The Big Bang Theory is indeed expanding its reach with another spinoff, this time focusing on a group of actors playing familiar characters (and no, it’s not another Young Sheldon). First announced in 2023, the upcoming Big Bang Theory follow-up from Max will feature comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, as played by Kevin Sussman, among other underutilized characters from the original CBS sitcom. Unsurprisingly, The Big Bang Theory co-creator Chuck Lorre will return to executive produce.
Variety reports that Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn, and Lauren Lapkus will be leading the currently untitled Big Bang Theory spinoff from the Max streaming service. Although it’s unclear when exactly the series takes place, it is safe to say that it will not be decades before the events of the original show, which ran 12 seasons from 2007 to 2019. Young Sheldon is a critically-acclaimed series that follows a younger version of Sheldon, but the next Big Bang spinoff won’t be going the same route. Instead, expect Max’s upcoming series to take after the events of the Big Bang Theory‘s series finale.
The next Big Bang Theory installment will feature several familiar faces for longtime fans of the show. Sussman is known for playing the comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, appearing in almost a third of the show’s episodes. Meanwhile, Lapkus returns as Denise, the assistant manager in Bloom’s comic store and his love interest in the final two seasons. The Emmy-nominated comedian Brian Posehn originally played geologist Bert Kibbler, who had a crush on Amy (Mayim Bialik) at one point.
Could Other Big Bang Theory Characters Return?
The recurring trend with sitcom spinoffs as of late is original franchise characters showing up in brief cameos. How I Met Your Father is a pretty recent and relevant example, which featured Cobie Smulders return as Robin from How I Met Your Mother. Of course, Young Sheldon famously ended with the appearance of the present time versions of Amy Fowler (Mayim Bialik) and Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons). The question remains if anyone from the main cast of Big Bang Theory will make their way onto the Max show, but the option is assuredly on the table. If Jim Parsons is willing to return, perhaps the rest of the crew will follow suit. The Big Bang Theory also starred Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, and Melissa Rauch.
Of course, Max’s upcoming spinoff won’t be the only show in the Big Bang Theory universe on the air. Young Sheldon, already an offshoot of another show, is getting its own follow-up called Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, featuring the fan-favorite titular characters from the prequel. It’s unclear how far the franchise will stretch its wings after Max premieres what could be described as a “sequel” to the original show, but it’s safe to say the forces at be won’t be stopping anytime soon as long as audiences continue to tune in. The Big Bang Theory truly was an explosive, universe-shaking moment in television history (OK, we’re done).