A broad, fan-servicey sci-fi sitcom spinoff with a likable underdog lead and a premise built for multiverse chaos. It should work best for viewers who enjoy The Big Bang Theory’s comic-book-store corner of the universe, but the concept could easily tip into overextended lore jokes if the writing leans too hard on… Read more
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
Where to watch: Buy
TV Show · Comedy · Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Thu
Starring: Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn
Overview
Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon. Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert, and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke.
Cast
Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn, John Ross Bowie
Curator Review
Verdict
A broad, fan-servicey sci-fi sitcom spinoff with a likable underdog lead and a premise built for multiverse chaos. It should work best for viewers who enjoy The Big Bang Theory’s comic-book-store corner of the universe, but the concept could easily tip into overextended lore jokes if the writing leans too hard on callbacks.
Best for
Big Bang Theory fans who liked Stuart, Denise, Bert, or Kripke
Viewers who enjoy light sci-fi comedy with a sitcom engine
People looking for a breezy ensemble adventure rather than hard sci-fi
Fans of character-driven spinoffs and franchise deep cuts
Skip if
You want a fresh entry point with no franchise baggage
You dislike multiverse plots or heavy continuity jokes
You prefer sharper, more original sci-fi concepts
You’re not interested in sitcom-style humor or recurring guest appearances
Overview
This looks like a clever niche spinoff idea: take the most beleaguered comic-book-store owner in the Big Bang universe and make him the person responsible for saving reality. That’s a strong comic premise, and the supporting quartet gives it a built-in odd-couple rhythm that could be very funny if the show keeps the stakes absurd rather than bloated.
Worth noting
The appeal here is less about high-concept sci-fi than about watching a familiar ensemble get dragged through increasingly ridiculous multiverse problems. Stuart, Denise, Bert, and Kripke are all good choices for a lower-key, character-first adventure, especially if the series lets their personalities drive the jokes instead of relying on endless references.
Bottom line
The risk is that it becomes too dependent on franchise recognition and callback humor. If it finds a clean weekly-comedy structure and keeps the emotional stakes modest, it could be a pleasant surprise; if not, it may feel like a novelty extension of a much larger brand. For now, it sounds promising for existing fans and only moderately essential for everyone else.