Despite recently reports that preliminary discussions were underway about a thirteenth season, CBS, Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions have now announced that the hit comedy series The Big Bang Theory is to end after its upcoming twelfth season.
“We are forever grateful to our fans for their support of The Big Bang Theory during the past twelve seasons,” reads the official statement. “We, along with the cast, writers and crew, are extremely appreciative of the show’s success and aim to deliver a final season, and series finale, that will bring The Big Bang Theory to an epic creative close.”
“The Big Bang Theory has been the defining comedy of its generation,” added CBS Entertainment boss Kelly Kahl. “All of us at the Network take exceptional pride in this series that uniquely combines creative genius, commercial ratings success, cultural influence and characters who became so popular, they are easily known by just one name. We’re incredibly grateful for our partnership with Warner Bros., Chuck Lorre Productions and a brilliant cast and crew that has made such a ‘big bang’ and lasting legacy on the television landscape.”
The Big Bang Theory premiered in 2007, and originally starred Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar, with Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch joining from the third season onwards. It remains a huge ratings hit for CBS, with season eleven averaging 14 million viewers per episode.
