Stuart’s getting his own spin-off series. Here’s why he definitely deserves it.
Stuart Bloom was the Big Bang Theory‘s resident underdog, often stumbling through life’s awkward moments with a relatable charm all his own. Now, with his new show Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, it’s the perfect time to celebrate why this lovable comic book guy truly stole our hearts.
Every character in The Big Bang Theory delivered their own style of genius, humor, and wit. But in a show full of exceptional people, Stuart Bloom was determinedly ordinary — and that made him extraordinary in his own quiet way. While Leonard and Sheldon were busy being theoretical physics gods, Stuart was just… us. A regular guy trying to make it work with his comic book store, dealing with the same messy issues we all deal with.
In honor of his upcoming HBO show, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, here’s a look at what made him the most relatable nerd of the crew.
1. His Money Problems Were Way Too Real
Anyone who’s had a tight budget could relate to Stuart stressing about paying rent for his comic shop. And along with selling his most prized possessions just to keep the lights on, he had to move in with Howard’s mom because he couldn’t afford his own place. While it was a good setup for laughs, there was also a genuine desperation to him that anyone who’s ever chased their dreams knows intimately.
Leonard, Raj, and Sheldon were pulling in decent Caltech salaries, but Stuart was living that freelancer/small business owner nightmare where you’re one bad month away from disaster. The way he’d get excited about selling a single expensive comic book felt the same as checking your bank account after a freelance payment comes through.
2. He Actually Had Real Social Anxiety (Not Just Quirks)
Sheldon’s social issues were quirky and endearing because he genuinely didn’t care what people thought. But Stuart cared way too much, similar to the rest of us mortals. You could see him overthinking every conversation, analyzing whether people actually wanted him around or were just being polite.
We’ve all been there at 2 AM, wondering if our friends actually enjoy our company. Stuart didn’t have the luxury of Sheldon’s obliviousness — he was painfully aware of every awkward moment he created.
3. He Was Always the Plus-One Friend
Stuart existed in that weird friendship limbo we all know too well. Close enough to get invited to stuff, not close enough to be essential. He’d show up to group events clearly grateful just to be included, which was both heartbreaking and relatable as hell.
That feeling when you’re hanging out with a group and you’re not sure if you belong was Stuart’s entire existence. He wasn’t part of the core friend group, but he orbited around them, hoping to eventually get pulled into the inner circle. The guys would include him when they needed someone to run the comic store or when they felt bad, but he was never anyone’s first call.
4. His Depression Wasn’t a Punchline
This might be the most important thing about Stuart — the show actually let him be sad. He talked about his therapy sessions, his low periods, and honestly admitted that he struggled with depression.
Stuart never had a magical episode where his depression got “fixed.” It was just part of who he was, something he managed while trying to live his life. That’s more realistic than most TV shows ever get about mental health. Sometimes you’re depressed and you still have to open your store and deal with customers and pretend everything’s fine.
5. He Actually Loved What He Did (Even When It Sucked)
Despite everything — the money stress, the loneliness, the constant threat of going out of business — Stuart genuinely loved comics and pop culture. His face would light up when talking about a new issue or helping a customer find exactly what they needed.
That’s the thing about pursuing your passion: it’s not all Instagram-worthy success stories. Sometimes it’s a guy who knows everything about X-Men continuity trying to figure out how to pay his electricity bill. Stuart represented everyone who’s ever tried to turn their hobby into their livelihood and discovered it’s way harder than it looks.
6. His Love Life Was Messily Human
Stuart’s dating life was a disaster in the most relatable way possible. His attempts at online dating, his awkward flirting, his genuine shock when Denise actually showed interest in him — it all felt real. No meet-cute nonsense or rom-com timing.
When he finally got together with Denise, it wasn’t because he suddenly became confident or rich or successful. She liked him for who he was: a slightly neurotic comic book nerd who was doing his best. Their relationship felt like what actual relationships look like when two imperfect people decide to figure it out together.
7. He Found His People the Hard Way
The whole thing with Stuart living with Mrs. Wolowitz was beautiful in a way the show didn’t even fully acknowledge. Here was this lonely guy who ended up becoming family to someone else’s family, not through marriage or blood, but through just showing up and caring.
Stuart didn’t have the built-in support system that the main characters had. He had to build his own family from scratch, one awkward interaction at a time. By the end of the series, he’d somehow become essential to the Wolowitz household and the wider friend group, not because he was brilliant, but because he was loyal and kind and present.
That’s the thing about Stuart Bloom. He wasn’t a genius. He didn’t have a PhD or a stable income or natural charisma. But he had heart, and he kept showing up, and eventually that was enough.
