The Big Bang Theory just wrapped up its ninth season a few weeks ago. At the time, fans weren’t too concerned about the CBS comedy, as the sitcom had already been renewed for Season 10. However, while all the t’s have been crossed and the i's have been dotted for next season, there’s been some concern that Season 10 might be the last for The Big Bang Theory. Recently, series actor Kunal Nayyar added fuel to the fire when he spoke out about the possibility of the series ending after Season 10. Here’s what he had to say while speaking at MCM Comic-Con London.
Look - next season, as it stands on our contract, could be the last season of Big Bang Theory. To be completely honest…I know people are gonna want to know what happens after season 10. I don’t know what’s going to happen.
Ugh. It’s almost like he’s prepping us for the worst with that comment. Clearly, he and the other major cast members on the series get paid pretty well to work on The Big Bang Theory. While some of the other major players like Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons have found work outside the sitcom, a lot of them would probably be happy for The Big Bang Theory to keep going until viewers are tired of it. As Kunal Nayyar notes, however, the ultimate decision is not going to be up to him. His comments (via the Radio Times) echo some statements he made several months ago that indicated the cast is feeling the show is in the twilight of its life—even if it does go on for a season or two after 10.
The problem The Big Bang Theory is facing is that the show has hit a lot of milestones that people in their twenties or thirties usually hit. Several of the major players are married and one is even having a baby. They’ve dealt with break-ups, familial issues and more. While I have no doubt the comic book and science humor could go on for twenty seasons or more, I’m not sure The Big Bang Theory would transition well into a series about families. Who really knows though?
The Big Bang Theory is such a staple for CBS that a few years ago the network signed a huge 3-year contract to keep the show on the air into 2017. The reason the cast members are starting to get so nostalgic about their time on the sitcom has to do with that contract ending after Season 10. Although that doesn’t mean The Big Bang Theory will be cancelled, it does mean the cast and crew will be on the same page as most of the other comedies and dramas come next spring. The won’t know what decision CBS will be making until CBS makes it, and that uncertain footing is something the comedy hasn’t had to deal with in a really long time.
The Big Bang Theory won’t return until next fall on CBS. It will air on Monday nights during Thursday night football before returning to its usual time slot. You can find out what shows are returning this summer with our summer TV premiere schedule.
Head to the next page to see the cast talking about how they like to rag on Kunal Nayyar for the show.
