Kevin Sussman, known for his role as Stuart Bloom on *The Big Bang Theory*, has revealed an intriguing detail about his latest project, *Stuart Fails to Save the Universe*, a spinoff series that explores new dimensions of storytelling and humour. Sussman, 55, recently shared with PEOPLE that the character he portrays in the new show—a centaur—was inspired by none other than his beloved dog.
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In a candid interview, Sussman detailed how he drew on the unique appearance of his real-life dog when creating his character. In the seventh episode of the series, titled “Spoiler: Dexys Midnight Runners Get a Royalty Payment,” viewers will see Stuart and his friends transformed into centaurs, with Sussman’s character reflecting the distinctive colouring of his dog. “My centaur is based on my dog,” he explained, highlighting that the character shares his pup’s black fur and striking white socks—one notably longer than the other.
Alongside his dog, Sussman also has two small pets named Lucy and Ethel, playfully nodding to the iconic characters from the classic sitcom *I Love Lucy*. The actor frequently shares moments from his daily life with his dogs on social media, affording fans a glimpse into his more personal side, and it’s these kind of intimate touches that enhance the new series’ charm.
The premise of *Stuart Fails to Save the Universe* dives into a comedic multiverse brimming with particularly eccentric Easter eggs and surprises for long-time fans of *The Big Bang Theory*. The reimagined storylines place the characters in an array of fictional worlds, offering a vast playground for adventures. Sussman describes his experience with the show as a delightful exploration of what can happen when familiar characters venture into the unknown.
Reuniting with Lauren Lapkus, who plays Denise, Sussman assures fans that while the new series shares a connection to its predecessor, it possesses its own distinct vibe. Lapkus expresses excitement about how this iteration breaks from the established formula of the original series. “I think they’ll be really surprised at how different it is from *The Big Bang Theory*,” she stated, adding that the humour fans enjoyed in the first series will still resonate while introducing new elements.
The plethora of cameos and guest stars is certainly something for fans to look forward to, although viewers may encounter familiar faces in unexpected ways. According to Bill Prady, co-creator of *The Big Bang Theory*, the nature of the multiverse allows for character histories to change, enabling fans to see beloved characters like Penny and Raj in a new light. “Every universe has its own history, which is really wonderful,” he remarked, reflecting on the pleasure of seeing these characters take on different roles.
As filming progressed, both Sussman and Lapkus drew inspiration from various sci-fi and comedy classics. Lapkus likened their characters to “four inept Doctor Whos,” while Sussman noted that producer Chuck Lorre likened the series to the style of old Abbott and Costello horror films, where ordinary individuals end up facing extraordinary challenges.
The multiverse concept has given the show ample opportunity to explore bizarre narratives. Sussman highlighted one episode, “Spoiler: Corn Is Delicious,” as one of his favourites, where the characters are similar to their original selves but have absurdly evolved to possess four stomachs, akin to cows. “I liked the cow-verse episode because it was so weird,” he remarked, showcasing his enjoyment of such radical, outlandish changes in the storyline.
With fresh episodes airing weekly on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO Max, *Stuart Fails to Save the Universe* has already garnered a second season renewal, signalling the show’s promising reception. As audiences anticipate the unexpected twists and turns that await them, Sussman’s heartfelt homage to his dog serves as a testament to the personal touches that imbue the series with an endearing quality.
Fans of *The Big Bang Theory* and newcomers alike can look forward to an imaginative comedic journey as the characters venture into the enchanting chaos of the multiverse, bringing laughter and beloved nostalgia along with them.