HBO Max has ordered a series for the spin-off of The Big Bang Theory titled Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.

      The Big Bang Theory universe is set to expand once more, seemingly confronting Armageddon, as HBO Max has officially ordered a new series titled Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. This show is created by TBBT co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, alongside Zak Penn (Ready Player One, Free Guy), and will feature the return of supporting characters Stuart (Kevin Sussman), Bert (Brian Posehn), Denise (Lauren Lapkus), and John Ross Bowie (Kripke).

      Taking the franchise into full sci-fi territory, the official logline for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe states: “Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Sussman) is charged with restoring reality after he accidentally damages a device created by Sheldon and Leonard, leading to a multiverse Armageddon. He is joined on this mission by his girlfriend Denise (Lapkus), his geologist friend Bert (Posehn), and the quantum physicist and general annoyance Barry Kripke (Bowie). Throughout their journey, they encounter alternate-universe versions of beloved characters from The Big Bang Theory. As suggested by the title, things do not go smoothly.”

      “I wanted to create something radical that would push me out of my comfort zone—something that the characters from The Big Bang Theory would have loved, hated, and debated about,” said producer Chuck Lorre, with Bill Prady adding: “Working on this show with Chuck and Zak has been incredibly enjoyable, and I’m sure that enthusiasm will resonate on screen. Integrating characters we cherished from The Big Bang Theory into a layered science fiction narrative with the mythology those characters would appreciate, while still preserving the comedic elements, is immensely fulfilling.”

      “I was on a vision quest in the most secluded regions of the Amazon Rainforest when a carrier pigeon delivered a message from Chuck Lorre asking if I wanted to collaborate on a show that the characters from ‘Big Bang Theory’ would watch,” Penn commented. “I couldn’t resist that concept, so I packed my yurt and caught the next dirigible out. Meanwhile, Chuck dispatched a team to locate Bill Prady, who had been preserved in a block of arctic ice with his shield across his chest. With the team gathered, we set forth to create this wild show, which exists in a universe crafted by Chuck and Bill. It’s a tremendous honor to work with such incredible talents.”

      “Chuck and Bill have gifted us one of the most memorable comedies of our era with The Big Bang Theory, and we’re excited to see this universe further expanded through this new series,” stated Warner Bros. Television CEO Channing Dungey. “With Zak—an exceptional storyteller—on board, this next iteration is poised to capture the essence of what fans loved about the original series, but with a completely fresh perspective. We appreciate our partners at HBO Max for joining us on this new journey.”

      Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will be the fourth installment in The Big Bang Theory universe, following the flagship series, the prequel Young Sheldon, and the spinoff George & Mandy’s First Marriage, which debuted last year.