Stuart Fails to Save the Universe — A Big Bang Theory Spinoff’s Shocking Premiere

HBO Max’s new series Stuart Fails to Save the Universe launches Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman) in a post-apocalyptic Pasadena where a multiverse-breaking device, originally built by Sheldon and Leonard, has been shattered. The episode follows Stuart, his sidekick Bert (Brian Posehn), and former love interest Denise (Lauren Lapkus) as they infiltrate CalTech to retrieve the device. Inside, they encounter Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), imprisoned for years by the “Great Khalif of South Pasadena,” revealed to be Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie). Kripke shoots Raj in the back moments before he can repair the machine, delivering a surprise death that sets the tone for the series’ darker, sci-fi comedy.

Deadline HollywoodNew York Times

Co-creators Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady, and Zak Penn addressed the decision in a Deadline interview. Lorre and Prady noted that Raj’s death occurs only in this universe, allowing future episodes to explore alternate realities where the character may return. The creators emphasized that the multiverse premise permits resurrection in other timelines.

Deadline Hollywood

“I’ve never really had a 10-year plan or a career goal other than to keep working and do interesting roles,” — Kevin Sussman. He described the shift from a supporting comic-book-store owner to the series lead as “uncharted territory.” John Ross Bowie, portraying Kripke, expressed curiosity about the American audience’s reaction and framed the murder as a “wounding error” within an infinite set of possible Rajes. He also acknowledged fan backlash, calling the act “like shooting Fonzie” and promising it would happen only once “He’s the most likable character maybe in TV history, it’s like shooting Fonzie, I feel terrible,” — John Ross Bowie.

Deadline Hollywood

Fans and co-stars quickly criticized Kripke’s betrayal of a beloved legacy character. Bowie admitted the scene “didn’t feel great” and noted the immediate “comeuppance” his character receives in the episode, a plot point reportedly suggested by Zak Penn. The controversy underscores the series’ willingness to subvert expectations while navigating nostalgia for the original sitcom.

Deadline Hollywood

• “So they kind of rationalize it, but that said, Kunal is the sweetest, he is made of puppies, basically, and to have to shoot him in the back, no less, didn’t feel great, I won’t lie to you,” — Boiwe

Deadline Hollywood

• “He’s the most likable character maybe in TV history, it’s like shooting Fonzie, I feel terrible,” — John Ross Bowie

Deadline Hollywood

• “I’ve never really had a 10-year plan or a career goal other than to keep working and do interesting roles,” — Kevin Sussman

New York Times