TVSquad: "Give the "Big Bang Theory" Stars a Raise Now"

[JamesG]

Give the "Big Bang Theory" Stars a Raise Now
by Allison Waldman
posted Jun 4th 2010


By 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 that 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.

http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/06/04/gi...s-a-raise-now/