With negotiations nearly coming to a close that will extend "The Big Bang Theory" for two seasons, the CBS comedy series is expected to continue with all of its seven-member cast returning to the show. Given Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik's critical roles, the two actresses' pay may be bumped up to a higher tier.
"The Big Bang Theory" is set to receive a two-season renewal that would make it one of the longest running comedy shows on television. Warner Bros. TV and CBS are close to signing the deal for the said extension, while contract renewals for the show's cast members are also ongoing.
Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Kunal Nayvar and Simon Helberg's new two-year contracts are also nearing the final stage of negotiations. With pay rates of around $1 million per episode, the said five Hollywood stars will continue to receive the same salaries but with "most favored nations" terms, according to Deadline.
Details of those new terms were not disclosed. However, given the said cast members' previous contract negotiations, the five celebrities might receive increased ownership stakes.
Meanwhile, unlike Parsons, Galecki, Cuoco, Nayvar and Helberg, who are the show's original cast, the pay levels of Rauch and Bialik are at a lower scale. Having joined the CBS comedy show during its third season as special guests before being promoted to series regulars in the fourth season, both actresses' current contracts are at a $175,000 per episode rate.
Speculations are rife that Rauch and Bialik will receive a pay raise especially since their roles as Bernadette and Amy, respectively, have evolved in "The Big Bang Theory." At this point, it is still unclear if the two actresses' per episode rate will be in parity with other cast members' $1 million per episode package. Contract negotiations are still ongoing for all of the CBS show's stars.
In an earlier interview with The Hollywood Reporter, CBS Entertainment President Glenn Geller described the renewal discussions as tough which is expected from pay negotiations. He added, "We are guardedly optimistic about it. It's normal negotiations."
"The Big Bang Theory," currently on its Season 10 run, is one of CBS and Warner Bros. TV's top-rated programs. Watch a clip from the show's upcoming episode below: