Get ready to spend a lot more time with Sheldon Cooper and Co. now that CBS has made a major announcement regarding the future of The Big Bang Theory. The hugely successful sitcom, which hasn’t shown any signs of aging when it comes to viewership, has officially been renewed for not just one more season, and not even two. That’s right: BBT is being renewed for three more seasons beyond the current one.
This means the sitcom is guaranteed to still be on the air not only this fall for season 8, but all the way through to the 2016-17 season, which will be season 10.
“Comedy is a big part of our schedule, and The Big Bang Theory is the biggest comedy force on television,” said CBS Entertainment chair Nina Tassler in a press release. “This multi-year deal further strengthens our network’s position for future seasons and marks another chapter in the great partnership CBS enjoys with Warner Bros. Television for delivering audiences the best in the comedy. We’re proud to work with and showcase the incredible talents of Chuck Lorre, Steve Molaro and this amazing cast every week.”
CBS is currently in the middle of contract renewal negotiations with cast members, including Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, according to Variety. Considering the popularity of the show, it’s likely the network will make sure that everybody in the core cast sticks around.
The Big Bang Theory has become a staple on Thursday nights (which might have been a factor in FOX moving American Idol results shows to a later timeslot). But come fall 2014, season 8 might move to a different night temporarily while CBS airs Thursday Night Football.
The Big Bang Theory is the #1 comedy on television today, averaging 19.79 million viewers, and is the highest-rated non-sports program in the 18-49, 25-54 and 18-34 demographics. The sitcom has also found award success, including at the Emmys, where star Jim Parsons has won for Lead Actor in a Comedy for three years in a row, and at the Golden Globes, where Parsons also won for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical.
Creator Chuck Lorre has three other sitcoms currently on CBS: Two and a Half Men, Mike and Molly and Mom. Deadline is reporting that the network is currently in contract negotiations with all three, and Men might be given a 13-episode final season.
The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8pm on CBS.
(Image courtesy of CBS)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
Jeff Dodge, a graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena.
