Although the characters of The Big Bang Theory are fans of all things sci-fi, particularly Star Trek, the franchise they live in remains mostly grounded. The original sitcom that started it all ran for 12 seasons, following the evolving relationships, scientific pursuits, and other antics of friends Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Raj (Kunal Nayyar), and Howard (Simon Helberg), ending with the four finding fulfillment in their lives and careers. Prequel spin-offs Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, meanwhile, have since fleshed out Sheldon’s past and the history of the Cooper family to massive success for CBS. Now, though, the nerdy series is one step closer to entering a realm its scientist friends could’ve only dreamed of.
Warner Bros. Discovery announced during its annual upfront presentation in New York that Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the latest Big Bang Theory spin-off starring Kevin Sussman‘s kindly comic store owner Stuart Bloom, is set to premiere on HBO Max on July 23. Series co-creator Chuck Lorre previously described the series as “something the characters on The Big Bang Theory, would have loved, hated, and argued about,” placing Stuart in the middle of a multiversal disaster requiring a sci-fi adventure of epic proportions to prevent the end of all things. Unfortunately, he’s not very good at it. At least he has the help of his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist Bert (Brian Posehn), and pain-in-the-ass quantum physicist Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie) along the way.
Along with the release date, the first official teaser was revealed, showing just how woefully unprepared this quartet of “really incompetent Doctor Whos” is to become heroes. The trouble begins after Stuart breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, inadvertently kickstarting the multiversal apocalypse and thus, his journey to save it. From there, the recognizable elements and characters of The Big Bang Theory are twisted to fit into a much more action-packed and special effects-heavy adventure across different worlds, unlike anything else from the franchise, or Lorre, for that matter. Naturally, they wind up in a fair bit of trouble along the way, threatening to end Stuart and co’s journey before it even gets interesting. A new, sci-fi backdrop hasn’t changed the sense of humor, though, combining the same brand of comedy with bigger-budget spectacle for something truly out of this world.
‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ Reunites ‘The Big Bang Theory’s Creative Minds
Making Stuart Fails to Save the Universe after co-creating the flagship sitcom and its two prior offshoots took Lorre out of his comfort zone, but, like Stuart, he didn’t have to do it alone. His Big Bang Theory partner, Bill Prady, reunites with him at the helm of the sci-fi show, alongside Zak Penn, who brought the blockbuster action experience, having previously written for The Avengers, X2, Ready Player One, and more. Danny Elfman also came aboard to compose a new theme. This will be a big step-up for Stuart and his pals after playing second fiddle to Pasadena’s four biggest nerds, but there’s a chance that the friends, or other characters like Kaley Cuoco‘s Penny, could appear in the alternate universes they visit. The possibilities are endless, given the sheer scope of this series under the Warner Bros. Television umbrella.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe kicks off its ten-episode run on HBO Max on July 23. New episodes will follow every Thursday. Check out the first official teaser in the player above.
via Collider