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Big Bang Theory Spinoff “Stuart Fails” Premieres on HBO Max

7/25/2026

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Summary

Stuart Fails

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe premiered on HBO Max on Thursday 23 July 2026.
Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady created the series, extending the Big Bang Theory franchise.
Stuart Bloom, Denise, Bert and Barry Kripke travel the multiverse to stop an Armageddon caused by Sheldon and Leonard’s device.
The ten-episode season releases weekly, runs 15-25 minutes per episode, and airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in the U.S. (2 a.m. BST in the U.K.).

Summary

Raj Shot

Kunal Nayyar appears as an alternate-universe Raj who is shot by Barry Kripke.
Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady and Zak Penn said Raj’s death was required for the math-centric storyline.
John Ross Bowie called the shooting “terrible” and said Barry Kripke will have a redemption arc over the ten-episode season.
The series debuted at a San Diego Comic-Con panel on July 23, surprising fans.

Summary

Actors Juggle

Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie say the spinoff enables them to balance on-screen work with family life.
Lauren Lapkus (actress) wed Mike Castle on Oct. 5 2018 and later had daughters Holly (2021) and Gigi (2024).
Brian Posehn (comedian) married Melanie Truhett-Posehn after meeting her in 1988 and later had a son.
John Ross Bowie (improviser) married Jamie Denbo on June 5 2004 and later had two children.

History

Historical Context

When NBC debuted Frasier on September 16 1993, the Cheers spin-off quickly earned critical acclaim, winning four Primetime Emmy Awards in 1994 including Outstanding Comedy Series and Lead Actor for Kelsey Grammer. Its long-run success showed spin-offs could revive legacy brands, a pattern the 2026 Stuart Fails to Save the Universe sequel to The Big Bang Theory follows.

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Stuart Fails

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe premiered on HBO Max on Thursday 23 July 2026.
Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady created the series, extending the Big Bang Theory franchise.
Stuart Bloom, Denise, Bert and Barry Kripke travel the multiverse to stop an Armageddon caused by Sheldon and Leonard’s device.
The ten-episode season releases weekly, runs 15-25 minutes per episode, and airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in the U.S. (2 a.m. BST in the U.K.).

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