Sonja Flemming/CBSThe Big Bang Theory won't go on forever. The hit CBS sitcom—seriously, we mean hit, its ratings are insane—was just renewed for three more years. That means it'll be on TV for at least a total of 10 seasons. After that? Well, it might go the way of the dinosaurs...and live on in syndication forever.
"I'm going to move forward along with [co-creator] Chuck [Lorre] that 10 is the end unless we're told otherwise," showrunner Steve Molaro told The Hollywood Reporter. "These are decisions that are so far away I can't really even think about that. I have no choice but to move forward … it's so far away…The mindset is it's going to be the 10 and then we'll see what happens after that."
CBS' mega hit not only delivers huge ratings with new episodes, but reruns on CBS and in syndication regularly outperform new offerings from other networks. It's a rarity in today's ratings ecosystem. All three stars—Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki—are signed until season 10.
"Comedy is a big part of our schedule, and The Big Bang Theory is the biggest comedy force on television," Nina Tassler, Chairman of CBS Entertainment, said in a statement when The Big Bang Theory's renewal was announced in March 2014. "This multi-year deal further strengthens our network's position for future seasons and marks another chapter in the great partnership CBS enjoys with Warner Bros. Television for delivering audiences the best in comedy. We're proud to work with and showcase the incredible talents of Chuck Lorre, Steve Molaro and this amazing cast every week.
Molaro told THR they do talk about how the show may end, but there is no set ending in mind. Breathe a sigh of relief, those who were burned by How I Met Your Mother.
"My concern is that we do it right and we end this show in a way that is as befitting of these characters that we respect and love," he said. "As long as we can have the opportunity to end it in a way that serves them all properly, that's my concern—more than the number of seasons."
CBS recently became the home of Thursday night football games, putting The Big Bang Theory, which airs at 8 p.m., in a sort of limbo. But CBS likely won't sideline the highest-rated comedy on TV until November. Look for The Big Bang Theory to probably premiere on a different night before moving back to its regular Thursday home.