Now thatStuart Fails To Save The Universe’s synopsis has been revealed, it is clear thatThe Big Bang Theory’s next spinoff will take a hammer to the sitcom’s iconic fictional universe.The Big Bang Theory’s finaleleft the door open for new additions to the show’s fictional universe, as didYoung Sheldon’s ending.
WhileSheldon’s character growthinThe Big Bang Theory’s ending set up the story of its prequel,Young Sheldon, Georgie and Mandy’s marriage inYoung Sheldon’s final season set upGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. As such, one could be forgiven for assuming that the sitcom franchise’s creators would keep building on this expanding sitcom world.
However,The Big Bang Theory’s next spinoff,Stuart Fails To Save The Universe, is instead taking the exact opposite approach. The show will literally destroyThe Big Bang Theory’s universe, and it sounds like it will have fun doing so. Per the official synopsis from HBO Max (viaVariety):
“Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman) 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 (Lauren Lapkus), geologist friend Bert (Brian Posehn), and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie). Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love fromThe Big Bang Theory. As the title implies, things don’t go well.”
Stuart Fails To Save The Universe Can Go Full Meta With Destroying The Big Bang Theory Universe
The Big Bang Theory’s Universe Is The New Sitcom’s Primary Target
Much like the real-life universe started with the Big Bang (in theory),Stuart Fails To Save The Universewill begin with Stuart destroyingThe Big Bang Theory’s universe. This promising meta concept will allow the show to explore different versions ofThe Big Bang Theory’s characters, but it will also quite literally destroy the original versions of the characters that viewers already know and love.
Howard and Sheldon changed a lot from their season 1 selves, butStuart Fails To Save The Universeis doing something radically different by literally destroying the show’s original characters.
WhileThe Big Bang Theory’s finale had its divisive elements, the show stopped short of destroying its characters altogether. Howard’s transformation into a family man and Sheldon’s gradual growth into a more considerate friend meant they changed a lot from their season 1 selves, butStuart Fails To Save The Universeis doing something radically different by literally destroying the show’s original characters.
Its Alternate Reality Concept Keeps The Returning Characters From Getting Stale
The Big Bang Theory Spinoff’s Character Comebacks Can Feel Fresh and Original This Way
This means that, ifThe Big Bang Theory’s main cast members do return inStuart Fails To Save The Universe, their actors will get to play different versions of the same characters. Whether any of them will be regular supporting characters or just one-off episode cameos remains to be seen, but this is a fun change of pace either way.
IfStuart Fails To Save The Universefocuses primarily on Kripke, Denise, Bert, and its eponymous hero overThe Big Bang Theorycameos, the show is guaranteed to feel fresh thanks to its new lead characters. However, even ifThe Big Bang Theorycharacters do regularly return for Stuart Fails To Save The Universe, this multiverse setup means viewers will still get to see completely new, original versions of them.
