Chuck Lorre says ‘worst choice’ Big Bang Theory character is hero of its spin-off
The Big Bang Theory creator explains why Kevin Sussman’s comic book store owner Stuart Bloom was always destined to lead the franchise’s ambitious new multiverse adventure, as the sitcom universe continues to expand.
Chuck Lorre has revealed why one of The Big Bang Theory’s most overlooked characters has become the unlikely hero of the franchise’s newest chapter.
The television producer, 73, is expanding the world of one of modern television’s most successful sitcoms with Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, which premieres on HBO Max on Thursday (23.07.26) and features Stuart Bloom, despite the character seeming the least obvious person to save the universe on the show.
Rather than focusing on fan favourites such as Sheldon Cooper or Leonard Hofstadter, the 10-episode series centres on comic book shop owner Stuart, played by Kevin Sussman, 55, after he accidentally triggers a multiverse disaster and is forced to repair reality.
The project marks the latest extension of The Big Bang Theory universe following the success of prequel series Young Sheldon, which concluded in 2024, and its spin-off Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage, while the original sitcom remains one of the most-watched comedy series in syndication.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Chuck explained why Stuart was always at the heart of the new story.
He said: “He was the absolute worst choice to be the hero of this story, which made him the perfect choice.”
Lorre added Kevin’s portrayal of Stuart made the decision even easier.
He said: “And Kevin Sussman, as I’m sure you know, is just a brilliant comic actor, someone you can root for despite his inadequacies. You can look for him.”
For much of The Big Bang Theory, Stuart was portrayed as the socially awkward owner of the comic book store frequented by Sheldon Cooper, Leonard Hofstadter, Howard Wolowitz and Raj Koothrappali. Although he became a recurring favourite among viewers, he remained on the fringes of the central friendship group throughout much of the show's 12-season run.
The new series moves away from the traditional studio sitcom format that made The Big Bang Theory a global phenomenon.
Instead, Stuart is thrown into a science fiction adventure after creating a multiverse catastrophe.
He embarks on a mission alongside his girlfriend Denise, geologist Bert Kibbler and physicist Barry Kripke while encountering alternate-universe versions of familiar characters from the franchise.
Chuck said there was never any uncertainty over who should headline the spin-off.
He said: “No. No, it was always Kevin. And right from the very beginning it was Kevin, and the comic book story was.”
Chuck is joined behind the scenes of the series by The Big Bang Theory co-creator Bill Prady and screenwriter Zak Penn, whose previous work includes major superhero and science fiction films. Together, they reshaped the sitcom into what Chuck described as a “science fiction action adventure comedy”.
Chuck said: “When it became, when, the very idea was this would be a science fiction action adventure comedy. And you can’t put that on in front of an audience. You have to make a little movie.”
The shift in style required the creative team to embrace visual effects, alternate realities and multiple versions of established characters rather than relying on the live audience format that defined the original sitcom.
Despite the scale of the project, Chuck insisted the writers remained focused on making every creative decision count.
He said: “We just had to trust ourselves. We had to be honest with ourselves on every page that this was truly the best we can do.”
Chuck added the team behind the project ultimately embraced the increasingly ambitious direction of the story.
He said: “When we went out on the limb, on the edge and we were falling off the cliff and we had made horrible, horrible choices, we would just own it. If we’re going down this road, let’s commit to this road.”
