"The Big Bang Theory" Stars Have Yet to Sign Contracts for Next Season - East Idaho News
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“The Big Bang Theory” Stars Have Yet to Sign Contracts for Next Season

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CBS 4314 BigBangTheory?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1405604019314Sonja Flemming/CBS(LOS ANGELES) — Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco, the stars of The Big Bang Theory, are without contracts, even though CBS has renewed the popular sitcom for three additional seasons.

Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter there hasn’t been any movement in the negotiations since they began last September, but a deal is expected to be reached before the eighth season debuts in September. The cast also is expected to return to work on the show at the end of the month when production begins, with or without contracts.

Parsons and Galecki, who play physicists Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter, respectively, and Cuoco, who portrays Penny, an aspiring actress, currently earn $325,000 per episode. They’re seeking up to $1 million per half-hour and are expected to negotiate together, a source tells the industry trade publication.

Simon Helberg, who plays mechanical engineer Howard Wolowitz, and Kunal Nayyar, who plays astrophysicist Raj Koothrappali, are also looking for increases and will negotiate together.

Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch, who play Sheldon’s girlfriend Amy Farrah Fowler and Howard’s wife Bernadette Rostenkowski, respectively, have already signed, with both securing raises.

The Big Bang Theory earned Emmy nominations last week for best comedy series, lead comedy actor for Parsons, and supporting actress for Bialik.

The Big Bang Theory returns for its eighth season on Monday, Sept. 22. It will return to CBS’ Thursday-night schedule in late October.


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