- Primary Subject: A major Big Bang Theory character's surprise return in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
- Key Update: A beloved Big Bang Theory original cast member makes an unexpected appearance in the premiere episode of the new multiversal spinoff series.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: July 24, 2026
- Quick Answer: A main character from The Big Bang Theory makes a surprise return in the spinoff premiere, setting up major multiversal stakes for the series.
A fan-favorite main character from The Big Bang Theory made a surprise appearance in the premiere episode of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.
The world of the iconic sitcom is expanding with the release of the new spinoff series, which will focus on the multiversal adventure of Stuart Bloom and other beloved supporting characters. Fans have been wondering whether some of the main characters from the main series will be brought back.
As it turns out, the first episode already started with a bang as they brought back one of the OG characters.
SPOILER WARNING: This article includes spoilers for the premiere episode of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, so proceed with caution.
Which OG Big Bang Theory Character Appeared in the First Episode of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe?
Kunal Nayyar made a surprise appearance as Raj Koothrappali in the first episode of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. It is the first time that he reprised the role since the final episode of The Big Bang Theory in 2019.
The premiere episode of the new series opened in a post-apocalyptic Pasadena, where Stuart was confronted by an alternate version of himself. The visitor delivered an urgent message: Stuart had to fix reality after accidentally breaking Sheldon and Leonard’s quantum interference device and triggering a multiversal apocalypse.
Joined by Bert, Stuart set off to infiltrate CalTech and retrieve the machine. Along the way, they teamed up with Stuart’s ex-girlfriend Denise, now a common thief, and her boyfriend Gary, who promptly met a swift (and completely pointless) demise.
The remaining trio was captured and thrown into a cell with Raj, who had been imprisoned for years by the "Great Khalif of South Pasadena, "a ruthless warlord revealed to be Barry Kripke.
Following a wave of action-hero heroics, the group broke through to the device. Raj came within seconds of repairing it, only to be shot in the back by Kripke, who was desperate to safeguard his post-apocalyptic reign.
While fans were delighted to see Raj again, they were also surprised by his shocking death (at least his alternate version). However, this sets a precedent for how the spinoff series will bring back the characters from the main series.
"We liked the idea, I think we all thought it would be fun to do because we knew that we could bring them back,” co-showrunner Zak Penn explained their decision to kill off Raj to Deadline. "But I think it’ll be fun for people watching the first episode, don’t you? That there’ll be this moment of like, oh my God, they killed Raj!"
Co-showrunners Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady added, "Well, he’s only gone in this one universe, as Kripke points out in the next universe."
What Is Stuart Fails to Save the Universe About?
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe follows comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, who is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon.
Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert, and quantum physicist Barry Kripke. Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from The Big Bang Theory. As the title implies, things don’t go well.
The main cast includes Kevin Sussman (as Stuart Bloom), Lauren Lapkus (as Denise), Brian Posehn (as Bert), and John Ross Bowie (as Barry Kripke).
The first episode is available to stream on HBO Max. New episodes will be released weekly every Thursday.
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