The Big Bang Theory‘s next spinoff is set to be spearheaded by Stuart, but one detail in the plan sabotages its chances of being successful. After months of speculation, the first proper details about Chuck Lorre’s in-development offshoot of the nerd-centric sitcom have been revealed. As it turns out, the project will see the return of Kevin Sussman as the comic book owner, Stuart Bloom. The show has been in the works for quite a while now, although the end of Young Sheldon and the upcoming launch of Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage have dominated news about the franchise.
This time, it seems like Lorre has finally cracked the story for The Big Bang Theory sequel. While Stuart’s new show is technically the third offshoot in the franchise, it is essentially just the second true spinoff from the nerd-centric sitcom. Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage is essentially a spinoff of Young Sheldon, but it has barely any connection with the nerd-centric sitcom. Because of this, bringing back a familiar face from The Big Bang Theory like Stuart is exciting for anyone who misses the hit show. That said, one detail about it may be a cause for concern.
Stuart’s New The Big Bang Theory Spinoff Explained
The Big Bang Theory Is Getting A Proper Spinoff 5 Years After It Ended
The first mention of the new The Big Bang Theory spinoff being in development was in early 2023. Back then, nothing else was revealed other than Lorre was working on the idea, as Warner Bros. Television and studio-based Chuck Lorre Prods. team up for it. Every time the producer extraordinaire was subsequently asked about the matter, he would be mum about it, not giving any kind of indication about the matter. In the new report from Deadline, Sussman will be joined by Brian Posehn and Lauren Lapkus as Bert Kibbler and Denise, respectively.
While no story details have been revealed thus far about The Big Bang Theory Stuart spinoff, it’s clear that Lorre is bringing back some of the most notable supporting characters in the show. It’s uncertain if any of Sheldon and the rest of the Pasadena gang will make an appearance or how the new series will explain their absence. Aside from that, it’s also worth noting that the report mentions that the “sources caution that the project remains in early stages of development with no green light yet as the script is still being written,” and that “a rep for WBTV declined comment.”
The Big Bang Theory’s Next Spinoff Being On Max Is Detrimental To Its Success
Streamers Don’t Have The Same Broadcasting Schedule As Network TV
One standout detail from the report, however, reveals that The Big Bang Theory Stuart spinoff will be on Max — Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform. This means that, unlike the rest of the shows in the TV franchise, the new project won’t have a traditional release on CBS. So, instead of having upward of 20+ episodes every season and a guaranteed return every year, The Big Bang Theory Stuart spinoff will have significantly fewer outings, with potentially lengthy breaks in between. This setup can be detrimental to the show’s success in the long run.
Being on streaming risks The Big Bang Theory Stuart spinoff being canceled before it could even fully establish itself because of its broadcasting format.
As has been discussed in recent months in light of so many abrupt cancelations on Netflix, the streaming model is not conducive for certain shows — sitcoms in particular. Because they typically run for just half an hour, it takes a while for them to get their groove on. While there are comedies that are immediate hits from the get-go, like the original Frasier, it’s best to give these shows enough time to breathe and develop. Being on streaming risks The Big Bang Theory Stuart spinoff being canceled before it could even fully establish itself because of its broadcasting format.
Why The Big Bang Theory’s Stuart Spinoff Has No Choice But To Be On HBO Max
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage Is Already On CBS
Unfortunately, Lorre may not have any choice but for The Big Bang Theory Stuart spinoff to be on Max. Previously, reports were claiming that it could either air on CBS or the aforementioned streaming service. However, with Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage already on network TV, the next The Big Bang Theory offshoot will have to be on a different platform to be released simultaneously. While Young Sheldon and its parent series were both on CBS for two years before The Big Bang Theory‘s end, those shows complemented each other. This time, these new offshoots won’t have any story connection.
There are also instances when a TV franchise will have multiple shows on at the same time. However, this is more geared towards procedurals such as NCIS, FBI, One Chicago, and Law & Order. While there’s technically nothing stopping Lorre from putting The Big Bang Theory Stuart spinoff on CBS, this established broadcasting format means that it will have to be on Max. Hopefully, however, the streamer gives it time to actually prove itself.