Stuart Fails to Save the Universe has featured cameos from several The Big Bang Theory alums — but not every forged member has made their triumphant return to the small screen.
The HBO Max spinoff follows comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, who “is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a tool built by Sheldon and Leonard, by accident bringing a couple of multiverse Armageddon,” in line with the official synopsis.
Stuart “is aided on this quest by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert and quantum physicist/all-around pain within the ass Barry Kripke. Along the way in which, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from The Big Bang Theory. Because the title implies, things don’t go well.”
Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn, Lauren Lapkus and John Ross Bowie were tapped to headline the show. They’ll all reprise their roles from the unique series, with Posehn returning as a geologist at Caltech. Sussman’s Stuart owned a comic book book store and located love with Denise (Lapkus).
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is the fourth project within the Big Bang Theory universe. CBS’ hit sitcom aired from 2007 to 2019 and starred Jim Parsons, Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch as a bunch of scientists and their significant others.
CBS later launched the Young Sheldon prequel, which focused on Sheldon’s life (Iain Armitage) as a toddler prodigy growing up in Texas. Viewers met Sheldon’s brother, Georgie (Montana Jordan), which paved the way in which for his love story with Mandy (Emily Osment) to encourage one other spinoff, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.
Keep scrolling to see who’s — and isn’t — on Stuart Fails to Save the Universe:
Kevin Sussman
After appearing on The Big Bang Theory, Sussman is back because the lead of his own spinoff.
Johnny Galecki
Galecki a.k.a Leonard hasn’t appeared — yet.
Jim Parsons
Parsons, who hasn’t been on Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, previously expressed his preference to not play Sheldon Cooper again.
Kaley Cuoco
Cuoco has been booked and busy since playing Penny but has appeared on Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.
Simon Helberg
Helberg, who played Howard, isn’t in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe thus far.
Kunal Nayyar
Nayyar, who’s best known for enjoying Raj Koothrappali, returned within the series premiere of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.
Christine Baranski
Baranski returned but played herself as a substitute within the spinoff.
Brian Thomas Smith
Smith was also featured within the second episode of the brand new show.
Riki Lindhome
Lindhome made an appearance during season 1.
Mayim Bialik
Bialik hasn’t confirmed a return on Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.
Melissa Rauch
It’s unclear if Rauch will likely be on Stuart Fails to Save the Universe in season 1.