Penn & Teller Appear in New Big Bang Theory Spinoff

 Legendary magicians Penn & Teller have made an unexpected appearance in the expanding universe of The Big Bang Theory.

The magical duo can be spotted in the official trailer for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the new HBO Max spinoff that premiered on July 23, 2026. Penn Jillette and Teller appear together beside a humorous sign declaring, “Penn & Teller will perform for food.”

Although their appearance is clearly shown in the trailer, the exact nature of their roles has not yet been revealed. They could be playing alternate-universe versions of themselves, fictional characters or simply making a quick cameo. For now, that mystery is part of the fun.

Teller Returns to The Big Bang Theory Universe

This is not Teller’s first visit to The Big Bang Theory universe.

Teller previously played Larry Fowler, the quiet and frequently overwhelmed father of Amy Farrah Fowler. The casting was a clever choice because Teller is famous for remaining silent during his performances with Penn. His character’s wife, Mrs. Fowler, was played by Kathy Bates.

Teller also made an unusual appearance in Young Sheldon, providing the voice of “Pus” when Sheldon imagined the personified contents of a pimple.

His appearance alongside Penn in the new spinoff creates another entertaining connection between the world-famous magic team and the long-running television franchise.

What Is Stuart Fails to Save the Universe?

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe follows comic-book-store owner Stuart Bloom, once again played by Kevin Sussman.

The science-fiction comedy sends Stuart and several familiar characters on a multiverse-spanning adventure after an accident threatens reality. The series brings back other recognizable faces from The Big Bang Theory, including Lauren Lapkus as Denise, Brian Posehn as Bert and John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke.

The multiverse premise allows the show to introduce unusual characters, alternate versions of familiar people and surprising celebrity appearances. That makes Penn & Teller a natural fit for its unpredictable world.

Why Penn & Teller Are Perfect for the Series

Penn & Teller have spent decades combining magic, comedy, skepticism and science. Their performances frequently explore how people perceive reality, making them especially appropriate guests for a television series involving alternate universes and distorted realities.

They also have a long history of memorable television appearances. In addition to starring in Penn & Teller: Fool Us, the duo has appeared in numerous scripted shows, movies, documentaries and television specials.

Whether their appearance becomes an important part of the story or remains a brief comedy cameo, seeing Penn & Teller together in the trailer gives magic fans another reason to check out the series.

Billy McComb on The Best of Magic 1990

 Watch legendary comedy magician Billy McComb perform his classic Coin in Bottle routine on John Fisher’s television series The Best of Magic.

Originally broadcast on September 26, 1990, this vintage magic performance showcases Billy McComb’s wonderful sense of humor, relaxed presentation and masterful ability to turn a seemingly impossible magic trick into unforgettable entertainment.

Billy McComb was one of the most respected and influential magicians of his generation. His distinctive personality, clever thinking and comedic timing made him a favorite among both audiences and professional magicians. This classic television appearance provides a wonderful look at his entertaining approach to the impossible Coin in Bottle effect.

Subscribe for more classic magic performances, magician biographies, vintage television appearances and fascinating moments from magic history.

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Timon Krause on Fool Us

 German mentalist Timon Krause delivers a fascinating demonstration of psychological illusion, influence and apparent mind reading on Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

Working with host Alyson Hannigan, Krause creates the impression that he can guide her choices and predict her decisions before they are made. His deceptively simple presentation leaves Penn and Teller unable to determine his complete method, earning him the coveted Fool Us trophy.

This memorable performance is an excellent example of modern mentalism. Instead of relying on large props or elaborate illusions, Timon Krause uses psychology, language, timing and audience interaction to create an impossible experience. Watch the performance and decide for yourself: Were Alyson Hannigan’s choices genuinely free, or was Timon influencing her decisions from the beginning?

Fans of Penn & Teller, mentalism, mind-reading magic and Fool Us winners will enjoy this remarkable performance from one of Europe’s most successful contemporary mentalists.

