The Big Bang Theory casts Josh Peck as character's rival in Season 7

The Big Bang Theory is in the midst of Season 7 and is enjoying plenty of success in the ratings. When the show returns for its next run of new episodes in 2014, a former Nickelodeon star will be on board.

TVLine reports exclusively that the hit CBS sitcom has cast Josh Peck of Drake & Josh fame to guest star as a rival of Stuart, the owner of the comic book shop that the main characters frequent on the show. Stuart is a sad sack character, and his life will likely not improve at all thanks to Peck's character's presence.

"Josh will be playing the owner of the rival, and extremely successful, comic book store," showrunner Steve Molaro told TVLine. He added that unlike Stuart's often-empty store, Peck's character's store "is incredible looking and filled with customers."

Peck's episode will air on Thursday, Jan. 9, which is one week after the show returns from its short holiday break. Interestingly, Molaro actually served as a writer on Drake & Josh.

Peck recently guest starred on The Mindy Project and co-starred in the Amazon pilot The Rebels.

The Big Bang Theory's most recent episode was a Christmas-themed affair that asked what would happen if Sheldon Cooper weren't in the lives of the gang. We found out last Thursday night with an episode inspired by It's A Wonderful Life. This type of episode has been done time and time again on other shows around the holidays, but TBBT made it work by blending just the right amount of heart and humor.