The Big Bang Theory Podcast returns with Season 3 May 18, 2026
The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast has returned to revisit Seasons 3 and 4 of The Big Bang Theory, and this time the podcast is presented in video.
Hosted by Jessica Radloff, author of the New York Times bestseller The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series and the upcoming Young Sheldon: The Inside Story of the Hit Comedy, the podcast takes a look at a classic TBBT episode each week. Radloff is joined by a special guest - from cast members and guest stars to writers, producers and crew - to share behind-the-scenes stories and memories from the show.
For its new episodes, the podcast has moved to a purpose-built video set from HBO Max and Warner Bros., allowing fans to watch Radloff and her guest of the week as they discuss the episode and react to clips from the show.
The podcast originally launched in March 2025 with a look back at the unaired Pilot, which was developed for the 2006/07 season, before continuing through December to cover all seventeen episodes of Season 1 and all twenty-three episodes of Season 2.
Guests during the first two seasons included The Big Bang Theory co-creator Chuck Lorre, executive producer Steven Molaro, director Mark Cendrowski, cast member Kunal Nayyar, future cast member Kevin Sussman, and guest stars including Sara Gilbert (Leslie Winkle), John Ross Bowie (Barry Kripke) and Christine Baranski (Beverly Hofstadter).
In a recent Instagram post, Jessica Radloff teased several upcoming guests for the new season, including The Big Bang Theory cast members Kunal Nayyar, Simon Helberg, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. Other guests set to appear include guest stars Joshua Malina (President Siebert), Brian Thomas Smith (Zack), Wil Wheaton (himself), executive producer Steve Holland and Young Sheldon star Raegan Revord.
In the first episode of the new season, Jessica was joined by showrunner and executive producer Steve Molaro to discuss the Season 3 premiere, "The Electric Can Opener Fluctuation", which saw Leonard and Penny finally get together. Molaro discusses why the writers chose not to drag out Leonard and Penny's long-awaited move from friends to something more, and why they decided to make the couple's first night together less than perfect. He also reflects on how Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki's real-life relationship at the time helped shape the chemistry fans saw on screen.
The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast is released every Monday on HBO Max and all major podcast platforms, including Amazon, Apple, Spotify and YouTube.
HBO Max releases Stuart Fails to Save the Universe teaser May 13, 2026
HBO Max has released the official teaser for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the upcoming spin-off of The Big Bang Theory centered on comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, played by Kevin Sussman.
The trailer was unveiled Wednesday by stars Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie during Warner Bros. Discovery’s Upfront presentation in New York. HBO Max also confirmed that the 10-episode series will premiere Thursday, July 23 at 9 p.m. ET, with new episodes dropping weekly on Thursdays.
The single-camera comedy series follows Stuart after he accidentally breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, setting off a multiverse catastrophe. To restore reality, Stuart teams up with his girlfriend Denise (Lapkus), geologist Bert (Posehn), and the perpetually abrasive quantum physicist Barry Kripke (Bowie). Their mission brings them face to face with alternate-universe versions of familiar Big Bang Theory characters, though, as the title suggests, Stuart’s rescue efforts do not exactly go smoothly.
The teaser opens with a hooded figure entering the Comic Center of Pasadena, only to reveal himself as Bert. When Stuart asks what it is like outside, the trailer cuts to flashes of apocalyptic chaos before Bert deadpans, “I think there’s room for improvement.” Other footage teases giant bugs, desolate war zones, a supreme ruler of Southern Pasadena and a wormhole, while one version of Stuart quickly tries to explain how this “apocalyptic nightmare” never has to happen.
At one point, Stuart finds a Stuart Fails to Save the Universe comic book in his own store, featuring a panel showing Sheldon, Leonard and Howard with the “Vari-state Quantum Entanglement” device that appears to have caused the crisis.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is created, written and executive produced by The Big Bang Theory co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady and screenwriter Zak Penn, whose credits include The Avengers and Ready Player One.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe release date announced April 27, 2026
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the upcoming The Big Bang Theory spin-off, will debut this July on HBO Max, it was revealed yesterday.
