‘The Big Bang Theory’ season 11 update: Amy & Bernadette to get richer by US250,000 each

Season 11 of “The Big Bang Theory” may finally see the light of day. Production for the new season is expected to roll out soon. Negotiations have already begun, ultimately giving fans a ray of hope. With the series’ five leading co-stars conceding to a budget cut of US$100,000 (AU$132,400) each, it’s pretty likely contracts will be finalised any time soon.

Renewal for “The Big Bang Theory” has been in talks since the show premiered for its 10th season in September. However, a contract could not be finalised yet as some of the cast members have been asking for pay rise, which the studio has been reluctant to shell out. Actors Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Kunal Nayyar and Simon Helberg have agreed to forfeit US$100,000 (AU$132,400) each from their individual earning of US$1 million (AU$1.32 million) per episode. So, a deal might finally be signed and “The Big Bang Theory” season 11 may happen after all.

Meanwhile, supporting actors Mayim Bialik (Amy) and Melissa Rauch (Bernadette) have been appearing as regulars since season 3. According to Variety, the pair currently earns $265,00 (US$200,000) each as a per episode fee. The duo has allegedly been putting pressure on the studio for a pay hike as the show waits to get renewed for another two seasons. Apparently, the two wanted to match their earnings with their co-stars’ pay packet, and hence the fuddle. The latest stunt by Jim and co is highly suggestive of the fact that they stand with Bialik and Rauch as true friends.

Per CBS News, the two actresses could now hope to earn at least US$450,000 (AU$596,000) per episode for the next 48 episodes, should “The Big Bang Theory” season 11 actually happens. Although the renewal now depends solely on the studio bosses and their willingness to dip their hands in their wallet. The US$500,000 (AU$662,000) cut should help finance the actresses’ well-earned raise.

Salary negotiation results are expected to be announced soon. It’s unclear for now if Bialik and Rauch will press for more money to match with their colleagues’. Nonetheless, both the studio and the network are optimistic that a deal will soon get done.

“The Bing Bang Theory” has been rated as one of the most popular comedy shows on American TV, with a viewership of 14.24 million and an average rating of 3.6 among adults in the 18-49 demographic. The show is currently being aired on CBS in the US. The final episode titled ”The Comic-Con Conundrum” was scheduled to telecast Feb. 23. In Australia, “The Big Bang Theory” season 10 broadcasts on Channel 9 (9Now).