the main characters in The Big Bang Theory, often in dire financial straits played for laughs. After so much hardship, it was nice to see Stuart meet Denise in season 11.

Stuart and Denise are two of the finale of The Big Bang Theory, which is a perfect ending that opens up new possibilities for their spinoff. Without knowing many plot details about Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, revisiting Stuart’s lowest points before Denise and their relationship milestones in The Big Bang Theory is the perfect primer before their spinoff.

10 Season 4, Episode 17, “The Toast Derivation”

We Get A Glimpse At How Sad Stuart’s Life Really Is

We don’t know much about Stuart’s personal life before The Big Bang Theory season 4, episode 17, only that he was a lonely comic book store owner with a crush on Penny and a surprising friendship with Wil Wheaton. Stuart’s circumstances come into sharper focus when Sheldon invites him to be part of a new group of friends with Sheldon at the center instead of Leonard. Stuart reveals he is living in the comic book shop due to financial hardship, and he accepts Sheldon’s invitation primarily for access to a hot shower.

Despite the awkward setup, Stuart easily connects with the other invitees, Barry Kripke and Penny’s ex-boyfriend, Zack Johnson. In fact, Stuart enthusiastically s their karaoke session wearing only a towel, highlighting his quiet desperation as well as his willingness to find joy where he can. This episode makes me excited to see more of his friendship with Kripke, and hopefully Zack is one of the characters that can return in Stuart’s spinoff.

9 Season 7, Episode 12, “The Hesitation Ramification”

Stuart And Raj Attempt To Meet Women At The Mall

Although Stuart did have two unmemorable dates with Penny and one abbreviated date with Amy, he hadn't had much romantic luck by The Big Bang Theory season 7. Stuart teams up with Raj, who also had bad luck with romantic relationships, to practice talking to regular people to build confidence before approaching attractive women. However, their plan quickly unravels as their anxiety and insecurity take over.

Stuart and Raj spend the entire day rationalizing why they shouldn’t talk to anyone - Stuart even jokingly suggests chatting with mannequins, but Raj thinks that they seem stuck up. The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 12 highlights both Stuart and Raj’s loneliness and their tendency to self-sabotage blending awkward humor with quiet vulnerability.

8 Season 7, Episode 24, “The Status Quo Combustion”

Stuart’s Comic Book Store Is Ruined, So He Accepts A Job No One Else Will

Stuart hits a devastating low when his comic book store burns down, compounding his long streak of bad luck. Now homeless and jobless, Stuart’s misfortune unexpectedly leads to a new chapter when he moves in with Howard and Bernadette to care for Howard’s difficult mother. Surprisingly, the two bond quickly, with Stuart affectionately calling her “Debbie,” and she dubbing him “Stewie,” forming a connection that unsettles Howard.

But Stuart, for once finding stability and companionship, embraces the arrangement without shame. This marks a turning point for his character; despite remaining socially awkward and often burdensome, Stuart becomes a semi-permanent fixture in Howard and Bernadette’s home for the remainder of The Big Bang Theory, contributing to the household in both helpful and occasionally irritating ways.

7 Season 9, Episode 5, “The Perspiration Implementation”

Stuart Asks Penny’s Posse How To Make The Comic Book Store Friendly To Women

Stuart enlists Penny, Bernadette, and Amy to help make his comic book store more welcoming to women in The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 24. His first attempts - like folding the toilet paper and including a section for breastfeeding mothers - highlight the real issue: Stuart himself. His awkwardness and nervous energy come across as creepy rather than charming, which Penny confirms with a number of candid online reviews.

His awkwardness and nervous energy come across as creepy rather than charming, which Penny confirms with a number of candid online reviews.

In a rare and raw moment of honesty, Stuart acknowledges his desperation, loneliness, and disappointment with where his life has ended up. This vulnerability adds depth to a character usually played for laughs and makes his later relationship with Denise feel earned and poignant. As the focus of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, it will be interesting to see how the show balances his emotional depth with the comedy fans expect, particularly in a shorter Max season for the spinoff.

6 Season 11, Episode 21, “The Comet Polarization”

Denise’s Comic Book Expertise Impresses Even Sheldon

Stuart’s comic book store enjoys a rare upswing in popularity in The Big Bang Theory season 11, episode 21, after a well-known sci-fi author tweets a glowing endorsement. Business is booming, so Stuart hires Denise as his new assistant manager. When Sheldon questions her comic book credentials, she impresses him immediately by recommending a specific volume that he’s never even heard of based solely on the clues from his graphic T-shirt.