The announcement came during a panel at CCXP Mexico City, where stars Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie shared new concept art and first-look stills from the show. An official Instagram account, @stuartfails, was also launched alongside the reveal.
The hour-long comedy follows hapless comic book store owner Stuart Bloom as he attempts to restore reality after accidentally breaking a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, triggering a multiverse catastrophe. Joining him on his quest are his girlfriend Denise (Lapkus), geologist Bert (Posehn), and ever-irritating quantum physicist Barry Kripke (Bowie). Along the way, the group encounters alternate-universe versions of familiar characters from The Big Bang Theory. As the title suggests, things don’t always go to plan.
Blending comedy with science fiction and fantasy, the series marks a notable shift from the traditional multi-camera format of The Big Bang Theory, adopting a more cinematic style with larger-scale settings and extensive visual effects.
The newly released teaser images show the group navigating increasingly chaotic situations, from the familiar confines of Stuart’s comic book store to a Caltech lab, where he is seen holding the device, and later a war-torn environment patrolled by armed soldiers, still carrying it. Another image shows Stuart and Denise in a tranquil lakeside setting, offering a brief contrast to the surrounding chaos, while the final shot depicts the group looking battle-worn and on edge.
It was also announced that Emmy and Grammy Award winner Danny Elfman will compose the show’s original theme music. Elfman is known for his work on films such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Batman Returns, as well as television themes including The Simpsons and Desperate Housewives.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe comes from executive producers Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, co-creators of The Big Bang Theory, alongside Ready Player One screenwriter Zak Penn. The first season will consist of 10 episodes, with a specific July premiere date yet to be announced.
HBO Max spot gives first look at Stuart Fails to Save the Universe December 13, 2025
HBO Max has released a new spot highlighting its 2026 programming slate, including a couple of shots from the upcoming The Big Bang Theory spin-off, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is an hour-long comedy series which blends elements of fantasy and science fiction and is expected to feature a lot of CGI, marking a shift from The Big Bang Theory’s multi-camera sitcom origins. The series stars Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom, the hapless comic book store owner who inadvertently triggers a multiverse catastrophe by breaking a device created by TBBT’s Sheldon and Leonard.
Joining Sussman are several Big Bang Theory alumni: Brian Posehn as geologist Bert, Lauren Lapkus as Stuart’s girlfriend Denise and John Ross Bowie as physicist Barry Kripke. Together, the trio help Stuart attempt to restore reality. Ryan Cartwright, Josh Brener and Tommy Walker are also set to appear in recurring roles.
The HBO Max spot includes two brief, never-before-seen shots from the series.
In the first, Stuart appears panicked in his Pasadena comic book store. In the second shot, Bert is shown tied to a stake, seemingly moments away from being burned alive by a crowd of torch-wielding villagers.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe comes from executive producers Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, co-creators of The Big Bang Theory, along with Ready Player One screenwriter Zak Penn. The show, which has been in development for a couple of years, is currently filming in Los Angeles. The first season is expected to have ten episodes and an exact air date has yet to be announced.
The HBO Max spot also highlighted upcoming programming including new seasons of The Pitt, Industry, House of the Dragon, Euphoria, Hacks, The Gilded Age, and Dune: Prophecy, as well as new series and limited projects such as A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, DTF St. Louis, The Rooster, Half Man, War, Lanterns, a two-part documentary titled Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, and an untitled limited series from Larry David.
While HBO Max looks ahead to its 2026 programming, its corporate parent, Warner Bros. Discovery, is caught in a takeover battle between Netflix, which agreed to buy WBD on December 4, and Paramount, which this week launched a hostile bid directly to shareholders after its offer was rebuffed by the company.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe adds 3 actors August 14, 2025
Three new actors have been added to the upcoming Big Bang Theory spin-off Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, which is in development at HBO Max.
