❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

The Big Bang Theory spin-off show releases first-look trailer as release date is mere weeks away

The Big Bang Theory universe is expanding again.

(L-R) John Ross Bowie, Lauren Lapkus, Kevin Sussman and Brian Posehn star in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe; their characters are standing in a row, looking shocked and worried at something ahead of them. Stuart is holding a large technological instrument.

Colin Remas Brown / HBO Max

Published: Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 10:24 am

Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 issues for £10

HBO Max has unveiled the first trailer for its upcoming comedy Stuart Fails to Save the Universe - and it teases a wild multiverse adventure.

Ad

The 10-episode show, which is a spin-off to the hit series The Big Bang Theory, will debut on Friday 24 July on HBO Max, with a new episode landing every Thursday.

The show follows comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman) - whose shop was frequently visited by Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki) in the hit series - who is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon.

He’s joined by his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist friend Bert (Brian Posehn), and quantum physicist Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie), with the quartet crossing paths with alternative-universe versions of fan-favourite characters from The Big Bang Theory along the way.

Bert, Stuart and Denise wear dark green military-style garb in a drab location, as they look irritated at someone in their group

Brian Posehn, Kevin Sussman and Lauren Lapkus star in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. Colin Remas Brown / HBO Max

But as the title suggests, the mission is far from plain sailing.

The trailer begins with Stuart declaring he is "the chosen one who’ll set things right", but when he’s asked what his plan is, he responds: "I don’t really have one".

The footage also teases cameos from the likes of Christine Baranski (Beverly Hofstadter), Riki Lindhome (Ramona Nowitzki), and Teller (Larry Fowler).

Watch the trailer for yourself below:

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as YouTube may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow YouTube and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

The new direction for the franchise has been created, written and executive produced by original series creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, and screenwriter Zak Penn (The Avengers).

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is coming to HBO Max in July 2026. Subscribe to HBO Max from £5.99 a month.

Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Ad

Add Stuart Fails to Save the Universe to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app– download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Authors

RadioTimes.com senior trends writer Molly Moss. She is sitting outside wearing a black top, holding a white teacup with a smily face on it to her mouth

Molly MossTrends Writer

Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.

Ad

Ad

Subscribe for £1 per week

Too much to watch this autumn? Let Radio Times magazine and app do the choosing, with expert picks across TV, streaming and film.

Subscribe now

Loading...

Ad

Loading...