There are certain supporting characters from the flagship that would be great to see again inThe Big Bang Theory’s next spin-off. WhileYoung SheldonandGeorgie and Mandy’s First Marriageare set well before the original series,Stuart Fails to Save the Universewill take place after the events ofThe Big Bang Theory. We know that comic book shop owner Stuart Bloom will be at the center of the series, which will also feature his girlfriend from seasons 11 and 12, Denise, lovable Caltech geologist Bert Kibbler, and Sheldon’s work nemesis Barry Kripke.
BecauseStuart Fails to Save the Universehappens afterThe Big Bang Theoryfinale, this leaves open the exciting possibility that any recurring character from the original show could pop up again. AlthoughStuart Fails to Save the Universewill likely have a much shorter season orderthan the prequels because it is a Max original, I’m excited to have theBig Bang Theoryfranchise finally expanding outward instead of giving backstory to characters whose endings we ultimately already know. However, there are some less notable characters that could use a comeback.
8Zack Johnson
Penny’s Ex-Boyfriend Is Already Friendly With Stuart & Kripke
Penny’s ex-boyfriend Zack brings a jocular, eager energy that contrasts perfectly with the anxious, cerebral vibe of the Caltech crew and Stuart, like when he earnestly asks if they’re worried they will “blow up the moon” just by pointing a laser at it.Zack had a surprisingly good time bonding with Kripke and Stuart in season 4, episode 17, “The Toast Derivation,” when Sheldon tries to construct a new friend group.Their dynamic hinted at untapped comedic potential, and this spin-off could finally explore that trio further.
While Zack endedThe Big Bang Theorymarried with a child,he could still appear inStuart Fails to Save the Universe, especially if the show pulls back from the intense focus on Caltech, given Stuart’s outsider status to the world of science and academia.Zack is one of the most underratedBig Bang Theorycharacters, and he would bring a refreshingly bro-y take on this nerd-centric universe.
7Janine Davis
Regina King’s HR Lady Was Grounded But Funny
Regina King played a small recurring character, Janine Davis, the head of Caltech’s HR department, a no-nonsense force who refused to indulge Sheldon’s eccentricities.She was a refreshing counterbalance who grounded the heightened comedy, and King elevates every project she’s in. Though she’s best known for her dramatic roles, many ofRegina King’s best moviesare comedies, includingMiss Congeniality 2: Armed & FabulousandA Cinderella Story.
King’s sharp wit and deadpan delivery perfectly counteract the surrounding chaos.
With Kripke playing a larger role in the spin-off and leaning into his more mischievous, rule-bending tendencies, there’s a natural opportunity for Janine Davis to step in, whether to deliver a warning, investigate a complaint, or simply remind everyone that someone is still trying to enforce workplace professionalism. King’s sharp wit and deadpan delivery perfectly counteract the surrounding chaos.
6Lucy
I Want Raj’s Ex-Girlfriend To Overcome Her Social Anxiety
One ofRaj’s many romantic relationships, Lucy, Raj’s socially anxious girlfriend inThe Big Bang Theoryseasons 6 and 7, is a character ripe for a deeper arc inStuart Fails to Save the Universe.While her final appearance onThe Big Bang Theoryoffered a courtesy send-off, revealing she was still navigating her anxiety but at least was in a healthy relationship, I’d love to see her arc play out on screen.
Lucy’s anxiety around new people and situations contrasts with the more boisterous or chaotic personalities in the spin-off’s male-heavy ensemble, making her a potentially refreshing presence.Lucy’s quieter, thoughtful energy could create a meaningful dynamic with Stuart’s awkwardness or Kripke’s bombast.Revisiting Lucy gives fans a grounded, heartfelt storyline that explores growth and vulnerability, while rounding out a friend group that could benefit from having more female representation.
5Greg Pemberton & Kevin Campbell
Sean Astin & Kal Penn’s Scientists Could Rip Off Kripke’s Work Next
Sean Astin’s Greg Pemberton and Kal Penn’s Kevin Campbell were hilarious foils to Sheldon and Amy in the final season ofThe Big Bang Theory.The two physicists, angling to stealSheldon and Amy’s idea to win the Nobel Prize, were more interested in fame than science, and their downfall—with Campbell outing Pemberton as a plagiarist and claiming he slept with his wife—should have ended both their careers and friendship. But in true sitcom fashion, that kind of disgrace just makes them ripe for a comeback inStuart Fails to Save the Universe.
