New Big Bang Theory Spinoff Debuts on HBO Max

The first spinoff sequel to "The Big Bang Theory" has premiered, taking the long-running franchise into a bold new genre. "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" debuted on HBO Max on July 23, 2026, marking the franchise's first move away from CBS and its first series to center on supporting characters from the original sitcom. The show follows comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, played by Kevin Sussman, who is tasked with restoring reality after a device built by Sheldon and Leonard malfunctions, causing a multiverse crisis.

He is joined on his quest by his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist friend Bert (Brian Posehn), and the troublesome physicist Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie). Unlike the traditional multi-camera format of its predecessors, the new series is a single-camera science fiction adventure comedy that travels through alternate realities. The show was created by "Big Bang" co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, along with screenwriter Zak Penn, whose credits include superhero and sci-fi projects.

Critical reception for the 10-episode first season has been mixed. The series holds a 72% approval rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, which is the...