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CNN
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘Big Bang Theory' spinoff ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' coming to HBO Max
'The Big Bang Theory' universe is growing again. On Wednesday, Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions announced 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,' a new series coming to HBO Max. According to a press release, the new show will center on comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, who is 'tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon.' Kevin Sussman played Stuart on the hit comedy 'The Big Bang Theory' and will reprise the role on the new show. The series will also star Lauren Lapkus, Stuart's girlfriend Denise, Brian Posehn, Stuart's geologist friend, and John Ross Bowie, as Barry Kripke. All are reprising characters they first played on 'The Big Bang Theory.' A press release adds: '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.' Sheldon and Leonard were played by Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki on the original series, but were not listed in the press release as being among the regular cast in the new show. The show will be executive produced by creators Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn and Bill Prady. 'I wanted to do something radical that would take me out of my comfort zone,' Lorre said in a statement. 'Something the characters on 'The Big Bang Theory,' would have loved, hated, and argued about.' '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,' Prady added. '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.' 'The Big Bang Theory,' about a group of nerdy friends ran from 2007 to May 2019. The first spinoff, 'Young Sheldon,' ran for seven seasons and concluded last year. 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage,' will debut its second season in the fall. Warner Bros. and HBO Max are owned by CNN's parent company.
CNN
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘Big Bang Theory' spinoff ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe' coming to HBO Max
'The Big Bang Theory' universe is growing again. On Wednesday, Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions announced 'Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,' a new series coming to HBO Max. According to a press release, the new show will center on comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, who is 'tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon.' Kevin Sussman played Stuart on the hit comedy 'The Big Bang Theory' and will reprise the role on the new show. The series will also star Lauren Lapkus, Stuart's girlfriend Denise, Brian Posehn, Stuart's geologist friend, and John Ross Bowie, as Barry Kripke. All are reprising characters they first played on 'The Big Bang Theory.' A press release adds: '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.' Sheldon and Leonard were played by Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki on the original series, but were not listed in the press release as being among the regular cast in the new show. The show will be executive produced by creators Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn and Bill Prady. 'I wanted to do something radical that would take me out of my comfort zone,' Lorre said in a statement. 'Something the characters on 'The Big Bang Theory,' would have loved, hated, and argued about.' '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,' Prady added. '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.' 'The Big Bang Theory,' about a group of nerdy friends ran from 2007 to May 2019. The first spinoff, 'Young Sheldon,' ran for seven seasons and concluded last year. 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage,' will debut its second season in the fall. Warner Bros. and HBO Max are owned by CNN's parent company.
Forbes
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
HBO Max Orders ‘Big Bang Theory' Spin-off 'Stuart Fails To Save The Universe'
A new spin-off of 'The Big Bang Theory' focused on one of the original series' recurring characters has been ordered to series by HBO Max, the latest example of a continued push by studios to expand popular franchises and repackage familiar content in hopes of reaching streaming success. Denise (Lauren Lapkus) and Stuart (Kevin Sussman) in "The Big Bang Theory." CBS via Getty Images The new show, called 'Stuart Fails To Save The Universe,' will focus on the character of Stuart Bloom, the bumbling owner of the comic book store frequented by the main characters in the original series. 'Stuart Fails To Save The Universe' will be the fourth show in the 'Big Bang' universe after two other sitcoms were spawned from the original series to varying levels of success. 'Young Sheldon,' set in the 1970s and following the childhood of the 'Big Bang' main character, was immensely popular over its seven-season run and was regularly the most-watched show across streaming and television thanks, in part, to its wide availability—'Young Sheldon' aired on CBS and was also available to stream on Netflix, Max, Paramount+ and other services. The series stars Kevin Sussman as Bloom and actors Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie, all of whom were recurring minor characters in 'The Big Bang Theory,' and original series creator Chuck Lorre will executive produce alongside Zak Penn and Bill Prady. