Big Bang Theory's Sci-Fi Sequel Series Debuts To Solid Rotten Tomatoes Score

Published Jul 22, 2026, 7:41 PM EDT Abdullah Al-Ghamdi joined Screen Rant in August 2019 and is now one of the leading contributors of the TV News team. Having written over 4000 news stories in that time , with his work cited in Buzzfeed and TV Insider, he's always bemoaning that there's too many shows and not enough time. You can contact him at: aalghamdi@hey.com. The latest spinoff of The Big Bang Theory is debuting to a solid, albeit split, reaction. Since its debut in September 2007, the comedy franchise has gone through a few different iterations. The Big Bang Theory could fairly be described as a geekier version of Friends, evolving into the kind of show that audiences tune in because they're invested in the characters and their relationships. Young Sheldon, which came next, was a prequel that could get surprisingly serious as it revealed new depths to a protagonist that audiences thought that they knew. Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage swung back in the direction of a light, multi-cam sitcom. But it still found a new direction by focusing on supporting characters and giving them the spotlight. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, which debuts July 23 on HBO Max, combines the lessons of the previous two Big Bang spinoffs. It focuses on supporting characters and changes genre in the biggest way that the franchise has seen yet. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe has debuted with a 74% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The score is based on 19 reviews, with five leaning negative and 14 leaning positive. Since the series only just debuted, the numbers are likely to change as more reviews are added. As of now, as well, there is no audience score. Consisting of ten episodes, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe hails from an established team that includes Big Bang Theory co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, along with The Avengers co-story writer Zak Penn. It's befitting for a premise that sees comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman) having to restore reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki). Image via Everett Collection This leads to a multiverse Armageddon that Stuart has to try to stop. He's helped by his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), his geologist friend Bert (Brian Posehn), and quantum physicist Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie), although it's confirmed that the spinoff is poised to feature cameos from other familiar Big Bang Theory characters thanks to its multiverse twist. ScreenRant's review of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe by Ana Dumaraog concedes that the spinoff is bold but notes that it falters in execution. Dumaraog, who has covered The Big Bang Theory extensively for ScreenRant, writes that the HBO Max Original does little to connect to the original. More damningly, it's mentioned that the jokes generally don't land and the dynamic between the central group leaves something to be desired. The Hollywood Reporter's Angie Han strikes a similar tone. While the review praises the performance, it's again mentioned that the half-hour comedy fails to live up to its clever concept. On a more positive note, for viewers who do decide to stick around, Han does write that there is some fun to be had in finding out the worlds that Stuart and company will be sent to next. Veteran television critic Robert Lloyd is more bullish on Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, writing for the Los Angeles Times: “Nothing has made me happier recently than tumbling through the 10 episodes.” There is praise for the cast and the small details that the show pulls off, which is a sign that the rare HBO Max Original could eventually find its footing if, like past Big Bang Theory spinoffs, it finds an audience. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe debuts Thursday, July 23, on HBO Max, with new episodes releasing weekly. Release Date July 23, 2026 Network HBO Max Directors Kyle Newacheck Writers Bill Prady, Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn Creator(s) Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, Bill Prady