It’s a fun and satisfying moment that highlights her expertise and instantly earns Sheldon’s respect. Denise’s introduction brings fresh energy to the store and to Stuart’s storyline. As a smart, ionate female comic book fan, Denise is a welcome if underrated character in The Big Bang Theory. This episode lays the groundwork for Denise’s growing role in both the final season and the Stuart Fails to Save the Universe spinoff.

5 Season 11, Episode 24, “The Bow Tie Asymmetry”

Denise Is Stuart’s Date To Sheldon & Amy’s Wedding

Stuart and Denise’s relationship takes a surprising turn in The Big Bang Theory season 11, episode 24 when Denise agrees to be Stuart’s date to Sheldon and Amy’s wedding, though she only accepts the invitation because Mark Hamill is officiating. However, during a lull before the ceremony, Hamill takes Star Wars questions, and Stuart confidently corrects Luke Skywalker himself on a minor detail. This moment impresses Denise, who sees Stuart in a new light: capable, ionate, and confident in his element.

She liked him before, but this is the first time she feels a real spark of attraction. It’s one of the Big Bang Theory episodes that will get you excited for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. Denise and Stuart’s shared love of nerd culture forms the heart of their connection and paves the way for a genuine relationship.

4 Season 12, Episode 2, “The Wedding Gift Wormhole”

Stuart Overthinks His First Date With Denise

Stuart and Denise have their first official date in The Big Bang Theory season 12, episode 2. Stuart nervously gets a spray tan to add a little color, but accidentally turns himself bright orange. Luckily, Denise handles it with ease, cracking jokes about trying to “find Nemo” or maybe grab some “orange chicken” for dinner.

Denise’s laid-back attitude and quick wit are a perfect match for Stuart, whose life is often marked by awkward missteps.

Denise’s laid-back attitude and quick wit are a perfect match for Stuart, whose life is often marked by awkward missteps. Unlike the will-they-or-won’t-they of Leonard and Penny’s relationship, Stuart and Denise’s romance is refreshingly simple and sincere. Earlier in the episode, Denise brings up a question about Superman’s dog, Krypto, and Stuart has a detailed answer ready, proof they’ll never run out of nerdy things to bond over.

3 Season 12, Episode 9, “The Citation Negation”

Bernadette Recruits Denise To Train Her At Fortnite

Denise reveals a new, competitive side when Bernadette asks her for Fortnite training to beat Howard in one of the Big Bang Theory episodes that prove Bernadette was a good wife. Proudly pointing to her sun-deprived skin as proof of her gamer credentials, Denise takes the role seriously, barking orders like a drill sergeant and hilariously intimidating Bernadette, who is usually the bully of the group. It’s a fun reversal that highlights Denise’s intensity and hidden toughness.

Earlier in the episode, Bernadette questions what Denise sees in Stuart. Denise casually mentions that her parents owned a funeral home and dryly invites Bernadette and the audience to draw their own conclusions from that, offering a cryptic but funny hint at her dark, quirky sensibilities.

2 Season 12, Episode 11, “The Paintball Scattering”

Stuart Panics Over The Next Step With Denise

Stuart and Denise’s relationship takes a surprisingly sexual turn in The Big Bang Theory season 12, with Denise’s frequent presence at Howard and Bernadette’s house creating tension. However, when Denise invites Stuart to move into her place in season 12, episode 11, he panics.

By the end of the episode, Stuart its he’s afraid of moving too fast and messing things up, but it takes Denise shooting him with a paintball gun multiple times to have that talk. Stuart’s vulnerability shines through when, in a lighthearted moment, he crosses his fingers and prays to be picked when he is the last one left for paintball teams, highlighting his adorably self-aware personality.

1 Season 12, Episode, 22 “The Maternal Conclusion”

Stuart & Denise’s First Chapter Reaches Its Sweet End (Until The Spinoff)

Stuart and Denise make their final appearance on The Big Bang Theory season 12, episode 22. Denise has become so comfortable at Howard and Bernadette’s place that she’s adding items to the grocery list and helping herself to the fridge while Stuart is at work. A discussion with Howard prompts Stuart to regret not moving in with Denise when she previously asked. After a touching yet humorous push from Denise’s creepy neighbor Mitch, Stuart and Denise finally say "I love you" for the first time.

Their connection deepens with playful yet sincere exchanges, using comic book metaphors like "More than Galactus wants to devour worlds" and "More than Hulk wants to smash" to express their desire to live together. It’s a sweet culmination of their quirky and heartfelt relationship which we’ll see continue to grow in Stuart Fails to Save the World.

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