Key Takeaways:
– The main stars of The Big Bang Theory teamed up to negotiate a higher pay of $1 million per episode.
– The actors threatened to leave the show unless their demand was met.
– This move led to contract changes for supporting cast members too.
– All actors successfully secured substantial pay raises.
The Big Salary Boost Of Big Bang Theory's Big Stars
Being part of a popular TV series can have its benefits. For Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, and Kaley Cuoco from The Big Bang Theory, it allowed them to renegotiate their contracts and earn significantly higher salaries. It has been 10 years since these stars joined forces for a major renegotiation. Their firm stand resulted in a huge increase, boosting their earnings from $325,000 to $1 million per episode.
The Background To The Standoff
At the end of the seventh season, Parsons, Galecki, and Cuoco put forth an ultimatum. They wouldn't return for the next season without a significant pay rise. A bold move, given their characters – Sheldon, Leonard, and Penny – were among the most popular in the show, making it nearly impossible to continue without them. Plus, there wasn't any contingency plan in case they didn't renew, so everything was too risky.
Taking a Stand For Better Pay
Faced with the repeats of the show outranking the original schedule on mainstream networks, it was clear how successful the series was. CBS placed a high value on The Big Big Theory. So, the trio decided to band together to push for a pay rise, threatening delays in production and possibilities of considering other work if not met.
Securing The Golden Deal
In response to the actors' stand, new agreements were made to level their salaries with the Friends cast. The trio also secured a greater share of the show's profits, increasing from 0.25% to an impressive 1.25%. The contracts included more favourable terms and added benefits. Executive producer Chuck Lorre expressed his support, stating “I want them all to be crazy wealthy because nobody deserves it more than this cast.”
Boosting The Supporting Cast
The lead actors weren't the only ones who benefitted from these contract changes. Supporting actors Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar also had their salaries boosted from $100,000 per episode. The characters they played, Howard and Raj, had evolved from merely supporting roles to central characters, justifying their increased compensation. Both actors secured 75% of what the main trio received and eventually reached pay parity by the tenth season.
Behind The Scenes Tactics
Rumors circulated about the series continuing without these vital characters and Warner Bros was exploring alternatives. But insiders suggest this was mostly a negotiating tactic than a feasible plan. Eventually, the negotiations worked in everyone's favor, leading to a win-win outcome.
In the end, the Big Bang Theory stars successfully renegotiated their contracts, securing impressive pay raises that underscore their significant contribution to the show's success. As viewers, we can only appreciate the strategic maneuver that led to this victory, ensuring our favorite characters stayed on the screen. The Big Bang Theory, a standout comedy series over 12 seasons, is now ready for streaming on Max.
Clearly, in the glamour-filled world of television, talent definitely pays, even if it needs a push for a well-deserved hike.