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We're launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day's headlines. Text 'Alerts' to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here : 'The Big Bang Theory' isn't the only show whose characters have been rehashed to capture viewers familiar with their themes and characters as an extension of the 'comfort shows' that have proven to be viewership gold for streaming services. Perhaps the most pervasive examples are the seemingly endless reboots and spinoffs are the 'Star Trek' and 'Star Wars' franchises—Disney has created more than 15 shows in the 'Star Wars' universe in the last 11 years and seven new 'Star Trek' shows have aired or been announced since 2018. "Fuller House," which brought back most characters from the 1990s sitcom "Full House," ran for five seasons and drew strong viewership numbers to Netflix, and "Girl Meets World" from Disney ran for three seasons and starred many of the same actors from the original "Boy Meets World" show. Currently running are 'Frasier' on Paramount+, a reboot of the show of the same name that ran from 1993 to 2004; a live-action reboot of ''Avatar: The Last Airbender;' 'Queer Eye,' a re-do of an early 2000s reality show called "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy.'Critically acclaimed series "Cobra Kai," a spin-off of "The Karate Kid" films, ended its six-season run earlier this year and "Roseanne" was brought back for a fan-favorite season in 2018 before racist tweets from its star cancelled its run. Despite a slate of original series, comfort shows like "Gilmore Girls" and "Suits" claimed all 10 spots in Nielsen's most-watched shows for 2023 and 2024. 'The Big Bang Theory' was named 2024's 'most-binged title' in streaming, according to Nielsen. Key Background The plot of 'Stuart Fails To Save The Universe' will focus on Bloom and his friends' attempts to restore reality after bringing about a multiverse Armageddon by breaking a device built by original series main characters Sheldon and Leonard. While the original cast members aren't signed on, the show's log line promises appearances of "alternate-universe versions of characters we've come to know and love from 'The Big Bang Theory.'" Crucial Quote 'I wanted to do something radical that would take me out of my comfort zone," Chuck Lorre said in a statement. "Something the characters on 'The Big Bang Theory' would have loved, hated, and argued about.' What We Don't Know When the new show will air. HBO did not announce a premiere date. Tangent 'The Big Bang Theory' ran for 12 seasons, starting in 2007, and holds a Guinness World Record as the longest-running multi-camera sitcom, surpassing 'Cheers.' The show won 10 Emmy Awards, including four Outstanding Lead Actor prizes for Jim Parsons as Sheldon. In March, Max and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television launched "The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast" with author Jessica Radloff, who wrote a book about the series. 'The Big Bang Theory' also spawned seven seasons of the massive hit 'Young Sheldon' on CBS. Almost 12 million people tuned into the "Young Sheldon" finale live on CBS last June and 6 billion people watched the show across platforms that month, beating out new episodes of "Bridgerton" to become the most popular on television for the month. A spin-off of "Young Sheldon, "Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage," aired its first season last year and a second is slated to premiere during the 2025-2026 TV season. 'The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast' Launches On Max (Forbes) 'Bridgerton' Dominates Streaming Ratings In May—But 'Young Sheldon' Captures More Viewers Overall (Forbes) The World's Highest-Paid TV Actors: Jim Parsons Leads With $27.5 Million (Forbes)
Gizmodo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Oh No, ‘Big Bang Theory' Is Returning to Literally Destroy the Universe
You'd think io9—a site run by nerds—would enjoy a sitcom featuring a cast of nerd characters. Like, say, The Big Bang Theory, which ran on CBS for 12 seasons. But you'd be wrong: we loathed the show, especially for its often wrong-headed approach to geeky interests (remember how dirty it did Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples' wonderful comic Saga?), and we cheered when it finally wrapped up in 2019. But The Big Bang Theory obviously had a crap-ton of fans; you don't get to 12 seasons and two spin-offs (the recently concluded Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, which has a second season coming) without some ironclad popularity in place. And that success is still going, as HBO Max has just announced a third spin-off is now on the way. It's called Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, and we regret to inform any fellow haters that it is, indeed, a sci-fi show. Here's the official description: '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.' Kevin Sussman stars as Stuart, with Lauren Lapkus as Denise, Brian Posehn as Bert, and John Ross Bowie as Barry. In an HBO Max press release, executive producer Bill Prady, who shares that role with Chuck Lorre and Zak Penn, teased the show's genre elements: '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.' Lorre described Stuart Fails to Save the Universe as 'something the characters on The Big Bang Theory would have loved, hated, and argued about.' There's no arrival date yet for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, but HBO Max has given it a series order, so no doubt it's full steam ahead on this meta multiverse comic book-inspired extravaganza. Will you be checking it out? Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Geek Girl Authority
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Jennifer 'Jen' Sh'reyan
