The Big Bang Theory Ending With Season 10

[JimT212]

This is a topic I do not feel comfortable talking about: Season 10 being the final season of The Big Bang Theory. Some factors to be considered: The possibility that the stars' per-episode salaries (currently at $1 million) may increase; The recent wrapping-up of some of the show's storylines; etc. I just had to bring this issue to the attention of this forum and wanted to see what its members think about it. Any arguments on why The Big Bang Theory should or should not end with its 10th season?

[Tensor]

Reports indicate all the actors salaries are locked in through the 11th season, with the 11th year at WB option.  License fees were set through the tenth year when CBS renewed it.  It makes sense for the CBS to have an option on the fees, for the 11th year.  

After that, it gets tricky.  It's going to depend on how willing the actors are to keep to a small increase (if any) in their salaries.  How willing  (or even if they are able) Warner Brothers is to keep the Licensing fee to around the same.  What the ratings are, how much the advertisers are willing to pay for a lower rating (if the show loses the percentage of the general broadcast decline, it will be around 2.5, if it loses what the show is currently losing it will be at 1.8).

 Whether CBS is willing to do the a 12th, maybe at a reduced number of episodes to lower costs.   While I think the 11th is a lock, at best I can see a reduced number of episodes for season 12, if there is one.  After that, there are too many variables to be able to say if there will be a 13th.    

[JimT212]

About the salaries and license fees: We know that if salaries go up, the license fee CBS pays to Warner Bros. goes up along with it. There is the possibility of the  per-episode salaries of Parsons, Galecki, and Cuoco going past $1 million, and those of Helberg and Nayyar (and probably Bialik and Rauch) going up to $1 million (even the per-episode salaries of Sussman and Spencer are unknown, and they don't appear in every episode). I wonder if a TV show's actor gets paid for only the episodes he appears in, or every one of the season's episodes. I don't know if actors' salaries are included in shows' license fees, either.

 

Also, about the network's ownership of a program: I was thinking that, since TBBT is produced by Warner Bros. TV, the CBS Network wouldn't benefit in any way if the show had entered syndication. Most of the current CBS sitcoms (such as 2 Broke Girls) are produced by Warner Bros., while most of the current dramas on CBS (such as NCIS and The Good Wife) are produced by the network's in-house studio (CBS Television Studios). The revenue generated by the CBS TV Studios shows in syndication and DVD sales will essentially "boomerang" back to the CBS network (and the CBS Corporation). And such money may be used to pay for TBBT's license fees and a portion of the cast salaries (and the salaries/license fees of the other "outside studio" shows), among other things. I also thought that the reason that CBS has so many Warner. Bros. shows on its schedule is because the CBS Corporation and Time Warner co-own The CW Network.

 

Would the license fee/salary/production cost situation have been any different if The Big Bang Theory were produced by CBS TV Studios instead of Warner Bros.? Or maybe a co-production between CTS and WB?

Edited December 30, 2015 by JimT212

[Chrismo]

On December 30, 2015 at 9:46 PM, JimT212 said:

This is a topic I do not feel comfortable talking about: Season 10 being the final season of The Big Bang Theory. Some factors to be considered: The possibility that the stars' per-episode salaries (currently at $1 million) may increase; The recent wrapping-up of some of the show's storylines; etc. I just had to bring this issue to the attention of this forum and wanted to see what its members think about it. Any arguments on why The Big Bang Theory should or should not end with its 10th season?

You  bring up an interesting espicially since the Shamy coitus episode will most likely be the biggest ratings episode until the series finale. IMO the two biggest things really left in the series is a Shamy wedding and a Penny pregnancy. If those things happen the show is over. There really is no point in going on. Having both Shamy and Lenny married is not going to be that interesting. The same goes in regards to a baby.  I think a lot will depend on what goes on in regards to ratings in the second half. The numbers mentioned above make sense. There really is nothing that good comedies on TV.( I had Seacrest on New Year's Eve and the Goldbergs are still on OMG). But there are options overall. IMO stretching the show past 10 seasons the show is going to have to come up some interesting storyline or people will start noticing the downward slide of the show.

[3ku11]

Tbh storylines and quality well prob not be taken into account when extending beyond s10. I mean Simpsons has been on for years. Even though post 05 has been utter shit. Other then a few gems. Its definitely didn't last or is still lasting 30 odd years because of original, fresh storylines. Its money. Ad revenue. Stockholders and Shareholders. Contracts etc. Same with Bbt. Even if they drive the show into the ground. Wb care if the show is still making money. If they cannot generate anyone revenue out of the show beyond s10. It well end, simple as that. True last ratings puller Shamy wedding and Penny pregnancy. Penny pregnancy well have to be by end. Clearly their wont be kids in this show on a by episode basis. Regardless of people tuning out with uninteresting storylines. It well come down more to the contracts. S11 may overstaying its welcome. But who knows. 

