It’s been in the pipeline for a few weeks, and now we have official confirmation that CBS has renewed the ratings juggernaut sitcom The Big Bang Theory for two more seasons, taking it through to twelve in total.
According to reports, original cast members Jim Parsons (Sheldon), Johnny Galecki (Leonard), Kaley Cuoco (Penny), Simon Helberg (Howard) and Kunal Nayyar (Raj) are all pocketing a cool $900,000 per episode, having each taken a $100,000 pay cut in order to boost the contracts for their co-stars Mayim Bialik (Amy) and Melissa Rauch (Bernadette). It’s also said that Bialik and Rauch are yet to agree new deals, although both are expected to return once new contracts have been agreed.
The Big Bang Theory remains the #1 scripted TV series on broadcast television, averaging 19.4 million viewers an episode.
In addition to the new seasons, CBS is also launching a spinoff series entitled Young Sheldon, which will be narrated by Parsons and follows a 9-year-old Sheldon Cooper as he lives with his family in East Texas. It is expected to air alongside The Big Bang Theory when the new season begins the fall.
Originally published March 20, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
