Some geeks like them, some geeks loathe them, but they are not going anywhere: the hit TV show The Big Bang Theory has been picked up by CBS for another three seasons, with several other Chuck Lorre series waiting in the wings for negotiations.
In an unsurprising turn of events, CBS renewed The Big Bang Theory for three years, almost entirely without controversy. The series has been one of the most consistent money-makers for CBS, garnering consistent ratings and year-to-year gains over its past seven seasons. While the series has received some criticism from various communities, particularly in regards to its over-simplistic representation of geek/nerd culture, it continues to maintain favor over a widespread demographic.
The next step for The Big Bang Theory negotiations is to complete salary talks with the show’s leads, particularly Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, and Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting. The three are expected to eventually hit the Friends benchmark of $1 million per episode. Negotiations are already finished with both Mayim Bialik (Amy) and Melissa Rauch (Bernadette). As long as the leads can figure out a deal, we will be seeing new Big Bang Theory episodes at least until 2017.
It’s a good year for Chuck Lorre all around, actually. In addition to the renewal of The Big Bang Theory, the writer/producer’s other baby Two and a Half Men is planning on a thirteen-episode final season once negotiations are complete. The two other series Lorre has airing on CBS – Mike & Molly and Mom – are also in the midst of negotiations. With The Big Bang Theory receiving such strong support from CBS, there’s the expectation that Lorre’s other series will not be adversely affected.
As always, we’ll keep you posted when we hear more.