[JimT212]

A couple of long-running storylines were wrapped up during the current 9th season of The Big Bang Theory. In the season 9 premiere, Leonard and Penny got married, and in episode 11 (The Opening Night Excitation), Sheldon and Amy finally seal the deal in bed.

I fear that Steven Molaro really is driving TBBT to a season 10 ending. TBBT ending its original run after season 10 will be just too soon. Because that will mean ideas for individual episodes (some of which may have nothing to do with any of the show's ongoing storylines whatsoever) may be very limited. I feel like the storylines within TBBT are being rushed because of the possibility of a season 10 ending.

[Jonny]

I think the majority of us want to see the show go on for long as it can otherwise we wouldn't be posting on here and talking about the show as passionately as we do.

If the actors and all involved are happy to continue for longer then I don't see why it shouldn't. The show is still extremely popular and there is plenty of material and stories left to tell. There is a lot of life left in this show and it would be disappointing to see it end at Season 10.

[3ku11]

I am more in the camp of ending in S10 because creatively the show has past its peak. But I still enjoy watching the show at times. And s9 finalie for me was really good signs, for a good Tenth Season. So if the actors are ready, I can see S11 or 12. Making it with Taahm one of the longest running sitcoms of all time. Not bad for a show, that back in 2007 Critics said would not last a season. 

[JimT212]

Two and a Half Men ran for a total of twelve seasons (2003-2015). Do you think The Big Bang Theory will have less seasons than Two and a Half Men just because TBBT has more main cast-members than TAAHM (TBBT has seven main cast compared to TAAHM's five)?

[luminous]

Kaley's short comments on the future of the Big Bang Theory on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night obviously make headlines.

From Entertainment Weekly:

Kaley Cuoco says more Big Bang Theory is 'a very expensive question'

[kerrycec03]

41 minutes ago, luminous said:

Kaley's short comments on the future of the Big Bang Theory on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night obviously make headlines.

From Entertainment Weekly:

Kaley Cuoco says more Big Bang Theory is 'a very expensive question'

hmmm...first time she's sorta singing a different tune.  Makes me wonder....

[Chrismo]

I think her answer was more based on the length of time the show has been on. kimmel's question was not really a question but a statement on 10 years being a long time. As Kaley said the show is very expensive. The actors aren't going to take salary cuts and all the other things related to the show are going up. I wouldn't take it as changing her tune just probably being more realistic than she usually is.

[Jonny]

It's all a game really, actors raise the possibility of the show not continuing probably strengthens their position in terms of negotiations. TV execs do the same.

I'm still confident they will get a deal of some sort done, but obviously the longer it drags out the more nervous I will become.

[Chrismo]

2 minutes ago, Jonny83 said:

It's all a game really, actors raise the possibility of the show not continuing probably strengthens their position in terms of negotiations. TV execs do the same.

I'm still confident they will get a deal of some sort done, but obviously the longer it drags out the more nervous I will become.

I agree with what your saying but Kimmel's questions IMO only could lead to that answer. To me the money in reality isn't a concern to the big 3. They will never have to work again. I would be more concerned about the writers running out of stories than a deal being done.

[Tensor]

 

14 minutes ago, Chrismo said:

I think her answer was more based on the length of time the show has been on. kimmel's question was not really a question but a statement on 10 years being a long time. 

Kimmel's comment on it being on for ten years was "Don't you feel like that is enough?" and Kaley's reply was a laughing "Yes... yes."

[Jonny]

19 minutes ago, Chrismo said:

I agree with what your saying but Kimmel's questions IMO only could lead to that answer. To me the money in reality isn't a concern to the big 3. They will never have to work again. I would be more concerned about the writers running out of stories than a deal being done.

I can imagine the big three will want a raise, but I think the actual bigger issue is the other members of the cast. I believe it was Tensor who mentioned (I could be wrong) that the pay that Mayim and Melissa were getting was in line with what others were paid in the past in terms of how long they had been on the show, but maybe issues may arise this time if they increase the pay of the big three but don't close that gap somewhat. Honestly we know nothing about what they want and won't until a deal has struck and it comes out on what they are getting paid.

I would be a lot more concerned if they were starting to do other projects and be such a big success that they want to switch for example to movies full time. I know Simon got a lot of praise for that Florence Foster Jenkins film recently but I don't know how well it did. Melissa's The Bronze didn't do so great.

The storyline issue I don't think it's anywhere near that point yet, I think they could go on for a while yet as there are always nerd or geek references and scientific discoveries coming out all the time as well as popular cultural references. No if it ends at season 10 it's either down to money or somebody wanting out probably to have a new challenge and them deciding the show can't continue with their absence. Or maybe they just want to go out on top.

