The upcoming spin-off of The Big Bang Theory, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, has the potential to set up the emotional return of a past character. The original show gained immense popularity for its unique premise, setting it apart from other sitcoms of the time. It brought the stereotypical nerd culture to the forefront, establishing itself as Chuck Lorre’s magnum opus.
Unlike The Big Bang Theory, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will lean far more into theoretical sci-fi. It will focus on the aftermath of comic book store owner Stuart Bloom causing a timeline-altering event and attempting to fix everything before it’s too late.
In July 2025, it was confirmed that Stuart and his friends would run into alternate universe versions of characters we know. While Chuck Lorre didn’t confirm if iconic characters from The Big Bang Theory would make cameos, he indirectly hinted that they could appear on the upcoming spin-off, leading viewers to speculate about which characters might show up. In doing so, it could set up a heartbreaking return.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Could Eventually Include Alt-Universe Young Sheldon Characters
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Explores Time Travel
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will include characters from other TBBT universe shows, possibly making appearances or being involved in the main storyline. For now, it’s known that the characters will come from The Big Bang Theory, but as the spinoff unfolds, it could be that other characters appear from Young Sheldon.
The main plot of the show involves Stuart causing a multiverse event by messing with Sheldon’s experimental device, and as he travels across different timelines to fix what he broke, he will encounter alt-universe versions of previous characters. There’s a long list of memorable characters that viewers would love to see return in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, and it will likely start with The Big Bang Theory.
If the spin-off explores time travel, however, it could expand to include other characters from the wider franchise. In doing so, it could open up the door for the return of a character that has long been dead in the Big Bang Theory universe.
The TBBT Spin-Off Sets Up A Scenario Where A Version Of George Cooper In Another Life Returns
Fans Would Love To See A Glimpse Of George Cooper
While viewers would welcome almost all returns, one, in particular, would be particularly poignant and appreciated. Sheldon’s father, George Cooper, has loomed large over the Big Bang Theory shows. First in, TBBT, he was Sheldon’s late father whose character was only shown through anecdotes by others and Sheldon’s bitterness.
Then, we got to see his actual story without the unreliable narrator of Sheldon in Young Sheldon, where it was revealed that George was a flawed but loving father who tried to do his best for his family and his brilliant son he didn’t understand. It made him a fan favorite, and his inevitable death from a heart attack was the most dreaded moment in both shows.
Young Sheldon concluded shortly after the death of George Cooper in season 7, episode 12, making the finale even more emotional as it documented how everyone was impacted by the loss. Bringing back Sheldon’s father, either in his original form or an alternate version, in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe could provide the emotional depth that the spin-off needs.
