CBS Renews 'The Big Bang Theory' For Three More Seasons

Credit: CBS

In an unprecedented move, CBS has granted a three season renewal to its #1 show, The Big Bang Theory. This comes on the heels of record ratings for the sitcom, which remains TV's most popular comedy. The deal extends the show's run through the 2016-2017 broadcast season.

The full press release from CBS:

CBS announced today a multi-year broadcast renewal for the top-rated, critically acclaimed comedy The Big Bang Theory.

The Big Bang Theory, which is TV’s most-watched comedy and the top-rated broadcast entertainment show among adults 18-49, has been renewed for an additional three years, extending it through the 2016-2017 season.

“Comedy is a big part of our schedule, and The Big Bang Theory is the biggest comedy force on television,” said Nina Tassler, Chairman, CBS Entertainment. “This multi-year deal further strengthens our network’s position for future seasons and marks another chapter in the great partnership CBS enjoys with Warner Bros. Television for delivering audiences the best in comedy. We’re proud to work with and showcase the incredible talents of Chuck Lorre, Steve Molaro and this amazing cast every week.”

About The Big Bang Theory:

THE Big Bang Theory, which premiered in September 2007, has been television's #1 comedy in viewers since 2010-2011 and continues as the #1 comedy in key demographics for the second straight season. This season, THE Big Bang Theory is averaging 19.79 million viewers (+4% versus last year), 6.1/19 in adults 18-49, 7.8/21 in adults 25-54 and 4.5/16 in adults 18-34, ranking as the highest-rated non-sports program in all these demographics.

In addition to being a ratings success, THE Big Bang Theory has earned critical acclaim and award recognition. The series has won Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series” for star Jim Parsons (2010, 2011, 2013), a People's Choice Award for “Favorite TV Comedy” (2010, 2013, 2014), Television Critics Association Awards for “Outstanding Achievement in Comedy” (2009, 2013) as well as “Individual Achievement in Comedy” for Parsons (2009). In 2011, Parsons won a Golden Globe for “Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy” while Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting also won a 2014 People's Choice Award for “Favorite Comedic Actress.”

THE Big Bang Theory stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. Chuck Lorre, Steve Molaro and Bill Prady are executive producers. The series is from Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television. Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady are series creators.

It's rare for a show to grow in stature from one year to the next, yet this renewal illustrates that The Big Bang Theory just might be in its prime in terms of sheer popularity. Although, hopefully, this doesn't come back to bite CBS in the same way the multi-season renewal of Glee came back to bite FOX. Granted, in the case of Glee, the death of Cory Monteith was unexpected and beyond the control of the network. But I find it hard to believe that FOX wouldn't be looking for a way out at the end of this season if it hadn't already renewed Glee through the 2014-2015 broadcast season. The show's value could plummet if, say, one of the actors elects to leave the series, resulting in CBS paying top dollar for a show that no longer delivers like it used to. Of course, this is all wild, ridiculous speculation at this point. Given the relative success of the show, it's tough to see this renewal as anything other than a shrewd, beneficial move on the part of CBS.

So what do you think of the renewal? A smart move by CBS? Or premature? Sound off in the comments!