Actor Jim Parsons, who plays Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, made a daring decision: he declined a whopping $50M to remain for Seasons 13 and 14.
Parsons was prepped to put away his neurotic bowties, even if CBS showered him with a mound of cash to keep the series going.
In a seriously emotional Insta-post, Jim Parsons admitted he’s having a tough time accepting that they’re shooting the first of the last 24 episodes. “It is hard (nearly impossible, actually) to really accept that this is a picture of the first of the final 24 episodes we will shoot for The Big Bang Theory,” he said, making it clear that the end is hitting hard.
Kaley Cuoco, who played Penny and pretty much everyone’s TV crush, wasn’t holding back her feelings. “Drowning in tears,” she confessed on Instagram. “This ride has been a dream come true and as life-changing as it gets.” Despite her sadness, she promised a blast in the final season.
CBS wasn’t ready to let go. Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Kunal Nayyar, and Simon Helberg wanted two more years with the network. But Parsons was set on moving on, and that deal didn’t fly. CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl hinted they thought the show could keep going, but Parsons’ exit meant the party was over.
Kunal Nayyar, who played Raj, also took a moment to reflect. “This will officially be Big Bang Theory’s last season,” he wrote. “We will be the longest-running multi-camera sitcom in TV history.” A true love letter to the fans who’ve been with them through all the quirky science jokes and cafeteria debates.
Warner Bros. Television, CBS, and Chuck Lorre Productions released a final salute: “We are forever grateful to our fans for their support during the past 12 seasons.” They promised the final episodes would go out with a bang.
So, while Parsons walks away from a jaw-dropping $50M and the role that made him a household name.
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