HBO Max’s *Stuart Fails to Save the Universe*, a science-fiction spin-off from *The Big Bang Theory*, is reportedly performing strongly on streaming charts. The article presents its success as evidence of HBO’s increasing reliance on established franchises and recognisable intellectual property, rather than the more original programming historically associated with the network.

Created by Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn and Bill Prady, the series centres on Stuart Bloom, a recurring supporting character from the original sitcom. Unlike *The Big Bang Theory*, the spin-off is positioned as a sci-fi series adapted for modern streaming audiences; it joins franchise-led HBO titles including *The Penguin*, *Lanterns* and *House of the Dragon*.