“The Big Bang Theory” got a big vote of confidence from CBS on Wednesday, with the Eye Network announcing a huge three-year renewal that will keep the top-rated comedy on the air through the 2016-17 season.
“Comedy is a huge part of our schedule, and ‘The Big Bang Theory’ is the biggest comedy force on television,” said CBS Entertainment boss Nina Tassler in a statement.
She said the renewal strengthened the “partnership” between CBS and Warner Bros. Television and that the network was “proud to showcase the incredible talents of Chuck Lorre, Steve Molaro, and this amazing cast every week.”
“Big Bang” is the No.1 comedy on the air right now, and is the highest-rated non-sports program in the adults 18-49, adults 25-54, and adults 18-34 demographics.
The stars of the show have yet to agree to come back. Most key players are in the midst of contract negotiations with WBT, with their current deals up in May.
The series premiered in 2007, and Wednesday’s renewal puts it on course to match “Friends’” 10-year run on the air.
Read more: Variety
Brief Take: CBS first built Monday and then Thursday around “Big Bang.” Keeping the show on the air is one of the keys to maintaining CBS’ strong primetime schedule, especially with football coming to Thursday nights this spring and “Big Bang” likely moving back to Mondays for the fall.
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