The telegenic nerds of The Big Bang Theory are renewed for their fourth season, but months ahead of their new time-slot debut, the show's three main stairs want hefty raises: a 285-percent increase from $65,000 to $250,000 an episode. Big Bang Theory's ratings jumped in season three to about 14.2 million viewers each week, nearly double its first season draw. Still, a six-figure raise is the kind of maneuver usually associated with a bona-fide frontliner like Charlie Sheen, not ensembles (unless you count Friends). Is this trio in the wrong?
Of course they're not wrong. As Forbes reports, the cast is still requesting only a fifth of what Charlie Sheen will receive next year for returning to Two and a Half Men. Big Bang Theory is also rumored to become a bankable syndication smash since it's a hip multicam comedy, a rare thing in 2010. The show's new Thursday timeslot against the very best of competing networks also indicates that CBS believes the show is a lightning rod for an even bigger viewership -- which should seal the salary bump.
One more pressing matter: Surely Jim Parsons outclasses Charlie Sheen in terms of comic originality. In fact, he certainly does. And I'm a little angry now. Suddenly this cause is about all of us, which didn't take long. Go forth, bug-eyed kooks!
ยท Big Bang Theory Stars Want a 285% Raise [Forbes]