CBS‘ The Big Bang Theory is on track to go on for at least two more seasons. I hear that original cast members Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar are finalizing new two-year contracts to continue on the Warner Bros TV-produced comedy series, paving the way for a two-year renewal, which I hear also is nearing the finishing line. If negotiations between CBS and WBTV conclude successfully, it would bring the blockbuster comedy to 12 seasons. The network and studio declined comment.
This is a pretty quick turnaround compared with the cast negotiations three years ago, when talks dragged on during the summer, leading to a weeklong delay in start of production for Season 8. Back then, CBS and WBTV closed a three-year renewal for the show in March, which was followed by the protracted talent negotiations. This time, talent conversations have been going on parallel tracks with license fee renewal talks between CBS and WBTV and negotiations for The Big Bang Theory prequel series, Sheldon, which is in the works for next season. CBS is covering most of the series’ production cost, a standard practice for a show late in its run.
I hear the five original stars — Parsons, Galecki, Cuoco, Helberg and Nayyar — are getting the same salary under “most favored nations” terms, ensuring financial parity among the quintet. The paychecks are believed to be pretty close to what the five are making this season, around $1 million an episode. Continue reading
