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HBO Max has released the debut trailer for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, its upcoming Big Bang theory spinoff that revolves around comic book store owner Stuart Bloom.
The trailer includes a number of minor characters from the hugely popular sitcom, who go on an multiversal adventure that references everything from Star Wars to The Matrix. We see Stuart’s girlfriend, Denise, his friend Bert, and of course, his nemesis, Barry Kripke.
They’re on a quest to save us all. @StuartFails to Save the Universe premieres July 23 on HBO Max. #SFTSTU pic.twitter.com/NnpN9Wxq8u
— HBO Max (@hbomax) May 13, 2026
The 10-episode season debuts July 23 at 9pm ET on HBO Max, with new episodes arriving subsequent Thursdays. Here’s the official blurb:
Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon. Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert, and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke. Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from The Big Bang Theory. As the title implies, things don’t go well.
The series stars Kevin Sussman (Stuart), Lauren Lapkus (Denise), Brian Posehn (Bert), and John Ross Bowie (Barry). It’s created, written, and executive produced by Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady.
Will this latest spinoff from The Big Bang Theory and creator Chuck Lorre work? While the concept seems far-fatched, there has been huge interest in seeing more from the original sitcom’s setting and characters, seven years after the series’ finale. The Big Bang Theory’s first spinoff, Young Sheldon, ended a hugely-popular seven-season run in 2024, spawning its own spinoff Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which has already been renewed for a third season.
Photograph by Colin Remas Brown/HBO Max.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
