Big Bang Theory Stars Seeking Big Raises After Bumps for Mayim Bialik, Melissa Rauch

A source confirms that Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco are seeking as much as $1 million an episode

By Natalie Finn Sep 19, 2013 3:08 AMTags
Big Bang Theory CastMonty Brinton/CBS

Dr. Sheldon Cooper wouldn't appreciate a disruption in the force, so here's hoping for a non-explosive reaction.

The principal stars of The Big Bang Theory, including Emmy winner Jim Parsons, are seeking major pay raises in the wake of very favorable salary negotions for newer cast members Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch, a source confirms to E! News.

Rauch, who plays pint-size yet fierce Bernadette, and Bialik, who's nominated for an Emmy for Supporting Actress in a Comedy for her role as Sheldon's ever-frustrated love interest Amy, each has seen her per-episode price tag double to nearly $60,000.

Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco have been making a reported $325,000 per episode, meanwhile, and are looking to see that amount rocket toward $1 million after their current deal expires at the end of this coming season, the CBS hit's seventh.

We're told that the trio will head into contract negotiations as a unified front seeking equal pay—as one molecule, if you will—as they did in 2010 and are expected to sign on for another two seasons.

Costars Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar will reportedly team up for their own raise talks as well.

The Big Bang Theory, a regular presence in the Nielsen Top 10 and CBS' most-watched comedy by far, is nominated for the third straight year for the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series. Competition comes Sunday in the form of Veep, Girls, Louie, 30 Rock and, last but hardly least, Modern Family, which has won each of the last three years.