HBO Max Orders New The Big Bang Theory Spinoff to Series

HBO Max has ordered Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, a new spin-off of The Big Bang Theory centered on comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, to series.

The new series will see Stuart tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon. He will be aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert and quantum physicist Barry Kripke. Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters from The Big Bang Theory.

The series will star Kevin Sussman as Stuart, Lauren Lapkus as Denise, Brian Posehn as Bert and John Ross Bowie as Barry.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is being produced by Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

“We’re excited to be continuing the legacy of The Big Bang Theory,” said Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max content. “Much like the original series, this new chapter wouldn’t be possible without the vision and storytelling brilliance of Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, as well as Zak Penn, who has brought fresh insight and a distinctive voice to an already exceptional creative team.”

Chuck Lorre, executive producer, said, “I wanted to do something radical that would take me out of my comfort zone. Something the characters on The Big Bang Theory would have loved, hated and argued about.”

“I was on a vision quest in the most remote parts of the Amazon Rainforest when a carrier pigeon arrived with a note from Chuck Lorre asking if I wanted to help make a show that the characters from The Big Bang Theory would watch,” commented Zak Penn, executive producer. “I couldn’t resist that idea, so I packed up my yurt and hailed the next dirigible out. At the same time, Chuck sent an expedition to locate Bill Prady, who had been frozen with his shield across his chest in a block of arctic ice. The team assembled, we set out to make this insane show, which lives in a universe created by Chuck and Bill. I couldn’t be more honored to be working with these amazing people.”

Bill Prady, executive producer, added, “The process of writing this show with Chuck and Zak has been damn fun, and I’m certain that joy will come through the screen. Putting characters we loved from The Big Bang Theory into a complex science-fiction story with the kind of mythology that those characters love while maintaining the comedic elements is incredibly satisfying.”

Channing Dungey, chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Television Group and WBD U.S. Networks, said, “Chuck and Bill have given us one of the most enduring comedies of our time with The Big Bang Theory, and we can’t wait to see the universe continue with this new series. With the help of Zak—a masterful storyteller—this next iteration promises to capture the essence of what fans loved about the original series, but with a completely fresh twist. We thank our partner, HBO Max, for joining us on this next adventure.”