--- title: The Big Bang Theory's Cast Now Earns Friends-Level Wages description: Three of the sitcom's leads are set to earn seven-figure paychecks canonical: https://time.com/3089216/the-big-bang-theory-million-hollywood-television/ author: TIME Video article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2014-08-07T18:21:05.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-10-01T08:58:01.654Z article:section: Entertainment og:title: The Big Bang Theory's Cast Now Earns Friends-Level Wages og:description: Three of the actors will make $1 million per episode og:url: https://time.com/3089216/the-big-bang-theory-million-hollywood-television/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt14d745bd62a83579/69869eb506f2c1f9573303b1/big-bang-theory1.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 2000 og:image:height: 1125 og:image:alt: Sheldon faces a personal crisis after deciding he's wasting his time with string theory, onThe Big Bang Theory on April 10, 2013. og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: The Big Bang Theory's Cast Now Earns Friends-Level Wages twitter:description: Three of the actors will make $1 million per episode twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt14d745bd62a83579/69869eb506f2c1f9573303b1/big-bang-theory1.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # Cast of _The Big Bang Theory_ Now Earns _Friends_\-Level Wages > Sponsored content. 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Terms and conditions apply. * Savings buckets are a feature of Ally Bank's Savings Account. * No ATM fees from Ally Bank at Allpoint and Moneypass ATMs plus we reimburse for fees charged by other ATM owners nationwide up to $10 per statement cycle. * Early direct deposit offers eligible direct deposits up to two days sooner. * Spending buckets are a feature of Ally Bank's Spending Account. ## Video: The Success of 'The Big Bang Theory': By the Numbers [Watch (HLS stream): The Success of 'The Big Bang Theory': By the Numbers](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/xQk8EV2y.m3u8) (2:15)  _Published 2014-08-07. “The Big Bang Theory” is the most popular comedy on television and its stars just got the biggest payday since “Friends.” Here’s “Big Bang” by the numbers._ by [TIME Video](https://time.com/author/time-video/) ## TIME Video Aug 7, 2014 6:21 PM UTC by [TIME Video](https://time.com/author/time-video/) ## TIME Video Aug 7, 2014 6:21 PM UTC 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](http://www.deadline.com/2014/08/big-bang-theory-stars-jim-parsons-johnny-galecki-kaley-cuoco-close-big-new-deals/), 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. ## Transcript After reported contract dispute, the cast of The Big Bang Theory has finally started shooting its eighth season which means, it will continue to dominate tv. It must be humbling to suck on so many different levels. But how did this group of nerds take over television? Here's The Big Bang Theory by the numbers. Bug Bang premiered in 2007 and since has grown to be TV's highest rated comedy, bringing in an estimated 20 million viewers for weeks and consider this, ABC's Modern Family is in second place, but brings in almost 10 million fewer eyeballs. As Vulture puts it Big Bang is a true eight to 80 hit. If you leave out sports, it's number 1 with teens 12- 17, adults 18- 49, and adults 25- 54. And by commanding such a diverse audience the CBS show can change advertisers more than $ 320, 000 per 30 second spot. The highest ad rate for a non- sports program on television. But you don't get to 20 million viewers easy. There are a few factors that make Big Bang the success that it is. First the powerhouse group working on and off camera. Chuck Lorre, the show's executive producer had major sitcom success before with Two and a Half Men. I think people. Feel, I know I do, feel a way of identifying with a character who's somewhat at sea with the world and, and trying to figure it out. As for those characters, the cast of Big Bang is often praised. I love playing this part. And Jim Parsons has become the star among stars winning three prime time Emmy's for the always honest Sheldon Cooper. Sheldon, I need you. To what? [ LAUGH ] And the show's success has lead to a huge raise for Parsons, and his co- stars. Deadline Hollywood reported Season 8 marks the first time since Friends 3 actors on network television will be making $ 1 million each, per episode. Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, and Kaley Cuoco have signed on for three more seasons with the hit CBS comedy. 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