An episode where they attempt to redeem themselves by riding the coattails of another scientist, like Kripke, for a second shot at scientific stardom would be both fitting and fun. Their smug charm and total lack of ethics would bring exactly the kind of petty academic drama this spin-off could thrive on.
4Priya Koothrappali
Raj’s Sister Was Clever Enough To Weaponize The Roommate Agreement Against Sheldon
Priya Koothrappali was one of the most compelling, well-rounded love interests inThe Big Bang Theory.A whip-smart lawyer with a sharp wit, Priya famously turnedSheldon’s beloved roommate agreementagainst him in season 4, episode 21, “The Agreement Dissection.” Though Raj mentions in season 10 that all his siblings are married, very little is known about Priya after her breakup with Leonard in season 5.
I would love to see Priya cross paths with Denise, as the latter’s grounded geekiness and Raj’s sister’s confident precision would play beautifully off each other.Wherever Priya is professionally and personally, bringing her in would provide an opportunity to tieStuart Fails to Save the Universeto one of the main characters fromThe Big Bang Theorywithout a cameo that would overshadow the short season.
3Wil Wheaton
Wheaton Playing An Exaggerated Version Of Himself Was One Of The Funniest Recurring Characters
Wil Wheaton is one ofThe Big Bang Theory’s most beloved recurring guest stars, and a cameo inStuart Fails to Save the Universewould feel both nostalgic and totally natural.Originally introduced in season 3 as a soft antagonist to Sheldon, Wil eventually became a genuine friend to the group by season 5. But even before that, he actually had a connection to Stuart, as they were already friends when the gang first met Wil at a card tournament at Stuart’s comic book shop in season 3, episode 5, “The Creepy Candy Coating Corollary.”
This shared history makes the comic shop a perfect setting for Wil to pop back in.Playing a heightened version of himself, his self-aware charm and geek icon status could bring a fresh burst of energy to the series while also reinforcing its connection to the largerBig Bang Theoryuniverse.
2Missy Cooper
The Big Bang Theory Finale Glossed Over Missy’s Future
Missy Cooper deserves a role in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, especially givenhow underserved Missy was inThe Big Bang Theory.After showing up at Sheldon’s wedding—pregnant, separated from her husband, and juggling motherhood—Missy quietly fades into the background, reduced to a congratulatory text after Sheldon’s Nobel Prize win. That quick wrap-up does a disservice to a character who’s since won fans over with her sharp wit and spunky resilience onYoung Sheldon.
A guest spot inStuart Fails to Save the Universecould give us a glimpse into her life now, whether she’s thriving, struggling, or just showing up to lend Stuart some tough love and Texan wisdom.Missy brings heart, humor, and grit, and it’s timeTheBig Bang Theoryfans got to see her as more than just the forgotten Cooper sibling.
1Leslie Winkle
It Would Be Interesting To See Stuart Interact With Sara Gilbert’s Caustic Physicist
Leslie Winkle, played by Sara Gilbert, is long overdue for a return toThe Big Bang Theoryuniverse, andStuart Fails to Save the Universeoffers the perfect opportunity.As a sharp, sarcastic physicist and colleague of Kripke and Bert, Leslie fits right into the extended Caltech world, but it’s her potential dynamic with Stuart and Denise that’s especially intriguing. Her deadpan delivery would play hilariously against Stuart’s awkwardness and Denise’s chill confidence.
After a brief appearance at Sheldon’s birthday party in season 9, episode 17, “The Celebration Experimentation,”Leslie largely vanished fromThe Big Bang Theory, making her a prime candidate to appear again. Whether she reconnects with Kripke on a bizarre work project, or simply shows up to roast the guys while browsing comics at Stuart’s store, Leslie could add a fresh spark to the ensemble. She would provide a sense of continuity and is hilariously blunt, more than capable of holding her own in this offbeat friend group.