According to Deadline, Ryan Cartwright (Kevin Can Wait), Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) and Tommy Walker (Henry Danger) are set for major recurring roles on the new show. Both Cartwright and Brener previously guest starred on The Big Bang Theory, although they'll be portraying new characters in the upcoming show.
The recurring trio join Big Bang Theory alumni Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie, who make up the series' main cast.
According to the show's logline, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe follows comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Sussman) after he accidentally triggers a multiverse catastrophe by breaking a device created by Sheldon and Leonard. As he attempts to restore reality, Stuart is helped by his girlfriend Denise (Lapkus), geologist Bert (Posehn) and quantum physicist Barry Kripke (Bowie).
As the premise suggests, the series will introduce alternate-universe versions of familiar characters from The Big Bang Theory, potentially paving the way for guest appearances from original cast members.
As reported by Deadline, Cartwright will portray Kyle, a regular at Stuart's comic book store. Brener takes on the role of Trevor, while Walker plays Gary, Denise's handsome new boyfriend.
Ryan Cartwright, a British-born actor, is best known for his starring role on Kevin Can Wait and recurring appearances on Bones and Alphas. He guest starred on The Big Bang Theory as Cole, Penny's British study partner, in a Season 6 episode, and has since appeared in several Chuck Lorre sitcoms including Mom, Bob Hearts Abishola and B Positive.
Josh Brener is best known for his role as Nelson "Big Head" Bighetti on HBO's Silicon Valley, which ran for six seasons. He previously played Dale, an employee at Stuart's comic book store, in two episodes of The Big Bang Theory. His additional credits include guest spots on The Middle, Modern Family and The Neighborhood.
Tommy Walker is best known for portraying Drex Stinklebaum on Nickelodeon's Henry Danger and its spin-off Danger Force. He also guest starred in an episode of Chuck Lorre's Netflix comedy-drama The Kominsky Method.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe was officially ordered by HBO Max in July, though it has been in development for a couple of years. The series comes from Big Bang Theory creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, alongside The Avengers and Ready Player One screenwriter Zak Penn. A premiere date has not yet been announced.
The Big Bang Theory Podcast shifts to Season 2 July 21, 2025
The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast has now shifted its focus to Season 2 of The Big Bang Theory after eighteen episodes covering the show's first season.
Hosted by Jessica Radloff, author of the New York Times bestseller The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, the podcast takes a look at one TBBT episode each week with a special guest - a crew member, cast member or guest star - to share their memories of the episode and what it was like working on the show.
The podcast premiered on March 17 with a look at the unaired Pilot originally developed for the 2006/07 season. The following seventeen episodes focused on Season 1 of The Big Bang Theory, from the Pilot to the season finale, The Tangerine Factor.
Among Jessica's guests for the first season were The Big Bang Theory co-creator Chuck Lorre, former Warner Bros. executive Peter Roth, renowned TV director James Burrows, TBBT directors Mark Cendrowski, Anthony Rich, and Nikki Lorre, and writer/producers Dave Goetsch, Lee Aronsohn, and Steve Molaro. Other guests included TBBT guest stars Sara Gilbert (Leslie Winkle), Courtney Henggeler (Missy Cooper), and Vernée Watson (Nurse Althea), along with the show's science consultant David Saltzberg, set decorator Ann Shea, and production designer John Shaffner.
In this week's episode, Jessica Radloff is once again joined by Chuck Lorre to discuss the Season 2 premiere, The Bad Fish Paradigm. On-screen, Leonard and Penny faced the aftermath of their first date, but behind the scenes, Chuck Lorre had just learned about the real-life romance between Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki. Lorre also recalls Jim Parsons' audition for Sheldon, and reflects on The Big Bang Theory's first visit to Comic-Con, where the show's strong connection with fans became clear.
As the Season 2 episodes of the podcast continue, Jessica Radloff will be joined by Sara Rue (Leonard's girlfriend Stephanie), John Ross Bowie (Barry Kripke), Christine Baranski (Beverly Hofstadter) and Kevin Sussman (Stuart Bloom), along with more The Big Bang Theory crew members.