Pilobolus performs on Penn & Teller's Fool Us

 

Jack Rhodes comedy magic full show

 

Fruit of the Spirit Silks by Barry Mitchell – Complete Unopened Gospel Magic Set

Now available at www.magiciansmagicshop.com

 Bring the message of Galatians 5:22–23 to life with Fruit of the Spirit Silks by Barry Mitchell!

This colorful gospel-magic set includes nine beautifully printed word silks featuring Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. The silks can be presented individually or together and used with many popular silk-magic utility props.
This is the discontinued original edition, complete with:
* Nine colorful 3½” × 17” word silks
* Original demonstration DVD
* Presentation ideas and instructional material
* Zippered plush banana puppet/pouch
* Original packaging
Perfect for gospel magicians, children’s church, Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, family entertainers, Christian schools, and character-education programs.
Condition: Brand-new old stock and unopened in its original packaging.
Retail Price $99.00
Our Price $89.00

Remembering Fred Kaps on the Anniversary of His Death

 

On July 23, 1980, the magic world lost one of its most celebrated and influential performers: Fred Kaps.

Born Abraham Pieter Adrianus Bongers in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Kaps became internationally admired for his originality, technical ability, elegant presentation and unmistakable personality. Although he died at only 54 years old, his performances continue to influence magicians more than four decades later.

The Only Three-Time FISM Grand Prix Winner

Fred Kaps holds a record that has never been matched. He is the only magician to win the FISM World Championship of Magic Grand Prix three times.

Kaps received the prestigious honor in:

• 1950 in Barcelona, Spain
• 1955 in Amsterdam, Netherlands
• 1961 in Liège, Belgium

Guinness World Records officially recognizes Kaps as holding the record for the most FISM Grand Prix victories.

His winning performances demonstrated more than technical skill. Kaps could transform highly practiced sleight of hand into moments that felt spontaneous, surprising and genuinely magical.

Fred Kaps and the Long Salt Pour

One of Fred Kaps’ most famous routines was his interpretation of the Long Salt Pour.

After apparently making a small amount of salt disappear, Kaps would begin producing an impossible stream of salt from his empty hand. The salt continued pouring long after the audience expected the routine to end.

What made the performance memorable was not simply the trick. It was Kaps’ reaction to the growing problem. He appeared increasingly confused and embarrassed as the salt continued pouring and the orchestra struggled to keep playing.

The combination of strong magic, music, timing and physical comedy turned a relatively simple effect into one of magic’s most memorable routines.

Kaps was also known for his Dancing and Floating Cork, color-changing silks, productions of banknotes and candles, card manipulation and numerous other beautifully constructed effects.

Following The Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show”

Fred Kaps also holds a fascinating place in television history.

On February 9, 1964, Kaps appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show during the same broadcast that introduced The Beatles to a massive American television audience.

Following the excitement of The Beatles may have been one of the most difficult positions any variety performer could face. Nevertheless, Kaps delivered a charming and memorable performance before an audience estimated at more than 70 million viewers.

The historic appearance introduced countless Americans to Fred Kaps—even if Beatlemania made it difficult for any other performer on the program to receive equal attention. History.com recounts the extraordinary broadcast.

A Magician’s Magician

Fred Kaps was more than a competition winner or television performer. He was a magician deeply respected by other magicians.

His work demonstrated that a magical effect does not end when the secret method has been mastered. Character, music, movement, timing and audience connection can transform a trick into a complete theatrical experience.

Kaps reportedly spent years perfecting details that audiences might never consciously notice. That dedication helped his performances appear effortless, natural and filled with genuine wonder.

Shortly before his death, Kaps received a Masters Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts. He was also inducted into the Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame.

Remembering Fred Kaps

Fred Kaps died from cancer on July 23, 1980. Today, 46 years after his passing, his record remains unbroken and his performances are still studied by magicians around the world.

His Long Salt Pour continues to demonstrate an important lesson: the secret may create the effect, but presentation creates the memory.

Today, we remember Fred Kaps—a three-time world champion, master showman and one of the most influential magicians of the 20th century.