The Big Bang Theory: CBS Sitcom Renewed for Three Seasons, Through 2013-14

The networks don’t always get things right but CBS programmers had a great idea to move The Big Bang Theory to Thursday nights. The comedy has helped to establish a second night of comedy for the network and it consistently wins in the 18-49 demographic. CBS has now renewed Big Bang Theory for not just one but three more seasons. This will take Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Rajesh, and Howard through the 2013-14 season, the show’s seventh year.

Here’s the official announcement from the network…

“BAZINGA!” CBS AND WARNER BROS. TELEVISION ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR BROADCAST AGREEMENT FOR “THE BIG BANG THEORY”
Deal Extends Top-Rated, Critically Acclaimed Comedy Series through the 2013-2014 Season

CBS Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television have reached a multi-year broadcast agreement for the top-rated, critically acclaimed comedy, THE BIG BANG THEORY, it was announced today by Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment, and Peter Roth, President, Warner Bros. Television.

The agreement renews THE BIG BANG THEORY for an additional three years, extending it through the 2013-2014 season.

“It doesn’t take a theoretical physicist to see why this show is a BIG part of our comedy future,” said Nina Tassler. “From ratings to critical acclaim to pop culture buzz, it’s struck a chord on all levels. The creative genius of Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady and the on-camera talents of an amazing young ensemble have created a comedy that will entertain viewers for a long time. We’re proud to partner with Warner Bros. on another highly successful, long-running comedy.”

“We are delighted and grateful that CBS has once again rewarded THE BIG BANG THEORY with a multiyear renewal,” said Peter Roth. “This is a testament to the inspired and brilliant work of the show’s entire creative team, and we look forward to continuing this highly successful partnership.”

THE BIG BANG THEORY, which premiered in September 2007, had been part of CBS’s top-rated Monday comedy block for the past three seasons. It finished 2009-2010 as primetime’s #1 scripted series in adults 18-49 and the #2 comedy among viewers.

Currently in its fourth season, THE BIG BANG THEORY has successfully transitioned to its new Thursday time period (8:00-8:30 PM, ET/PT), emerging as the night’s dominant comedy in viewers and adults 18-49. It has also helped launch a second night of comedy for the Network.

THE BIG BANG THEORY is averaging 13.89 million viewers (+7% versus the year ago time period), 4.7/14 in adults 18-49 (+15%) and 5.9/16 in adults 25-54 (+16%).

In addition to being a ratings success, THE BIG BANG THEORY has also earned critical acclaim and award recognition. It won an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series” for star Jim Parsons (2010), a People’s Choice Award for “Favorite TV Comedy” (2010) and was the recipient of two Television Critics Association Awards in 2009 for “Outstanding Achievement in Comedy” as well as “Individual Achievement in Comedy” for Parsons.

This year, the series is nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, which will be announced on Sunday, for “Best Television Series — Comedy or Musical” and “Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Comedy or Musical.”

THE BIG BANG THEORY stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar. Chuck Lorre & Bill Prady created the series and also serve as executive producers with Lee Aronsohn. The series is from Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television.

What do you think? Are you glad to hear that the show will be around for at least three more years? Do you think it will be time to end the show after seven seasons?