Variety's TV review assesses "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe," a new HBO Max comedy that is the third spinoff of "The Big Bang Theory." Unlike earlier offshoots "Young Sheldon" and "Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage," which stuck closely to established characters' backstories, this series takes a bolder creative leap by sending comic-store owner Stuart (Kevin Sussman) hopping across alternate dimensions to prevent an apocalypse, marking a notable genre shift for the franchise.

The show, the first "Big Bang" spinoff made for streaming rather than broadcast television, sees co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady team up with sci-fi writer Zak Penn to pull off the tonal pivot. Stuart is joined by fellow "Big Bang" alumni Bert (Brian Posehn), Kripke (John Ross Bowie, now a warlord) and Stuart's ex Denise (Lauren Lapkus), as the group uses a reality-hopping device to journey through wildly different dimensions each episode, from dystopian wastelands to utopian societies. The reviewer praises the series for its playful, inventive premise, calling it a refreshing contrast to more formulaic prequels and sequels.