Will 'The Big Bang Theory' drop Leonard Hofstadter, Sheldon Cooper and Penny?

Just on the verge of their renewal deal for 3 more seasons, The Big Bang Theory, might not have smooth sailing ahead. With just two weeks left to begin production for the 8th season of the hit show, it seems that the contract negotiations for the original cast are still not finalised.

In 2010, the primary cast members Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar negotiated their salaries just before production, and it looks like history is slated to repeat itself. The difference is, back then, the original five were under contract to continue for latter seasons. However this time, their contracts ended last season. 

The original five are still in negotiations for higher salaries, with Deadline Hollywood estimating that they're asking for about $1 million per episode. Quite a jump considering that Parsons, Cuoco and Galecki were raking in $350,000 per episode, in season 7. Deadline Hollywood also reports that CBS and Warner Bros picked up the show for three more years in March for a license fee north of $4 million per episode, but the renewal was cast-contingent as it was done without securing the contracts of the main cast.

It doesn't seem likely that the deals wouldn't go through as The Big Bang Theory is currently the flagship show of the CBS network, garnering critical and commercial acclaim. If they in fact do manage to get $1 million per episode, the cast will mirror that of the cast of FRIENDS 10 years ago.

H/T Deadline Hollywood

Also Read: Sheldon Cooper drama continues as Jim Parson's return to 'The Big Bang Theory' uncertain