While CBS in America recently said it is in preliminary negotiations for possibly more seasons of the Chuck Lorre produced series, the American TV network on Wednesday announced that The Big Bang Theory will be ending after its 12th season and 279 episodes.
The announcement comes a day after the first episode of the upcoming 12th season was filmed on Tuesday before a live studio audience in Burbank, Los Angeles on the Warner Bros studios lot.
"We are forever grateful to our fans for their support of The Big Bang Theory during the past twelve seasons. We, along with the cast, writers and crew, are extremely appreciative of the show's success and aim to deliver a final season, and series finale, that will bring The Big Bang Theory to an epic creative close," Warner Bros. Television, CBS and Chuck Lorre Productions said in a joint statement.
CBS last renewed The Big Bang Theory in 2017 for its 11th and 12th seasons. More seasons would have meant new contracts with the show's principal cast and more money with the show's stars who are already the highest-paid actors on American television, earning around $1 million (R14.1 million) each per episode.
CBS said "The Big Bang Theory has been the defining comedy of its generation. All of us take exceptional pride in this series that uniquely combines creative genius, commercial ratings success, cultural influence and characters who became so popular, they are easily known by just one name."
"We're incredibly grateful for our partnership with Warner Bros., Chuck Lorre Productions and a brilliant cast and crew that has made such a 'big bang' and lasting legacy on the television landscape."
