The Big Bang Theory is getting a second spinoff and its best possible lead star can make up for the sad story of Chuck Lorre’s most tragic character and actor pairing. Five years after The Big Bang Theory ended, the franchise that was co-created by Lorre and Bill Prady continues to thrive on CBS. While a major reason for this is Young Sheldon‘s popularity, which had been TV’s number 1 comedy, there’s still interest in the Pasadena gang. There were hopes that a The Big Bang Theory reunion was going to happen via the prequel, but that didn’t happen.

After the Young Sheldon finale, that prequel timeline will continue on CBS via the upcoming Cooper spinoff, Georgie And Mandy’s First Marriage. However, Lorre is also confirmed to working on a separate show that is expected to have direct ties to The Big Bang Theory. The producer has yet to give any update as to what it may be, but there have been so many ideas floating around — some of them great, while others are just impossible to accomplish, considering the state of the universe. Lorre’s best choice can also make up for his most tragic character and actor pairing.

Kevin Sussman Auditioned To Play Sheldon And Was Originally Cast As Howard

Sussman Lost A Main Big Bang Theory Cast Spot Twice

The Big Bang Theory‘s most prominent supporting character was Stuart, played by Kevin Sussman. He appeared in a total of 84 episodes. In an alternate universe, however, the actor would have been in much more. Originally Sussman auditioned to play Sheldon, but was clearly turned down, with the role eventually landing on Jim Parsons’ lap. Unfortunately, his The Big Bang Theory heartache didn’t end there. For a time, Sussman was cast as Howard, but a scheduling conflict prevented him from signing up for the role, resulting in Simon Helberg taking over the part.

It’s worth noting that Lorre is a loyal collaborator. So many people that he has worked with before returned for his other projects, hence why Sussman was eventually brought back as Stuart. While it created Young Sheldon‘s oldest The Big Bang Theory plot hole, Lance Barber’s comeback as George Cooper after playing Leonard’s bully, Jimmy Speckerman is the best example of this. Considering Sussman’s history with the producer extraordinaire, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that Sussman is finally given his due and awarded his own show in The Big Bang Theory universe.

Stuart Was Often Ignored By The Big Bang Theory’s Pasadena Gang

It Was A Running Joke Throughout The Big Bang Theory

Being part of one of the most successful sitcoms of all time is something to be grateful for, and Sussman has been vocal about that. That said, all of his missed opportunities to be part of The Big Bang Theory‘s core cast were somehow baked into the story of the nerd-centric sitcom. Introduced in season 2, Stuart owned the comic book store that the guys frequented. Eventually, he became the unofficial eighth member of the friend group, often hanging out with them when Sheldon and company didn’t forget to invite him or if they needed a replacement friend.

However, that was the extent of Stuart’s importance in The Big Bang Theory. He was friends with the Pasadena gang but he wasn’t close enough to them to warrant him a spot in their regular activities. Eventually, The Big Bang Theory gave Stuart’s own storyline when he started developing a relationship with Howard’s mother, Mrs. Wolowitz before she died. Much later in the show, he finally got his own romantic interest in Denise, but it was far too late to further develop it.

Kevin Sussman’s Stuart Has The Best Big Bang Theory Spinoff Potential

Stuart And Denise’s Love Story Can Be Further Explored In A New The Big Bang Theory Spinoff

Speaking of Stuart getting his love life towards the end of The Big Bang Theory, Lorre can use this as a launching pad for his next spinoff. Unlike Young Sheldon, which required CBS to do a period comedy, the proposed project can be set in the modern era, effectively separating it from Georgie And Mandy’s First Marriage. The stark difference in the shows would allow them to run concurrently.

Sussman’s Stuart may not be part of the core cast of The Big Bang Theory, but he’s familiar enough to those who follow the sitcom that his possible show would be a much easier sell than centering it on an entirely new character. There’s already an existing emotional investment in him and there’s clearly potential in further exploring his relationship with Denise. Finally, it allows Lorre to lean on The Big Bang Theory without having to rely on the return of its main stars, which seems virtually impossible at this point.