The Big Bang Theory Actor's New Role Is The Dark Version Of Howard

4 weeks ago 10

Simon Helberg as Howard excitedly writing something down in The Big Bang Theory season 10

Published Mar 25, 2026, 7:00 PM EDT

Nick Bythrow is a Lead Writer for ScreenRant. He has been writing for the site since September 2022. He graduated from Hampshire College in 2022, where he triple majored in Journalism, Communications, and Media Studies. When he's not writing about TV and movies for ScreenRant and his blog, Frayed Branches, Nick is penning speculative fiction and poetry on Amazon. He lives outside Boston, Massachusetts.

The Big Bang Theory actor Simon Helberg has a new role in an upcoming TV show, where he essentially portrays the dark version of Howard. The Big Bang Theory's characters are all classic in their own way, with Howard being no exception. The brilliant astronaut-turned-aerospace engineer is a hilarious member of the series thanks to his comedic feigned charisma.

In The Audacity, Simon Helberg Portrays A Twisted Version Of Howard

Helberg's next big role will be in The Audacity, a drama series set to premiere on AMC on April 14, 2026. The dark comedy TV show, which was created by Better Call Saul and Succession producer Jonathan Glatzer, follows tech billionaires as they attempt to build and outmaneuver each other for power. The show has already been renewed for season 2.

One of the core characters in the series is Helberg's Martin Phister, a prodigious Stanford graduate who is developing an AI program to help lonely teenagers. According to the actor, Martin's goal is to make sure teenagers who are lonely in their formative years, like he was, manage to have someone they can trust and talk to.

What's ironic about this, though, is that his character has a teenage daughter who he's not around for. This appears to be a core issue with his character, and something that will define his storyline. Martin is a topical inclusion to the show, especially given recent advancements in AI, that emphasizes the timely factors involved with The Audacity's story.

It also makes him a much different character in contrast to Howard. While Howard was inventive and bright, becoming an aerospace engineer and loving husband by the end of The Big Bang Theory, Helberg's character in The Audacity seems the exact opposite. While he's highly intelligent, it comes at the cost of positive relationships with other people.

This includes his family, which seems like it'll be the biggest hurdle for him in the Silicon Valley-based TV show. Instead of being an active participant in people's lives, like Howard was, it seems like Martin will be very much centered on his own work and self-importance. This makes him a dark version of his sitcom counterpart.

The Audacity Could Be Simon Helberg's Best Role Since The Big Bang Theory

Helberg has had a number of notable roles following the end of The Big Bang Theory. This includes showing up as FBI Agent Luca Clark in a recurring role in the cast of Poker Face, Peacock's mystery comedy series created by Rian Johnson. He's also starred in multiple movies, including comedy-drama As They Made Us and the rom-com For Worse.

However, none of his roles since The Big Bang Theory have been similar, nor have they packed the same amount of punch as Howard. This is all set to change with The Audacity, though, which sees Helberg back in a situation where he's a technological genius living in a world of others with similar levels of intellect.

The different circumstances presented in The Audacity will help him stand out in the series. While he's not the core star of the show — which goes to Billy Magnussen and Sarah Goldberg — he's going to play a pivotal role in how the story develops. This includes having a part to play in the larger story, which involves a major personal data leak.

As The Audacity approaches its premiere date of Sunday, April 12, it seems like Helberg's character is poised to be an incredibly memorable part of the show. By twisting elements of Howard from The Big Bang Theory, it appears the series will be delivering a familiar yet unique story surrounding his involvement in the tale.