When will The Big Bang Theory end? It's a question that has been on a lot of minds as the show has aged on CBS. Members of the cast have been talking about the upcoming season as a good ending point. However, CBS has been vocal about wanting to keep the series around, and while the network was at TCA this weekend, it announced that The Big Bang Theory could definitely continue after the 2018-2019 TV season. According to CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl,
We don't believe it's the final year. We are in preliminary discussions to renew the show with Warner Bros.
On the one hand, now that Sheldon and Amy are married, most of the main cast has found love and settled down. On the other hand, Raj still hasn't found his main love interest, and there could potentially be some room for some more babies on the horizon. If the ratings remain high, it's in CBS' best interest to make sure more episodes of the show are in the works. However, the high cost of episodes (and the cast's salary) could be an obstacle at some point. In addition, if any of the main cast members were to decide to leave the series, it's unclear if The Big Bang Theory could continue.
In response to the TCA news breaking (via US Weekly), The Big Bang Theory writer Bill Prady had a succinct response.
So, even Bill Prady seemed a little surprised at CBS' response. Keep in mind that while there are still plotlines that The Big Bang Theory could explore, 12 seasons is a long time to be on the air. Previously Johnny Galecki said that no official talks have happened regarding whether or not the CBS series could run for longer than the upcoming season. At the time, he mentioned personal lives and families as a motivation to wrap up.
The only manner in which the cast has discussed wrapping [The Big Bang Theory] has been that we're all going to be very sad when that day comes. But I think at this point everyone's very comfortable with 12 seasons being a good time to go home and see our families.
In the past, cast members have stated they thought the show would end at the end of previous contracts, yet The Big Bang Theory continues to keep rolling, even bringing in characters from Young Sheldon to maintain a crossover interest, as well. We'll have to wait and see if Warner Bros. and CBS are able to strike a deal moving forward. For now, however, The Big Bang Theory will at least be back for one more round on the small screen. Take a look at when it and other big fall shows will be returning with our full schedule.