Edited September 13, 2016 by Jonny83

[Chrismo]

I think scientific discoveries have been limited as the show has gone on. The show has leaned more on relationships than anything else. If not would there be a Shamy or Lenny thread? I can't remember but I think the contract before last Parsons threatened to walk. I don't see that happening this time because IMO he is less marketable. He's recognized as Sheldon. Just look at those Intel commercials. Maybe an HBO movie or a Broadway show but for the near future I think he's done with TV. Same with Galecki . Even without the glasses I'm not sure what roles a short 40 year old guy get. Kaley certainly has not had good luck with movies but as she indicated on Kimmel's the show took her through 20's and she is older now. Time to play a tv mom now? I think the others aren't really up for anything either beside more minor roles. As to the show's end the tell tale stalling sign for me is they still have Lenny living with Sheldon. To me if they had more stories to tell they would of moved them out last year.

1 hour ago, Tensor said:

 

Kimmel's comment on it being on for ten years was "Don't you feel like that is enough?" and Kaley's reply was a laughing "Yes... yes."

I still think it was more the way it was asked led to her answer. To me Kimmel's was trying to be funny and Kaley's answer didn't really seem to involve any deep thought.

[3ku11]

I beleive it is down to stories. I think they are running out of ideas. Natural for a sitcom coming on its tenth season. It's been on its last leg for a while now. I think money is the deciding factor, whether it goes beyond s10. That's what I Think KAley was eluding to in a light hearted kinda way. More the way she responded then the question asked. IMO I woiuld have no problem with it ending in 10. They could easily wrap the show up in one episode. I Don't think it is neccessary to go beyond S10. I mean Kimmels right isin't ten enough lol? So I Think they have had a great run. i get ppl want to see it continue, because well they love the show, and the novelty of becoming the longest running sitcom with Taahm of the past how many years. But if it means they compromise quality, in the long run i am not sure I want to see a show I love, become a former shadow of it self. Not sure the risk is worth it. But like I Said, I Think money well be the deciding factor. SO i am predicting it well go beyond 10, creatively the show is probably done. 

[Tensor]

4 hours ago, Chrismo said:

I still think it was more the way it was asked led to her answer. To me Kimmel's was trying to be funny and Kaley's answer didn't really seem to involve any deep thought.

Well, her previous comments, as to stay as long as people wanted them, didn't have any deep thought either.   A simple "No, it's not enough", wouldn't require deep thought either.  As someone else pointed out, this is the first time she hasn't been positive about continuing.  

 

5 hours ago, Jonny83 said:

I can imagine the big three will want a raise, but I think the actual bigger issue is the other members of the cast. I believe it was Tensor who mentioned (I could be wrong) that the pay that Mayim and Melissa were getting was in line with what others were paid in the past in terms of how long they had been on the show, but maybe issues may arise this time if they increase the pay of the big three but don't close that gap somewhat. Honestly we know nothing about what they want and won't until a deal has struck and it comes out on what they are getting paid.

Yeah it was me.   At the equivalent point in terms of the show, after season seven, Simon and Kunal (who are getting about the same as Melissa and Mayim) got raises to about $600-700k.   If Melissa and Mayim get the same raise that would increase the pay for the actors a million an episode.  With increases to the others, that would probably be, at least another million, possibly closer to 2 million.  

So, 6-7 million for the first five and another million and a half for Melissa and Mayim combined and CBS is looking at 7.5 to 8.5 million per episode, just in pay (that's $180-204 million a year IN PAY.  At and $300,000 per 30 second spot, and 11 minutes of ad time for 24 shows is $158 million, then ad another 40 million or so for repeats, CBS might break even, if the ratings stay the same.  Now, they could lose a bit on the show and still be OK  

Now, I guess Warner Brothers might be willing to pick up some of that, and/or give bigger cuts to the back end to make up for a lesser raise.  But Kaley is correct, it is going to be very expensive for a lot of people.  

5 hours ago, Jonny83 said:

I would be a lot more concerned if they were starting to do other projects and be such a big success that they want to switch for example to movies full time. I know Simon got a lot of praise for that Florence Foster Jenkins film recently but I don't know how well it did. Melissa's The Bronze didn't do so great.

Yeah, they haven't been very active on the other project front.  Although Kaley has mentioned withdrawing a bit from acting and spend more time on her horse jumping.  Johnny has been working on his production company.  I'm not as up to date on the others.  So, major acting roles be something they aren't worried about.

5 hours ago, Jonny83 said:

The storyline issue I don't think it's anywhere near that point yet, I think they could go on for a while yet as there are always nerd or geek references and scientific discoveries coming out all the time as well as popular cultural references. No if it ends at season 10 it's either down to money or somebody wanting out probably to have a new challenge and them deciding the show can't continue with their absence. Or maybe they just want to go out on top.

