By Brianna Alleva
For a casual viewer of The Big Bang Theory, the new sorta spin-off show, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, feels like something not made for me.
Giving it a try, though, I was surprised how quickly the episode went by; I enjoyed seeing familiar characters again, and the fact that it wasn’t some mockery, which I originally thought it would be.
The show revolves around Stuart Bloom, the comic book store owner from The Big Bang Theory, who accidentally brings about the end of the world. The future version of Stuart then comes in and tells us that Stuart needs to try to save the world.
In the first episode, we get a cameo from one of the BBT’s main characters, Raj Koothrappali. He played a character locked in a room since the beginning of the end of the world.
Not knowing a lot of the lore of the original show may have started to hinder my experience of this sequel, but it is interesting and pulls me in, making me want to learn more.
Advertise on Streaming: Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
Audience Demographics for CTV Ads (Who is loving the show)
- Adults 25–54, with the strongest concentration in 30–49.
- Slightly male-skewing (55–60% male) due to the sci-fi, gaming, and comic book themes, while still attracting a large female audience from The Big Bang Theory fanbase.
- Millennials and Gen X who watched The Big Bang Theory during its original run or in streaming syndication.
- College-educated professionals with interests in technology, science, gaming, pop culture, and streaming entertainment.
- Heavy streaming users who subscribe to Max and enjoy franchise spin-offs, science fiction, fantasy, and comedy series.
Typical Advertisements for Streaming (What is currently being seen)
- Technology brands (laptops, smartphones, internet providers, smart home devices)
- Video games and gaming accessories
- Food delivery services and quick-service restaurants
- Streaming services, movies, and entertainment releases
- Automotive brands, insurance companies, and financial apps
- Energy drinks, snacks, and beverages
- Comic book, collectibles, and hobby retailers
- Consumer electronics and headphones
Suggestions for Advertisements (Who could be seen)
- 🚀 Build Your Own PC – “Save your frame rate, if not the universe.”
- 🎮 Gaming Consoles & Accessories – “Respawn ready.”
- 🍕 Pizza Delivery Apps – “Fuel your next multiverse crisis.”
- ☕ Energy Drinks & Coffee – “For those all-night comic debates.”
- 📚 Comic Book Shops & Collectibles – “Because every hero needs merch.”
- 🧩 Board Games & Tabletop RPGs – “Roll for initiative.”
- 📱 Tech & Phone Carriers – “Stay connected across every timeline.”
- 🧠 AI Apps & Productivity Tools – “Smarter than your average time traveler.”
Where to Stream:
- HBO Max
The second episode airs, and this is where the story starts to progress. Stuart and friends find themselves in a universe where positivity is required, and AI surveys everyone.
Not only are they surveyed, but they’re tracked and punished for anything outside the norm or negative.
This is very, very similar to Silo on Apple TV.
This gives it a sorta dystopian, serious vibe that is different from The Big Bang Theory and that I do enjoy. Also, the show gives WandaVerse vibes where everyone is stuck in this fake, random reality.
The episode moves along, and we see some familiar recurring characters from BBT. Penny arrives! As a member of the resistance against AI/drones.
The episode ends with Stuart and friends sending themselves into another universe.
Honestly, this is fun and captures my attention for a nice watch. I am very excited to see some of the original Big Bang Theory cast members, primarily Sheldon Cooper, and to see how they build the storyline.
The biggest thing for me is to see the cast come back. Also, if they keep moving into different universes each episode, this format is fun and builds the characters differently.
I do really want them to lean in and go wild with the show. Some universes I would like to see them in would have to be a universe where animals talk, climate change is reversed, humans can fly or teleport, etc.
The good thing about Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is that it’s not trying to be a super serious, really good show, and this is what makes it fun to watch. I hope it stays around. I am excited to see what will happen next.
