'The Big Bang Theory' season 11 renewal still up; CBS gets into negotiations regarding cast contracts
While fans are enjoying the current season of "The Big Bang Theory," which has already crossed its midseason, talks behind the curtains are very active in terms of the show living past its 10th year.
The contract renegotiations for the cast have been a huge part of the conversation even before the hit sitcom debuted season 10 during the fall of last year. But it seems like up until now, the parties involved have yet to arrive at an arrangement beneficial to all. Obviously, CBS would want "The Big Bang Theory" to continue especially when it has relentlessly put on numbers for them in terms of viewership ratings. Basing on the current installment alone, it remains to be the most-watched scripted series on television and even putting up a great competition against NBC's "Sunday Night Football" for the top spot in total viewers among all programs.
"We are in negotiations, but it is definitely business as usual," Glenn Geller, CBS Entertainment president told a slew of media outlets including Deadline at the Television Critics Association winter press tour Monday. "These are going to be, I think, the normal tough negotiations when you in a situation like this but we are guardedly optimistic."
No one from the cast has openly said or even hinted about not wanting to come back to the show and reprise their respective roles; however, it is no secret that it is still an industry and paychecks are a tricky thing especially with a show as big as "The Big Bang Theory." Last year, Kaley Cuoco candidly talked about a potential 11th season to be a "very expensive question." Bottomline is, if CBS wants to continue housing the geeky show, they should be ready to spend in some big amounts of cash. Case in point is the latest Forbes' list of the highest paid personalities including almost every main character from the series.
Another interesting development that may spell the difference regarding "The Big Bang Theory's" fate moving forward is that of the conceptualization of a spinoff centering on a young Sheldon in Texas. Information about the tipped project is still scarce but it seems to be getting legs especially with the popularity of the character.