Big Bang Theory Stars Still Waiting for Pay Hikes, Production Starts In 2 Weeks

Ka-chinga?

With production on The Big Bang Theory‘s eighth season set to start on July 30, original cast members Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Kunal Nayyar and Simon Helberg still have yet to ink new contracts.

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TV’s most watched and highest-rated comedy, CBS’ Big Bang was renewed this spring for not one but three more seasons, though that deal was contingent upon the in-limbo cast members re-signing. Parsons, Galecki and Cuoco-Sweeting negotiate as a trio, and reportedly are aiming to increase their per-episode salary from north of $300,000 (plus a quarter-of-a-point on the back end) to possibly a cool million — though the actors and studio Warner Bros. TV are said to be far apart, with two weeks until showtime.

Helberg and Nayyar currently draw $125 and $75K per episode, respectively, and also are seeking sizable raises. (Later-season additions Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik are on different contract cycles, and thus do have deals for the coming season.)

UPDATE: CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler said on Thursday at the Television Critics Assoc. summer press tour that she is “very confident” new deals will be struck.

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Our sister site Deadline reports that even if the July 30 deadline is missed, even a post-Labor Day production start would afford the show enough time to deliver its hour-long season opener (airing Monday, Sept. 22).