'The Big Bang Theory' Gets Renewed for 3 More Seasons

Talk about a big bang — CBS is renewing its mega-hit comedy “The Big Bang Theory” for a whopping three more seasons.

The network announced that TV’s No. 1 comedy among adults 18-49 will remain on the air into 2017. This is the second time that the series, created by Chuck Lorre, has gotten a three-year renewal.

Having renewed the show, Warner Bros. Television, which produces “Big Bang Theory,” will focus on locking down the actors into new contracts. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the three main stars — Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, and Kaley Cuoco — are teaming up to negotiate big salary increases, from their current $325,000 per episode to $1 million.

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Supporting cast members Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar are also negotiating together for pay raises, while Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch recently signed new deals.

Shelling out more money is clearly worth it to both Warner Bros. and CBS. “The Big Bang Theory” averages nearly 20 million viewers on Thursday nights. It draws in a big number of adults 18-49, the demographic that advertisers most covet. And the comedy’s reruns on TBS sometimes even top first-run shows on other networks.

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The series also brings in Emmy nominations every year, and Parsons has won three trophies for Best Actor in a Comedy.

With its massive numbers and Emmy credentials, “The Big Bang Theory” is a hugely important asset to CBS — even more so now that its long-running comedy “How I Met Your Mother” is ending this year.

Yeah, science!

"The Big Bang Theory" airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on CBS.