The Big Bang Theory Production Could Be Delayed

The Big Bang Theory may be facing a delay in the production of its eighth season, as most of the principal cast members are still without contracts, and no end to negotiations is in sight, according to Deadline.

The main five actor – Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar – are looking for pay increases going into the new season. The last time pay negotiations came up was in 2010, but at the time all five actors were still under contract, and so they continued production while the long negotiations continued, finally wrapping in September. Those contracts all expired at the end of The Big Bang Theory‘s seventh season. Without reaching a new deal and signing a new contract, the actors are under no obligation to show up to work.

While a production delay is possible, experts say it isn’t expected. Warner Bros. Studios, the show’s production company, is known for long contract negotiations, but it’s also known for closing the deal before any real damage is done.

CBS renewed The Big Bang Theory for another three years at the end of last season, but that agreement was cast-contingent, meaning that in the very unlikely scenario that the principal cast and Warner Bros. can’t come to an agreement, CBS will likely cancel production entirely.

Again, that is highly unlikely. Even if there is a small delay, The Big Bang Theory is still expected to have an hour-long premiere on September 22.