Every Big Bang Theory Star Returning for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe

One of the most well-known sitcoms in its era, “The Big Bang Theory,” ran for 12 seasons from 2007 to 2019. This show played a significant role in catapulting its cast members into fame, with Jim Parsons embodying the unforgettable character of Sheldon Cooper. During the 10th season of “The Big Bang Theory,” a spin-off series was introduced, focusing on Cooper’s childhood and named “Young Sheldon.” This new format proved successful, as it not only resonated with audiences but also demonstrated the potential for the series to explore other aspects of its world.

As a devoted movie buff, I can’t help but feel excited about the buzz surrounding a new spin-off series! Following the impressive seven-season run of “Young Sheldon” (from 2017 to 2024), it comes as no surprise that another series is in the pipeline. This one’s titled “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe“, a spin-off focusing on our beloved sidekick, Stuart Bloom. Known for his witty, self-deprecating humor, Stuart was a consistent source of charm that complemented the main cast, making him a fan favorite. Although the official green light hasn’t been given yet, it’s rumored that four cast members from the original series are already attached to this project.

Stuart Will Lead the Developing Spin-off Series

Kevin Sussman Will Return as Stuart Bloom

As a passionate film buff, I can’t help but reflect on my favorite television series, The Big Bang Theory. In its second season, a character named Stuart Bloom was introduced, initially as a romantic adversary to Leonard Hofstadter. However, Stuart’s role evolved beyond this, primarily as the proprietor of a comic book store that our beloved characters frequented regularly.

Though Stuart is generally viewed as a friend among the main cast, a recurring comedic theme throughout the series was his frequent exclusion from their social gatherings.

Although Stuart, who appeared less frequently than other characters, experienced a gradual character evolution throughout the show’s run. By the last season, he developed a romantic interest in Denise, marking significant growth for his character. The series concluded with Stuart and Denise sharing their feelings for each other in the 22nd episode of the final season, deciding to live together. The couple was primarily used for comic relief in the otherwise poignant finale, but they made an appearance in the last episode of the show.

CharacterStuart Bloom
ActorKevin Sussman
First AppearanceSeason 2, Episode 20, “The Hofstadter Isotope”
Last AppearanceSeason 12, Episode 24, “The Stockholm Syndrome”

It’s confirmed that Kevin Sussman will return to the spin-off, reprising his character as Stuart. Following his introduction on The Big Bang Theory, Sussman has made appearances in numerous TV shows, such as Ugly Betty, CSI, The Mentalist, The Dropout, and most recently, Call Me Kat. With the new series titled around Stuart, it seems that he will finally step into the limelight. A recurring joke throughout the original show revolved around Stuart’s bad luck, and the title suggests that this trait may persist in the spin-off.

Sheldon’s Rival Returns for the Spin-off

John Ross Bowie Will Reprise His Role as Barry

In the second season, Barry Kripke emerged as a plasma physicist at Caltech, sharing lab space with the principal characters Sheldon and Leonard. Though he maintains friendly relationships with Leonard, Raj, and Howard, Barry’s character is predominantly portrayed as a source of conflict for Sheldon Cooper, frequently attempting to provoke him in various ways.

Barry significantly contributes to Sheldon’s final storyline, assisting him and Amy Fowler in refuting a plagiarism allegation against one of their Nobel Prize competitors, Greg Pemberton. This endeavor successfully earns Sheldon a Nobel Prize. However, Barry’s last scene occurs in the same episode where he playfully pranked Sheldon by congratulating him on a fabricated Nobel Prize. As a character, Barry thrives in his role as an antagonist with a particularly mischievous and petty demeanor.

CharacterBarry Kripke
ActorJohn Ross Bowie
First AppearanceSeason 2, Episode 12, “The Killer Robot Instability”
Last AppearanceSeason 12, Episode 24, “The Change Constant”

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that John Ross Bowie, known for his antagonistic yet hilarious portrayal of Barry in The Big Bang Theory, is reportedly set to take on a more significant role in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. With this expanded screentime, fans can expect Barry’s combative spirit to continue shining brightly.

However, the absence of Jim Parsons, who played Sheldon Cooper, might leave a void in the iconic rivalry between Barry and Sheldon. Regardless, Bowie’s versatile comedy skills, showcased not only as Barry but also in various TV shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Episodes, The Rookie, and films such as Bad Therapy and Jumanji: The Next Level, promise a dose of laughter in the upcoming spin-off.

Brian Posehn Returns as Bert Kibbler

The Strange Side-Character Is Attached to the Developing Series

Entering the scene later than his fellow stars in “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” Brian Posehn debuted as Bertram “Bert” Kibbler in the sixth season of “The Big Bang Theory.” Similar to Barry, Bert was a peer of the primary characters, holding a professorship at Caltech. Throughout the series, Bert was primarily a humorous character, displaying social awkwardness consistently from start to finish.

Throughout the later stages of the show, Stuart’s character seemed to be quite predictable, often appearing for quirky dialogue or serving as an obstacle for the main characters. Regrettably, his character didn’t undergo much growth or development over time. Despite finding happiness in the final episode, the audience was left with an image of Bert tending to Raj’s dog while he attended Sheldon’s Nobel ceremony, hoping that being seen with a pet might increase his chances with women.

CharacterBert Kibbler
ActorBrian Posehn
First AppearanceSeason 6, Episode 18, “The Contractual Obligation Implementation”
Last AppearanceSeason 12, Episode 24, “The Stockholm Syndrome”

It’s been confirmed that Posehn will join the cast of the upcoming series, sparking excitement among fans who hope he might receive more character development due to his expanded screen time. Some viewers have pointed out that in the original series, Stuart rarely interacted with Barry and Bert at Caltech, leaving them curious about how the relationships between the characters may evolve if they become the central friend group. Posehn has previously appeared in various roles outside of “Big Bang Theory,” including on shows like “New Girl,” “The Mandalorian,” and “Star Trek: Lower Decks.” Although Bert was not particularly well-liked, fans are eager to see what’s in store for him moving forward.

Fans Hope to See More Development for Denise

Lauren Lapkus Returns as Stuart’s Girlfriend

I’ve always been open about my admiration for “The Big Bang Theory,” but it’s undeniable that some criticisms were valid, particularly regarding the portrayal of characters, many of whom functioned primarily as romantic interests for the male leads. Regrettably, Denise fell into this pattern, debuting in the eleventh season as Stuart’s love interest. She graced our screens only eight times across the final two seasons. Initially, Denise was introduced as the assistant manager at Stuart’s comic book store, and their relationship blossomed over time. Tragically, her storyline concluded alongside Stuart’s, with them deciding to share a home together in the second-to-last episode of the series.

CharacterDenise
ActorLauren Lapkus
First AppearanceSeason 11, Episode 21, “The Comet Polarization”
Last AppearanceSeason 12, Episode 22, “The Maternal Conclusion”

In the upcoming series, Lauren Lapkus will once again play Denise, a character whose relationship with Stuart is expected to be the main focus. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing more depth added to her individual storyline. However, it remains to be seen how the dynamics between Stuart and Denise connect with the characters of Bert and Barry, as they didn’t interact with Denise in the original series. Fans are excited to see how this group of oddballs collaborates. Lapkus, like her colleagues from “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” has a busy schedule in television and film. She has been featured in shows such as “Orange is the New Black,” “Good Girls,” and “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” and movies including “Another Happy Day” and playing the lead role in “The Wrong Missy.

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2025-04-30 02:37