Cast of The Big Bang Theory Now Earns Friends-Level Wages

The hit show The Big Bang Theory is officially set for three more seasons after three of the sitcom’s leads secured seven-figure paychecks.
 
Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco will each bank $1 million per episode, Deadline Hollywood reports, marking the first time since Friends that three actors in one program will each make that much per episode.
 
CBS has good reason to be dishing out the cash. Since the show’s premiere in 2007, Big Bang Theory has become television’s highest-rated comedy with more than 20 million viewers per week. It’s rated No. 1 among the 12-to-17 age group, as well as 18-to-49 and 25-to-54. That kind of audience diversity has allowed the network to charge upwards of $320,000 for a 30-second advertisement.  
 
The 8th season premiere is scheduled to air in an hour-long special on Sept. 22.