The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast is released every Monday on HBO Max and all major podcast platforms, including Amazon, Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe ordered to series by HBO Max July 9, 2025
A new Big Bang Theory spin-off, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, has officially been ordered to series by the recently rebranded streaming service HBO Max.
Kevin Sussman returns as comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, a role he played for eleven seasons on The Big Bang Theory. He'll be joined by a group of familiar faces from the original series: Lauren Lapkus (Denise), Brian Posehn (Bert), and John Ross Bowie (Kripke).
The new show is executive produced by TBBT co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady along with screenwriter Zak Penn (Ready Player One, Free Guy), and comes from Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
HBO Max first announced over two years ago that Lorre was developing a project "derived from" The Big Bang Theory. Significant updates followed late last year, with Prady and Penn joining as co-writers and the casting of Sussman, Lapkus and Posehn. Bowie joined the cast earlier this year, while the title Stuart Fails to Save the Universe was unveiled in March.
As Lorre previously shared, the new series blends science fiction and fantasy with comedy and will feature "a lot of CGI", a notable departure from his multi-camera shows like The Big Bang Theory or even the single-camera Young Sheldon.
According to the official logline, "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."
As the premise suggests, original cast members from The Big Bang Theory are expected to appear in guest roles as alternate versions of their characters.
Discussing the new series, Chuck Lorre said, "I wanted to do something radical that would take me out of my comfort zone. Something the characters on The Big Bang Theory would have loved, hated, and argued about." Prady added, "The process of writing this show with Chuck and Zak has been damn fun, and I'm certain that joy will come through the screen. Putting characters we loved from The Big Bang Theory into a complex science fiction story with the kind of mythology that those characters love while maintaining the comedic elements is incredibly satisfying."
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is the fourth show in the Big Bang Theory universe, following the original series (2007-2019), the prequel Young Sheldon (2017-2024), and its own spin-off Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage (2024-present).
HBO Max did not reveal when Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will begin production or will be released.
Chuck Lorre gives update on Stuart Fails to Save the Universe June 11, 2025
Chuck Lorre gave an update on Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the Big Bang Theory spin-off currently in development for HBO Max, during a panel at the Banff World Media Festival on Monday, Variety reports.
The show, which has yet to be officially picked up, sees Kevin Sussman reprise his role as comic book store owner Stuart Bloom. He’ll be joined by a roster of recurring Big Bang Theory actors: Brian Posehn as Caltech geologist Bert Kibbler, Lauren Lapkus as Stuart’s co-worker Denise, and John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke, a physicist at Caltech and frenemy of the guys.
Speaking at the festival in Alberta, Canada, Lorre signaled that Stuart Fails to Save The Universe will be a significant departure from his earlier multi-camera sitcoms, including The Big Bang Theory, and the single-camera Young Sheldon, thanks to its heavy use of CGI. Lorre joked that in his career, a big production number was “two people sitting on a couch, drinking coffee”. In contrast, the new show will blend comedy with elements of science fiction and fantasy, drawing inspiration from its comic book store setting.
Lorre also revealed that he and his writing partners, fellow Big Bang Theory co-creator Bill Prady and screenwriter Zak Penn (Ready Player One, Free Guy), have already written ten episodes of the show, even though the show has not yet been greenlit.
The project has been in development since at least April 2023, though it saw little progress that year as Hollywood writers and actors took to the picket lines. The casting of Sussman, Posehn and Lapkus was confirmed in October 2024, while Lorre’s writing partnership with Prady and Penn was reported in December. Bowie’s casting was announced in February of this year, while the title Stuart Fails to Save the Universe was revealed back in March.
During the show’s development, the streaming platform originally launched as HBO Max was rebranded as Max in May 2023. However, last month, it was announced that the platform would revert to its original HBO Max name later this year. Just this week, parent company Warner Bros. Discovery announced it would be splitting into two companies - one company containing Warner Bros. streaming and studios, the other managing global cable networks, many of which were Discovery properties before the 2022 merger.
