excels. And it’s the personal stuff that’s hard. Most people are like that, where they know exactly what to do at work, but the personal stuff is really hard. And that’s why people really took to the character of Stuart, who was doubting himself at every turn and wasn’t sure.”

STEVE MOLARO: “While I’m not involved in that show, I love that Stuart is getting more time to shine. We always loved writing for the character and Kevin Sussman, who plays him, is incredibly talented and hilarious. I always loved that Stuart was not a brilliant scientist like the other characters, but that was not a factor in their friendships. Considering he ran the comic book store where sci-fi and fantasy stories were front and center, it only makes sense that a show featuring him would have that same flavor.”

The audience’s eyes and ears

That emotional accessibility may be exactly why Stuart has endured. Sheldon Cooper may have become the franchise’s breakout icon, but Stuart often felt more like the audience: someone fascinated by fantasy worlds while struggling to navigate ordinary life. Even the trajectory of Kevin Sussman himself feels strangely mirrored in Stuart’s story arc.

JESSICA RADLOFF: “I couldn’t be more excited for Kevin Sussman, who plays Stuart. He’s one of the most incredible guys. As he talked about when we did our interviews for the book and on the podcast, he went through so much in those early days of Big Bang because he originally auditioned for Howard. I think he might’ve auditioned for Leonard too, but Howard was the main one—and he got the role and then he was told he didn’t have the role because he couldn’t get out of his contract with ABC and Ugly Betty. And it would’ve been a very different show if you had a different Howard, but he handled it in the classiest way possible. He was the ultimate team player and he was always so gracious. So I’m so happy that he’s got his own show now.”

STEVE HOLLAND: “I was asking Kevin what it feels like, because I’m sure he was never thinking at the end of Big Bang, ‘Oh, well, in a few years Stuart’s going to be leading his own show.’ I’m sure that was not a thought that crossed his mind, although I think Chuck, over the years, had mentioned this to him as a thing he wanted to do. But it’s really interesting to see him sort of step up into a leading role, and exciting for him to get the chance. Especially since he was originally going to be playing Wolowitz, and that didn’t happen because he was on another show that he was obligated to go back to. So he lost that, but then got to come back and be a big part of the Big Bang world. It’s nice for him to get this second chance at being the main character.”

What may surprise longtime viewers most is just how ambitious the new show’s premise appears to be. As noted, it incorporates elements of science fiction, alternate realities and inventions connected directly to Sheldon and Leonard.

JESSICA RADLOFF: “The premise is really clever. When I read the logline for the first time, I was, like, ‘This is really interesting,’ because they’re finding a way to incorporate Sheldon and Leonard by having Stuart mess up a piece of equipment—their invention—and now he has to find his way out of it. So it incorporates the original Big Bang world with something that’s very different, but also very in line with Stuart and the comic book store and the whole universe. I’m really excited to see how they’re going to evolve these stories and what it’s going to look like and the people that they’re going to bring back because they did say they’re going to have beloved characters and cast members return.”

At its core, though, the success of the expanding Big Bang Theory universe may come down to something much simpler: viewers genuinely love spending time with these characters.

JESSICA RADLOFF: “Fans have been asking forever for a spinoff, but you’re taking these characters that were so beloved and people were not tired of watching. They wanted to see what’s going on in their lives. And to have that story continue, that’s the thread that makes people come back for more. And that’s a credit to Steve Molaro, Steve Holland, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady—they made these characters so interesting that you want to follow them through all these different iterations.”

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe premieres July 23 on HBOMax