The Big Bang Theoryremains a hit show for CBS, so it was a bit of a surprise yesterday when we learned thatthe upcoming season would be the show’s last. Now we know why. According toEW,Jim Parsons, who plays Dr. Sheldon Cooper, the show’s breakout character who even spawned the prequel seriesYoung Sheldon, did not want to return. Apparently, CBS wanted to go two more years on the show with Parsons and original co-starsKaley Cuoco,Johnny Galecki,Kunal Nayyar, andSimon Helbergearning nearly $1 million per episode, which would have totaled out to about $50 million for Parsons. However, there’s really noBig Bang Theorywithout Sheldon, so it was decided to wrap up the series instead rather than continue on without him.
Parsons earned four Emmys, one Golden Globe, and a voice-over role onYoung Sheldon(no word yet if he’ll continue on in that capacity for the spinoff), so it’s not like there’s anything more to do. Also, after 12 seasons, which makesThe Big Bang Theorythe longest-running multi-camera series in TV history, it’s not like anyone can say that he didn’t put in his time.
In a joint statement, Warner Bros. Television, CBS and Chuck Lorre Productions said, “We are forever grateful to our fans for their support ofThe Big Bang Theoryduring the past 12 seasons. We, along with the cast, writers and crew, are extremely appreciative of the show’s success and aim to deliver a final season, and series finale, that will bringThe Big Bang Theoryto an epic creative close.”
The final season ofThe Big Bang Theorywill debut Monday, Sept. 24 on CBS before moving to its regular time period on Thursday, Sept. 27.
How do you feel aboutThe Big Bang Theorycoming to a close? Did it overstay its welcome? Could it have lived on without Parsons? Sound off in the comments.
