Is ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Going To End With Season 10?
After a decade of good fun, is the Big Bang Theory finally going to meet its end with Season 10?
The Big Bang Theory has had a great run as it continues to be the top comedy series on television. But speculation about the season finale of The Big Bang Theory started last May that Season 10 might be the concluding season for the long-running comedy.
While it continues to be on the top of the list, way ahead of other comedy on TV, Yahoo News reported that last season, The Big Bang Theory‘s ratings slipped a significant percentage. The season premiere of the Big Bang Theory Season 10 pulled a 3.6 rating among adults 18-49 and 15.4 million in overall viewers. While 15.4 millions still sounds better against other sitcoms, this number is a 15 percent drop in overall viewers–and for a season premiere, at that. This rating drop is sure to turn some heads at the network, especially with the astounding fees CBS is shelling out for its actors.
It’s worth noting that right now, the Big Bang Theory is at the top of Forbes‘ list of highest-paid TV actors of 2016. TheTelegraph reports that the Big Bang Theory actors Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, and Kaley Cuoco are signed at $1 million each per episode. Estimated based on data from Nielsen, Box Office Mojo, and IMDB, as well as interviews with agents, managers, lawyers, and industry insiders, Jim Parsons continued to be on the top of the list for the second year running, earning $25.5 million between June 1, 2015, and June 1, 2016, alone.
Season 10 for The Big Bang Theory is a contract year, so CBS will have to give word if they’re drafting another contract for the comedy. They will have to consider, too, if a raise for their actors will fit the budget.
But despite ratings and budget, The Big Bang Theory showrunner Steve Molaro thinks it is possible that Season 10 could be the end of the line for the series. Molaro tells the Hollywood Reporter the following.
“The reality is that maybe season 10 is the ending point. The real answer is I don’t know and all I can do right now is go episode to episode and try to make each one the best that we can. There’s still so many episodes to go. Even if hypothetically season 10 was the end, I wouldn’t be focusing on that yet. That seems like something that would be dealt with way down the line.”
In fact, as of now, none of the Big Bang Theory actors have yet to sign a contract further than Season 10. With rumors that the actors are demanding a raise, if CBS fails to give it to them, Molaro tells the Hollywood Reporter, he certainly will have to make do.
“If I had a couple of episodes of advance warning, I’m confident we could do something meaningful [for the ending], but hopefully it won’t come to that.”
While this news might be too depressing for the Big Bang Theory fans who would love to see more of ShAmy, Leonard and Sheldon’s bickering, and the quirkiness of the whole cast, there is still hope for a next season (or seasons) for the show.
According to USA Today, CBS Entertainment president Glenn Geller said in August that he’d like the Big Bang Theory to “extend beyond Season 10, echoing comments from Warner Bros. Television, which has profited handsomely from the series.”
Jim Parsons, playing Sheldon Cooper on the Big Bang Theory, joins in and voices out that he would not mind another couple more seasons for the show.
“Talk of ending does seem premature to me, even a decade in. If (the writers) remain inspired the way they have, then there’s not a lot to do but just have fun, because the scripts are a pleasure to put on.”
The Big Bang Theory Season 10 premiered last September 19.
[Featured Image via CBS]
