The Real Reason ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Is Ending After Season 12

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September will mark the beginning of the end for The Big Bang Theory.

The CBS comedy will be ending after 12 seasons and now we’re hearing that the decision was made because on of the series’ stars was ready to leave.

Entertainment Weekly reports that Jim Parsons wanted to say goodbye to his character, Dr. Sheldon Cooper, after four Emmy wins, one Golden Globe win, and doing the voice-over for its spinoff series, Young Sheldon. He’s also been busy juggling movie and Broadway roles all while filming the sitcom.

There’s also the issue of salary. Parsons, along with his four original TBBT co-stars — Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Kunal Nayyar, and Simon Helberg — were making close to $1 million per episode, which CBS and Warner Bros. TV were reportedly trying to renegotiate if the sitcom were to have had more seasons.

That means Parsons and the others could have made over $50 million in profits for two more years.

When news broke that TBBT is wrapping up, Warner Bros. Television, CBS and Chuck Lorre Productions released a statement which read: “We are forever grateful to our fans for their support of The Big Bang Theory during the past 12 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.”

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