CBS exec hints at ‘Big Bang Theory’ season 13
While the most popular comedy on television is coming to an end, a CBS executive has hinted that there may be yet another season.
At the Television Critics Assoc. summer press tour on Sunday, CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl maintained that the top-rated sitcom’s upcoming 12th season may not be its last.
“We don’t believe it’s the final year,” Kahl said. “We are in preliminary discussions to renew the show [for a 13th season].”
Star Johnny Galecki stated earlier this year that he was mentally approaching next season as the show’s swan song. “I think at this point everyone’s very comfortable with 12 seasons being a good time to go home and see our families,” he said.
Showrunner Steve Holland similarly told TVLine in the spring, “Until I hear differently, yes [it’s the final season].” The EP, however, was quick to note that an official decision about the show’s end date had not been made. “I know we have next season, but I don’t know what happens beyond that,” he opined. “And it’s not my decision to make. So all I can do is go forward with next season and make it great.”
CBS would be thrilled to find a way to keep the show in the air and if that means they throw more bags of cash at the cast, then expect that to happen.
As of last year, production costs rose to $9 million an episode, more than half of which consists of the actors’ salaries. Jim Parsons, Galecki and Cuoco were contracted to $1 million per episode for a 24-episode season, beginning in 2014. The trio of stars are TV’s highest-paid actors on comedies.
The Big Bang Theory kicks off Season 12 on Monday, Sept. 24 at 8/7c before settling into its regular Thursday time slot on Sept. 27.
