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May 27, 2012

Give the 'Big Bang Theory' Stars a Raise Now

by Allison Waldman, posted Jun 4th 2010 12:00PM

big_bang_theory_sheldon_leonard_penny_cbsBy any measurement, CBS's 'The Big Bang Theory' is a big hit. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that 'The Big Bang Theory's' three leads are asking for a raise.

Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons have teamed up to get Warner Bros., which produces the show for CBS, to share the profits they're reaping.

According Forbes.com, the threesome are currently making $65,000 per episode. They're asking for a bump in salary to $250,000 per episode. That's a 285% increase, but is it really out of line?

No, it's not. In fact, here's four good reasons why WB -- in conjunction with CBS -- should make it happen now.

1. Reward the stars for the show's success. If not for the stars, 'The Big Bang Theory' would not be a hit. It's only fair that Parsons, Galecki and Cuoco be rewarded for their part in making this program a success.

This happens all the time in business, so why not in television? Sharing the wealth at this point will also build solidarity with these actors for years to come.

2. Compared to other stars, they're worth it. Without question, Sheldon, Leonard and Penny are as important to 'Big Bang' as Charlie Harper is to 'Two and a Half Men.' That said, aren't the actors playing those roles commensurate with Charlie Sheen in terms of making 'Big Bang' succeed? They are.

You cannot imagine 'Big Bang' without those actors as those characters. If WB and CBS can justify the kind of dough they've been dishing out for Sheen -- including the recent two-year deal that was reportedly $1.8 million per episode -- the $250K for the 'BBT' three seems like a bargain.

3. In the long run, they're going to be paid. Recently, 'The Big Bang Theory' powers the be made an historic syndication deal -- so rich the terms were not disclosed. You can count on seeing 'Bang' on CBS for years to come. Even if the move to Thursday at 8PM doesn't work out, it'll return to Monday, and run at least as long as 'Two and Half Men' or 'Everybody Loves Raymond' before it.

Therefore, it's inevitable that all the people involved, all the stars, will be paid. Why not make good deals now and spread the cost over the years? It makes sense.

4. They shouldn't risk bad blood. This show will never be the same if any one of the big three stars exits the show. If an increase in pay can ensure a better working relationship and a fertile creative experience all around, it behooves WB to keep everyone happy and pay the stars. Historically, nothing good comes from letting the stars gripe about being underpaid.

Remember when Delta Burke complained about her status on 'Designing Women' to the detriment of the show's run? Even the 'Friends' airing their contract disputes in public was negative. It would be great to see WB and the stars of 'Big Bang Theory' keep things convivial and positive.


What do you think: Do the 'Big Bang Theory' stars deserve a big pay raise?

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GP

How would my life change if BBT was canceled. It wouldn't. But if police and fire protetion, garbage collection, and other service occupations ceased to exist- well, you get the picture. Do I understand why the architect earns more than the carpenter? No, but that's the way life is and I can't change it. So, until BBT is canceled, I'll continue to tune in. Just don't remind how much those geeks earn for acting foolish.

June 05 2010 at 3:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Cathryn

Never heard of this show--don't watch network television. No wonder other countries (hello India and China) are threatening America's greatness in the world. These countries place more emphasis on reading, writing and adding 1 + 1. An actor who makes more in six months than a doctor who can cure a sick brain. An utter outrage! I say we need to stop watching so much television and crack some books. Then this would be a mute point and those actors can get jobs that make a diffence and are worthy of the salaries they are now demanding.

June 05 2010 at 2:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Daniel I. Radakovich

This is a common negotiating ploy for a long-lasting series and there is no reason anyone should chime in on it for either side. They have earned then 1,863,000.00 per season currently [86 episodes/3 seasons]...not exactly chump change. CBS' earnings depend on revenues gathered from the show through advertisers primarily, and only secondarily throughsyndication and other rights...and the marketability of the leads also is something that must be taken into consideration. Mr. Sheen has a great deal of outside marketability, ergo much greater leverage in negotiations. The three will clearly get something more, the studio is almost certain to offer considerably less. And an acceptable compromise will likely be worked out. That is what negotiation involves. And until it is resolved or unless egos get so involved cancellation is discussed, I think we fans should butt out.

June 05 2010 at 1:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Daniel I. Radakovich's comment
steverc53

DRad, then why didn't you butt yourself out ? All Professional entertainers are way too overpaid. Their huge salaries paid mostly by advertising dollars. I want all the networks and advertisers to know that and I make it a point to never buy any product i see on tv. My satellite bill is high enough already, so far as i am concerned, until they reduce my cost by cutting their own exorbitant corporate and actors salaries, i will continue to buy no-name brand products.That goes for you professional athletes too. If I have to, i'll just use the internet and Netflix. AND Doberman, 'K' is a metric term, you know, from the lost continent of Metra. Look it up !

June 05 2010 at 2:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dolphie

hey jerseyguy. you are turning captialism into communism

June 05 2010 at 1:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jack

To start with all those in the enterment business, including sports are way over paid. But that is what happens in this country.
This show is about the funnest one I have seen in a long time. They are better then 2 & half. I just hope that they don't screw around with it. It has a great cast who seem to work well together. I don't understand why they are going to move it. There is only one thing wrong with the Monday night on CBS and that is CSI Miami, it is the worst of the crime shows going.
These people deserve to make as much as those on 2 & half.

June 05 2010 at 1:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dolphie

hey ned. do you enjoy your employer getting 300% of what you make for them?

June 05 2010 at 1:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chuck

Didn't a guy named Karl Marx say "share the wealth?"
I was just wonderin.

June 05 2010 at 1:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dolphie

they are the show. pay them you greedy fuckers.

June 05 2010 at 1:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ned Sheats

PS, whats The Big Bang THeory? Do you mean someone actually watches network television?

June 05 2010 at 1:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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