'The Big Bang Theory' Stars Want A 285% Raise

[Brian Damage]

The success of CBS's "The Big Bang Theory" includes ratings, critical acclaim and a big syndication deal, and it's the latter that has prompted the stars of the show to ask for raises, reports Forbes.com.

The three leads of the show, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons have reportedly asked for substantial increases in their per episode rate.

Currently they are getting $65,000 per show, the article says, adding that they're each looking for a 285% bump to $250,000 per installment. If they make 22 episodes next year, that would be the difference between $1.4 million that they would each be paid for the season to $5.5 million each that they would be paid for the season.

Warner Brothers and CBS declined to comment on the situation with the actors.


http://www.forbes.com/fdc/welcome_mjx.shtml

[factsoflife]

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

The success of CBS's "The Big Bang Theory" includes ratings, critical acclaim and a big syndication deal, and it's the latter that has prompted the stars of the show to ask for raises, reports Forbes.com.

The three leads of the show, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco and Jim Parsons have reportedly asked for substantial increases in their per episode rate.

Currently they are getting $65,000 per show, the article says, adding that they're each looking for a 285% bump to $250,000 per installment. If they make 22 episodes next year, that would be the difference between $1.4 million that they would each be paid for the season to $5.5 million each that they would be paid for the season.

Warner Brothers and CBS declined to comment on the situation with the actors.


http://www.forbes.com/fdc/welcome_mjx.shtml

I think they deserve a raise, but not such a big one, i can see them asing for maybe a 40% raise and getting it, but i don't see CBS or Warner Brothers allowing this to happen.

[Family Ties Forever!]

Wow, that's ridiculous. Sounds like greed has taken over.

[Superbowl]

Charlie Sheen makes $ 2 million an episode. Jon Cryer makes $ 500,000 an episode. These three stars making only $ 65,000 an episode for a show that has become such a big hit is almost ridiculous it is so low. Also, don't forget Warner Bros. just signed the biggest syndication deal in the history of television for The Big Bang Theory. The $ 250,000 is a very reasonable number. I am sure Warner Bros. and CBS will want to make them happy, and give them a nice raise.

[factsoflife]

Originally Posted by Superbowl

Charlie Sheen makes $ 2 million an episode. Jon Cryer makes $ 500,000 an episode. These three stars making only $ 65,000 an episode for a show that has become such a big hit is almost ridiculous it is so low. Also, don't forget Warner Bros. just signed the biggest syndication deal in the history of television for The Big Bang Theory. The $ 250,000 is a very reasonable number. I am sure Warner Bros. and CBS will want to make them happy, and give them a nice raise.

i see your point. I just hope this doesn't backfire and get the cast in trouble. I do think that they deserve a big raise because as you said the show is a HUGE HIT. I hope it works as it did for the cast of FRIENDS back in the 90's and that it doesn't get the show cancelled like it did when the cast of BECKER tried out for a raise (though that show was never an actual hit).

[Mr. Television]

Originally Posted by factsoflife

i see your point. I just hope this doesn't backfire and get the cast in trouble. I do think that they deserve a big raise because as you said the show is a HUGE HIT. I hope it works as it did for the cast of FRIENDS back in the 90's and that it doesn't get the show cancelled like it did when the cast of BECKER tried out for a raise (though that show was never an actual hit).

I don't know if they'll get all they're asking for but they'll get a nice raise. This is the time to ask for the big bucks. The show is as popular as it's ever been. CBS is counting on the show to rejuvinate it's Thursday lineup. It just got sold into syndication. There's no telling what will happen in the future but if they want the money, they have to do it before the show declines. I think they'll be fine. If Thursday is a success and they help make William Shatner's new show a success, it will be money well spent.

[80sTrivia]

This is fairly normal operating procedures for actors once a show has been established as a solid hit.

[Superbowl]

Originally Posted by factsoflife

i see your point. I just hope this doesn't backfire and get the cast in trouble. I do think that they deserve a big raise because as you said the show is a HUGE HIT. I hope it works as it did for the cast of FRIENDS back in the 90's and that it doesn't get the show cancelled like it did when the cast of BECKER tried out for a raise (though that show was never an actual hit).

Considering the huge hit this show has become and also the huge amounts of money that other stars are making on other shows this really is not that big of a raise request. These three stars are already under contract for 6-7 years. They will renegotiate and most likely then be under contract for 8-9 years. I wouldn't worry at all. This show is going to be here for a long time to come.