At the Banff festival, Lorre also spoke about the enduring popularity of The Big Bang Theory, its prequel Young Sheldon, and Young Sheldon's own spin-off Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage. “These shows that we worked so hard on for so many years that we were so determined to make meaningful and funny at that same time, they seem to be sustaining over time, which is incredibly gratifying,” he said.
Lorre also commented on the standalone success of Young Sheldon. “I meet people all the time who enjoy Young Sheldon and never watched The Big Bang Theory. They didn’t even know it was a prequel, which is incredibly gratifying, because, when Steven Molaro and I started doing that, the hope was that it would stand on its own. That it would not be leaning against this 12 years of this other series. And it did, it became its own series, its own ensemble. That’s immensely gratifying.”
The Big Bang Theory spin-off finally has a name March 19, 2025
A Big Bang Theory spin-off currently in development for the streaming service Max has officially been titled Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, Deadline reported today.
News of the spin-off first emerged in April 2023, but with the actors' and writers' strikes that year, there were few signs of progress for several months. By November, Chuck Lorre described the show as still in its "prenatal" stage.
Momentum began to build in the latter part of 2024. In October, it was reported that The Big Bang Theory cast member Kevin Sussman (Stuart) and recurring guest stars Brian Posehn (Bert) and Lauren Lapkus (Denise) had signed on to star in the series. In December, Deadline reported that TBBT co-creator Bill Prady and feature film writer Zak Penn (Ready Player One, Free Guy) would join Lorre in writing the script and executive producing the show.
Last month, John Ross Bowie, who played the guys’ frenemy Barry Kripke, also joined the cast, adding another familiar face from The Big Bang Theory to the spin-off. According to Deadline, the project has still not been greenlit by Max, so the would-be cast members have signed talent holding deals with Warner Bros. Studio to join the show if and when it is officially picked up.
Kevin Sussman first appeared as Stuart Bloom in The Big Bang Theory's second season as the owner of the guys' favorite comic book store. Initially a potential love interest for Penny, Stuart stuck around as the guys continued to frequent his shop. Sussman became a series regular in Season 6, where his character became closer friends with Raj while Howard was in space, and continued as a series regular in Seasons 8-12. Sussman appeared in 84 episodes during the show's run.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe would be the third spin-off from The Big Bang Theory, after Young Sheldon and its own spin-off, Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage.
Max, the streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, is the exclusive streaming home of The Big Bang Theory in the U.S. Young Sheldon and the newly launched The Official Big Bang Theory podcast also stream on the platform.
The Big Bang Theory podcast launched March 17, 2025
The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast launched today with an episode dedicated to the unaired pilot of The Big Bang Theory, originally developed for the 2006/07 TV season.
In the debut episode, host Jessica Radloff, author of the New York Times bestseller The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, chats with TBBT co-creator Chuck Lorre and former Warner Bros. Television group chairman Peter Roth about the unusual second chance the show was given during its development.
The origins of The Big Bang Theory date back to 2005, nearly two decades ago, with a pilot taped in 2006 for the 2006/07 season. This pilot featured Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki as Sheldon and Leonard, but did not include the Howard or Raj characters. A different actress also played a role similar to Penny, though with a very different character. In this podcast episode, Radloff, Lorre and Roth discuss the changes made between the unaired pilot and the second, successful attempt.
In the next episode, dropping March 24, Jessica Radloff will discuss the Pilot episode of The Big Bang Theory - the one that made it to air - with legendary TV director James Burrows, who directed both pilots.
Future guests include cast members Kunal Nayyar, Kevin Sussman and John Ross Bowie. Recurring guest stars Sara Gilbert (Leslie Winkle), Christine Baranski (Beverly Hofstadter), Vernee Watson (Nurse Althea) and Sara Rue (Leonard's girlfriend Stephanie) are also set to join Radloff to talk about the show.
The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast releases weekly on Max and all major podcast platforms, including Apple, Amazon and Spotify.
The podcast is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in partnership with Max, the exclusive streaming home of The Big Bang Theory in the United States.
Find out more about The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast