‘The Big Bang Theory’: Is It Worth As Much As ‘Friends’?

The Big Bang Theory stalled production last week when its stars failed to agree on a new contract for its upcoming eighth season. Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, and Jim Parsons are all seeking to now be paid a cool $1 million per episode — a high raise from their previous $350,000 per episode contract, as we’ve previously reported.

Quick. Someone tell those guys on Big Bang Theory, that they're the luckiest people on Earth.
— Horatio Sanz (@MrHoratioSanz) July 31, 2014

A similar battle happened over a decade ago with the Friends stars, all of whom threatened to walk if their salary demands were not met. In the end, the Friends cast was able to secure the $1 million per episode that they desired, the same price tag the Big Bang stars are looking for. (Although with inflation, the actual salary for the Friends stars would equal $1.29 million today)

It’s more than likely that Kaley, Johhny, and Jim’s demands will be met, no matter how lavish they might seem, as CBS simply cannot afford to lose its biggest stars on TV’s #1 show. The Big Bang Theory generates $2 billion in profits and tops 20 million viewers per week, a number that grows by at least 4 percent year after year. It’s been in the number one spot for the past four seasons, and is only projected to stay there for another few years.

Compared to Friends’ numbers, the NBC sitcom took in 25 million viewers each week, proving slightly more popular (though online streaming and illegal downloading weren’t as prevalent then). Also, all six of the principal cast members demanded the $1 million pay, whereas only the top three in the Big Bang cast are asking for such numbers.

With such a similar track record to Friends, it looks as though Big Bang’s negotiations will play out in the same way. As Celebrity Cafe puts it: “Honestly, if the network can make money off of these people doing their jobs as actors, then the actors are definitely entitled to a raise. Why should the big CEOs make money for other people’s talents?”

I think the Big Bang Theory cast should hold out for $50 million an episode. just keep holding out. hold out for years. never give up.

— pilot?????? (@pilotbacon) July 30, 2014

[Image via Sequart]