I don't think anyone wants out, to the point of refusing to continue, if they think the price for them is right.  Now, whether that right price is something CBS and Warner Brothers is willing to pay is something else.  Warner Brothers would love to see it continue.  They would get a lot of addition income (through syndication), for very little outlay.  That's why they may be willing to give a bit more backend, to lock in that extra money.  Back when the contracts were signed the last time, it was estimated that WB was going to make between 3 and 4 billion from the show.  An additional two years would probably move that to 4-5 billion.  

 I don't think they are anywhere near to running out of ideas.  I haven't really seen that much of a decline in the quality of the show.  I haven't agreed with the direction they sometime take.  I sometimes don't like some of the scenes.  I sometimes not a fan of some of the plots.  But even all of that doesn't equate to a decline in quality, it's just an objection to the way I think it should go.    

[kbp]

tensor do you think they will continue?

[ajond]

6 minutes ago, Tensor said:

Well, her previous comments, as to stay as long as people wanted them, didn't have any deep thought either.   A simple "No, it's not enough", wouldn't require deep thought either.  As someone else pointed out, this is the first time she hasn't been positive about continuing.  

 

Yeah it was me.   At the equivalent point in terms of the show, after season seven, Simon and Kunal (who are getting about the same as Melissa and Mayim) got raises to about $600-700k.   If Melissa and Mayim get the same raise that would increase the pay for the actors a million an episode.  With increases to the others, that would probably be, at least another million, possibly closer to 2 million.  

So, 6-7 million for the first five and another million and a half for Melissa and Mayim combined and CBS is looking at 7.5 to 8.5 million per episode, just in pay (that's $180-204 million a year IN PAY.  At and $300,000 per 30 second spot, and 11 minutes of ad time for 24 shows is $158 million, then ad another 40 million or so for repeats, CBS might break even, if the ratings stay the same.  Now, they could lose a bit on the show and still be OK  

Now, I guess Warner Brothers might be willing to pick up some of that, and/or give bigger cuts to the back end to make up for a lesser raise.  But Kaley is correct, it is going to be very expensive for a lot of people.  

Yeah, they haven't been very active on the other project front.  Although Kaley has mentioned withdrawing a bit from acting and spend more time on her horse jumping.  Johnny has been working on his production company.  I'm not as up to date on the others.  So, major acting roles be something they aren't worried about.

I don't think anyone wants out, to the point of refusing to continue, if they think the price for them is right.  Now, whether that right price is something CBS and Warner Brothers is willing to pay is something else.  Warner Brothers would love to see it continue.  They would get a lot of addition income (through syndication), for very little outlay.  That's why they may be willing to give a bit more backend, to lock in that extra money.  Back when the contracts were signed the last time, it was estimated that WB was going to make between 3 and 4 billion from the show.  An additional two years would probably move that to 4-5 billion.  

 I don't think they are anywhere near to running out of ideas.  I haven't really seen that much of a decline in the quality of the show.  I haven't agreed with the direction they sometime take.  I sometimes don't like some of the scenes.  I sometimes not a fan of some of the plots.  But even all of that doesn't equate to a decline in quality, it's just an objection to the way I think it should go.    

Not exactly sure how this works but if TPTB had an option for S11, wouldn't they also have the pay scales fixed?

[Tensor]

 

7 minutes ago, kbp said:

tensor do you think they will continue?

Best GUESS, two more full years, with an option for a shortened third, depending on the ratings. 

5 minutes ago, ajond said:

Not exactly sure how this works but if TPTB had an option for S11, wouldn't they also have the pay scales fixed?

Yes, they would.  But, while it was reported that there was an option for an 11th season, I now believe there wasn't an option year.  Simply because of the comments from the cast, and the fact that if CBS had them for another year, they would have more than likely announced the 11th year by now.  

[Vittoria Jacoel]

 

Yes, they would.  But, while it was reported that there was an option for an 11th season, I now believe there wasn't an option year.  Simply because of the comments from the cast, and the fact that if CBS had them for another year, they would have more than likely announced the 11th year by now.  

But tensor do you think that if the ratings of this season are enough high they will continue the show?


Inviato dal mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

[Tensor]

As I said in the post above your: Best GUESS, two more full years, with an option for a shortened third, depending on the ratings. 

[Florian]

I recently thought TBBT should do the same as Start Trek and launch a The Next Generation series. I.e. keep the same premise, but with different actors, and maybe implement some new ideas. Sheldon and Leonard would move out, but TNG could even play in their old flat (as new colleagues move in). Plus, the Original Series characters could have the odd cameo appearance...

Would be a good way to keep the franchise going and bring in some new talent and ideas. What do you think?