Welcome to this week's installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week , wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow. DISCLAIMER: The following article contains spoilers for Star Trek: Lower Decks. RELATED: Looking for another strong female crush? Check out our Geek Girl Authority Crushes of the Week here! Jennifer 'Jen' Sh'reyan Photos: PARAMOUNT+ Fast Facts Jennifer 'Jen' Sh'reyan (Lauren Lapkus) is an ensign aboard the U.S.S. Cerritos on Star Trek: Lower Decks. Initially, she is a background character. She can be spotted in the Cerritos bar in Season 1's 'Envoys.' Later in the season, in 'Cupid's Errant Arrow,' she is unceremoniously shoved aside by Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome). Jen continued to appear in the background throughout the first season. This includes taking part in the Chu Chu Dance at the Zebulon Sister's Concert in 'Cupid's Errant Arrow.' And in the Lower Decks Season 2 premiere, 'Strange Energies,' she confronted Mariner on the holodeck. On the occasion, she also stated that she exercised by taking part in yoga. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: Carol Freeman Like many other Cerritos crew members, Jen could regularly be seen performing her duties on the bridge of the ship. However, she was prone to becoming annoyed by the antics of Beta Shift. An example can be seen in Season 2's 'We'll Always Have Tom Paris.' In this episode, she grows annoyed while waiting for Bradward Boimler (Jack Quaid) to get his food from the Cerritos bar replicator. In Season 2's 'The Spy Humongous,' Jen was seen to be a part of the 'Redshirts' club. Other members of the club included Ensigns Casey (Neil Casey), Taylor (Fred Tatasciore) and Jen's friend Castro (Gabrielle Ruiz). And in the episode, Boimler joined as well. The club's purpose was to help one another gain promotions to a higher rank, with the goal of reaching captaincy. However, after Boimler set an example by rescuing D'Vana Tendi (Noël Wells) from her transformation into a giant praying mantis, the Redshirts club was disbanded. 'Jariner' In the Lower Decks Season 2 finale, 'First First Contact,' Jen's relationship with Mariner reached a new plateau. This takes place as the Cerritos is undertaking a high-stakes mission to traverse the Laaperian debris field, which requires the bridge viewscreen to be removed. An impact against the ship causes Mariner to fall through the open viewscreen and into space. Fortunately, a fast-acting Jen is able to seize her before she drifts too far away. Later in the episode, Mariner and Jen reunite in the Cerritos bar. After apologizing for the way they've treated one another for the past year, they each admit that they have feelings for one another. Soon Mariner is introducing Jen to the rest of Beta Shift. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: D'Vana Tendi In Lower Decks Season 3, Jen and Mariner are seen to be in a relationship. In the episode 'Mining the Mind's Mines,' we get several hints that their relationship is growing more serious. And later in the season, in 'Hear All, Trust Nothing,' Jen invites Mariner to one of Castro's 'salons.' At first, Mariner goes to great lengths to be on her best behavior. But when Jen reveals she had hoped Mariner would raise hell with her friends, Mariner obliges. However, 'Jariner' was not meant to last. In the Season 3 episode 'Trusted Sources,' Mariner is transferred to Starbase 80 after being falsely accused of spreading malicious rumours about the Cerritos crew. When Mariner appeals to Jen, Jen refuses to believe Mariner is innocent of the charges. However, it seemed as though Jen might be receptive to making amends with Mariner in the Season 3 finale, 'The Stars At Night.' But this was curtailed by Mariner's disinterest in speaking with Jen. The Real Deal Jen is the real deal. In the Season 5 episode 'The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel,' it is revealed that Jen has been transferred to the U.S.S. Manitoba. Jen states that this Parliament class ship is crewed entirely by Andorians, and suggests that it could be a good place for her earn her long-desired promotion. But before she is transferred, Jen joins Mariner on a final mission. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: T'Lyn At first, Jen pretends that she doesn't realize her relationship with Mariner has ended. While initially confused, Mariner eventually comes to realize she never spoke with Jen about the breakup. When Mariner finally confronts Jen about the situation, Jen admits that her behavior was a subterfuge to get back at Mariner for silently breaking up with her. By the end of the episode, Mariner and Jen have made amends with one another. And Jen is delighted that Mariner is the first ex with whom she's managed to maintain a friendship. Why She Matters Why does Jen matter? In fitting with the theme of Lower Decks as a whole, she shows us that everyone has their own story, even the 'side characters.' She demonstrates that we can achieve our dreams, even if it's a long road getting from there to here. And she proves that women don't have to be flawless in order to find romance or succeed in the workplace. So, be like Jen. Stick with your friends while working towards shared goals, but don't be afraid to walk away if you aren't getting the results you want. Try to work on communication with those closest to you, even if you face some stumbling blocks along the way. And always remember: even the nastiest breakup doesn't have to be the end of our story. Star Trek: Lower Decks is currently available for streaming on Paramount+. Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: DOCTOR T'ANA Avery Kaplan is the author of several books and the Features Editor at Comics Beat. She was honored to serve as a judge for the 2021 Cartoonist Studio Prize Award and the 2021 Prism Awards. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her partner and a pile of cats, and her favorite place to visit is the cemetery. You can also find her writing on Comics Bookcase, NeoText, Shelfdust, the Mary Sue, in many issues of PanelxPanel, and in the margins of the books in her personal library.
