Season 1 – Stuart Fails to Save the Universe

Play trailer

1:39

Next Ep Aug 6

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

76%

Tomatometer

41 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

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. Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from “The Big Bang Theory.” As the title implies, things don’t go well.

Watch on HBO Max

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe manages to brighten up its franchise through a genre-bending all-things-go sitcom that has the comedic chops to satisfy.

Read Critics Reviews

J. Kelly Nestruck

Globe and Mail

It’s hard to get invested in infinite and therefore consequence-free worlds -- and, in terms of the comedy, I only really chuckled at Posehn’s deadpan reactions to each strange new one.

Go to Full Review

Ben Dowell

The Times (UK)

Jul 25

3/5

Nerds trying to be funny can be wearisome and mildly tragic but there is something engaging in seeing them immerse themselves in the kind of weirdo adventures they enjoy obsessing about.

Go to Full Review

June Thomas

Slate

Jul 24

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe couldn’t be more different from its forebear, in the best and most surprising way possible.

Go to Full Review

Sonal Pandya

Times Now

3/5

Sussman and Posehn still have their awkward, nerdy charm from The Big Bang Theory. But this time, the pressure is on them to carry through an entire series.

Go to Full Review

Joyce Slaton

Common Sense Media

3/5

High-concept, imaginative and littered with guest stars from The Big Bang Theory universe, this wild spin-off is good weird fun.

Go to Full Review

Dustin Rowles

Pajiba

Jul 27

It feels less like a Big Bang Theory-style laugh-track sitcom and more like a … stoner comedy. Not a great one, mind you. But a watchable one.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Haley B

@moviesandmumbling 19h

Funny, surprising, and delightful. This takes a gimicky, often-done premise, leans into it, and somehow makes it fresh. It really shows the talent of everyone involved.

John C

@JohnNOhio 1d

I have watched the first two episodes and find the show quirky and fun. Why was episode two only 21 minutes long? I was waiting for more, then the end credits came on.

Chris R

@RT86838470 1d

Fun premise. If you don’t like the setting, just wait a week. HBO allows for some spicier language and more..hard hitting action. The cameos are fun as well.

Eric S

@RT63786740 2d

A funny show wish episodes were more around 40min or so. Also fun to see one member of the group in an episode!

Eric D

@RT59467895 2d

The main issue right now is the lenght. 20min. is really to short for this tv show...

Chris C

@RT69292280 2d

A new sci-fi direction for the show, it's funny and engaging. Give it a try,

Read all reviews

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Kevin Sussman

Stuart Bloom

Brian Posehn

Bert Kibbler

Lauren Lapkus

Denise

John Ross Bowie

Barry Kripke

Chuck Lorre

Writer

Zak Penn

Writer

Episode 1

Aired Jul 23, 2026

Spoiler: Gary Dies

After breaking a quantum-interference device, comic book store owner Stuart Bloom must save the universe from imminent destruction.

Details

Episode 2

Aired Jul 30, 2026

Spoiler: Bert is Magic

Stuart, Bert, Denise, and Barry Kripke find themselves in what appears to be an ideal and peaceful Earth - that happens to be controlled by a repressive and vicious AI.

Details

Episode 3

Airs Aug 6

Spoiler: Zack's in This One