‘Big Bang Theory’ Final Season: Kathy Bates Returns & More Behind-the-Scenes Moments (PHOTOS)

Filming is currently underway on twelfth and final season of The Big Bang Theory and it looks like the cast is having a great time getting back into character one last time. News broke on Wednesdays that TV’s longest-running multi-camera series will end in May 2019 after a record-breaking 279 episodes.

“We are forever grateful to our fans for their support of The Big Bang Theory during the past twelve seasons. We, along with the cast, writers and crew, are extremely appreciative of the show’s success and aim to deliver a final season, and series finale, that will bring The Big Bang Theory to an epic creative close,” Warner Bros. Television, CBS, and Chuck Lorre Productions said in a statement.

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In celebration of the last season, Johnny Galecki, who plays Leonard, posted a photo on Instagram of himself posing with co-star Kaley Cuoco (Penny) and special guest star Kathy Bates.

Bates played Mrs. Fowler, the mother of Amy Fowler (Mayim Bialik), last season and it appears she’s reprising the role! Season 12 is slated to return in September with the rest of the gang, including Jim Parsons (Sheldon), Simon Helberg (Howard), Kunal Nayyar (Raj), and Melissa Rauch (Bernadette).

When the actress who originated Annie Wilkes says to you out of nowhere “You look like the devil,” you’re both flattered and considering a return to therapy. The incomparable #KathyBates @normancook @bigbangtheory_cbs #behindthescenes

A post shared by Johnny Galecki (@sanctionedjohnnygalecki) on Aug 21, 2018 at 10:16am PDT

We can only hope the final episodes will be as star-studded as the ones in Season 11. Last year featured cameos by Star Wars‘ legend Mark Hamill and Star Trek actor Wil Wheaton, both playing themselves. Maybe fans will even see the return of Jerry O’Connell aka Sheldon’s brother, George Cooper Jr.

Season 11 also surprised viewers with Laurie Metcalf as Sheldon’s mom Mary, John Ross Bowie cast as Sheldon’s rival Dr. Barry Kripke, and Regina King playing Janine Davis.

We baaaack!!! @bigbangtheory_cbs (@themelissarauch and I trying to make a 12! 🤣) #season12 @sanctionedjohnnygalecki @therealjimparsons @missmayim @kunalkarmanayyar & Simon 😀 #lovemyBBTfamily ❤️ thank you for having us!

A post shared by @ normancook on Aug 21, 2018 at 8:06pm PDT

💛 Home Sweet TV Home 💛 @bigbangtheory_cbs #season12

A post shared by Melissa Rauch (@themelissarauch) on Aug 16, 2018 at 3:24pm PDT

Field trip with @themelissarauch and @kunalkarmanayyar … shout out @chanelcross for my face and hair lol

A post shared by mayim bialik (@missmayim) on Aug 22, 2018 at 10:56am PDT

Season 12 (!!!) of @bigbangtheory_cbs has begun rehearsals. @normancook #behindthescenes

A post shared by Johnny Galecki (@sanctionedjohnnygalecki) on Aug 16, 2018 at 11:46am PDT

The Big Bang Theory, Season 12 Premiere, Monday, September 24, 8/7c, CBS