‘Big Bang’ spinoff ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ has arrived
‘Big Bang’ spinoff ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ has arrived
Can a comic book store owner save the multiverse from an impending apocalypse? Based on the title of the show, I’m guessing not.
“The Big Bang Theory” wrapped up its run seven years ago, and since, we’ve send the end of its first spinoff, “Young Sheldon,” and the other, “Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage,” just wrapped up its second season this spring. But if you are a longtime devotee of the expanded “Big Bang” Universe, the franchise is bringing you a completely unique story with some of your favorite characters. “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” premieres on HBO Max on Thursday, July 23, and promises a wholly different journey than what you’ve ever seen before. You can check out all of the cosmic-comedy action with any subscription to HBO Max.
How to watch ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’
- When: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 9:01 p.m. ET
- TV: HBO Max
- Stream: Watch with a subscription to HBO Max.
- From anywhere: Watch with a subscription to a VPN.
Everything you need to know about Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’
When will ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ premiere?
The show will debut its series premiere on HBO Max on Thursday, July 23 at 9:01 p.m. ET. The other installments in the 10-episode series will roll out on subsequent Thursdays.
What is the complete ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ Season 1 schedule?
| Date | Time (ET) | Episode Title | Outlet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, July 23 | 9:01 p.m. | Episode 1: Series Premiere | Max |
| Thursday, July 30 | 9:01 p.m. | Episode 2 | Max |
| Thursday, Aug. 6 | 9:01 p.m. | Episode 3 | Max |
| Thursday, Aug. 13 | 9:01 p.m. | Episode 4 | Max |
| Thursday, Aug. 20 | 9:01 p.m. | Episode 5 | Max |
| Thursday, Aug. 27 | 9:01 p.m. | Episode 6 | Max |
| Thursday, Sept. 3 | 9:01 p.m. | Episode 7 | Max |
| Thursday, Sept. 10 | 9:01 p.m. | Episode 8 | Max |
| Thursday, Sept. 17 | 9:01 p.m. | Episode 9 | Max |
| Thursday, Sept. 24 | 9:01 p.m. | Episode 10: Season Finale | Max |
Where will episodes of ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ air?
Unlike the other series in the “Big Bang” franchise, “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” will not be on CBS. Since Warner Bros. Television has long been the production company behind all of the other shows in the family, this latest spin-off will air exclusively on HBO Max. However, with the impending acquisition of WBD by Paramount Skydance, all of the shows will officially be under one roof, and therefore, there is the possibility that it could also end up on Paramount+, or even CBS, eventually.
Can you watch ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ for free?
Technically, no, but you can if you work the system a bit. Currently, HBO Max does not offer a free trial. So, if you want to watch “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” throughout the course of the season, you will need a subscription to the service. Plans start at $10 per month with ads, $17 per month for the ad-free option, or $21 per month for the Ultimate Ad Free tier. This highest-priced option allows you to stream in 4K on up to four devices and download shows to watch offline.
However, if you are looking to check out just the first episode to see if you will like it, there is a workaround. Currently, if you subscribe to a live TV streaming service, many are offering complementary subscriptions to on-demand streamers as well, including HBO Max. So, if you are already a customer of one of these services, you don’t have to worry, and you’ve already got access.
But if you don’t, then you will want to find a live streamer that offers a free trial and provides free access to HBO Max. Our recommendation would be to give DIRECTV a try. The streamer not only has the longest guaranteed free trial in the industry at five days, but it also offers HBO Max with a number of its plans.
HBO Max
HBO Max is a subscription video streaming service that gives access to the full HBO library and exclusive Max Originals. There are hubs for content from TLC, HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, TCM, Cartoon Network, Travel Channel, ID, and more. Watch hit series like “The Last of Us,” “House of the Dragon,” “Succession,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and more. Within HBO Max, B/R Sports allows users to watch live NBA, MLB, NHL, March Madness, and NASCAR events.
Check out the trailer for ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’
What will ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ be about?
First off, this is not going to be your run-of-the-mill spin-off. Previous additions to the “Big Bang Theory” narrative have focused on the past, looking at the lives of members of the extended Cooper family. However, this one not only goes in a different direction, but to a completely different plane of existence.
In the show, Sheldon and Leonard’s go-to comic book store owner, Stuart Bloom, is visited by a version of himself from another strain of reality and tasked with preventing the multiversal Armageddon. Throughout the first season, characters (some beloved, and some not so beloved) will make appearances, but the alternate reality versions we meet along the way might look very different from the ones we already know.
Get a first look at ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’
Click to expand images to full size.
Who stars in ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’?
In addition to Kevin Sussman returning as Stuart Bloom, he will be joined in his quest to save the multiverse by his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), friend Bert (Brian Posehn), and Sheldon Cooper’s mortal enemy Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie), who also might be the most evil person in the apocalyptic alternate universe.
Also slated to make an appearance is Joshua Malina, who played university president Siebert on “The Big Bang Theory.” However, as of now, what version of the character he will be playing has not been disclosed.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
After accidentally creating a new multiverse, comic book store owner Stuart Bloom must locate a quantum-interference device to restore reality.