The Big Bang Theory might continue without main stars

The Big Bang Theory bosses have suggested the hit sitcom may continue without one or more of its main stars.

Although the upcoming season, which is set to air on CBS in the US later this month, should be safe, The Big Bang Theory cast are out of contracts at the end of season.

Series stars Jim Parsons (Sheldon), Johnny Galecki (Leonard), Kaley Cuoco (Penny), Simon Helberg (Howard), Kunal Nayyar (Raj), Mayim Bialik (Amy) and Melissa Rauch (Bernadette) are reportedly all seeking pay rises for the new series. Long-term fans will remember that the production of season seven was delayed after extended contract negotiations with the Big Bang Theory stars.

CBS bosses are trying desperately to get the stars to accept new contracts on the world’s most popular comedy series, and have now suggested that the show many continue even if some of its main stars – such as Parsons, Galecki and Cuoco – don’t sign up.

Big Bang Theory showrunner Steve Molaro told the Hollywood Reporter: “All we can do right now is focus on season 10 and go script by script, which is what we would be doing anyway. As far as I’m concerned, here in the writers’ room, it’s business as usual: moving forward with the characters and letting them live their lives day by day and feeling out what happens with them.

“We don’t really arc out stories too far, and we let things happen organically, and if things catch us by surprise — like Bernadette being pregnant or something like that — if it feels right, we go with it.

“It’s more of that and if and when we know something that’s actual information that can be helpful [regarding the contracts], we may do something differently, but until then, we’re sticking to the game plan.”

Speaking about whether the show could continue without some of its main stars, Molaro said: “I have no idea. I think it would certainly be different and weird. There’s no point in me wondering what it could be when I have 19 scripts staring down at me that need to get written.”