HBO Max previewed its upcoming “The Big Bang Theory” spin-off, “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe”, at San Diego Comic-Con, marking the franchise’s return to the event since the original series ended in 2019. The programme centres on comic-book shop owner Stuart Bloom, whose mistake triggers a multiverse crisis, and its debut signals an attempt to expand the long-running comedy franchise in a more cinematic format.

The panel featured returning cast members Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, John Ross Bowie and Brian Posehn, alongside co-creators Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn and Bill Prady. The first episode includes surprise appearances from original cast members, with further returning characters promised; the series is the franchise’s fourth show and will release weekly on Thursdays at 6pm Pacific Time. Unlike its predecessors’ four-camera sitcom format, it uses a single-camera approach, which Lorre said allowed the production to be filmed more like a movie.