Chuck Lorre Presumes ‘Big Bang Theory’ Could End With Season 12

With The Big Bang Theory being renewed for seasons 11 and 12, fans were starting to wonder when the show will take its final bow. Some recent comments made by co-creator Chuck Lorre possibly shed some light on when the ratings juggernaut will wrap up.

During the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour, Lorre said he’s uncertain about the show’s long-term future and that season 12 could very well be its last.

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“We never really figured to be at year 11, let alone what’s going to happen after 12,” he said, according to THR. “One could easily presume that would be the end of the series but I’m just amazed we’re here.”

Steve Molaro, who just left his showrunner position on Big Bang, also added to the uncertainty, saying the writers don’t map out long-term arcs and takes it week by week.

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“We look at one episode at a time,” he said. “That’s what we’ve been doing for the last 10 years, and it’s gotten us this far.”

However, CBS is looking for as much Big Bang as possible, despite these claims. CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl told the outlet that they’re hoping to squeeze out as many seasons of the show as they can.

“As long as we can go; 20 years. I hope to have it as long as we can,” Kahl said.

The show’s cast is contracted for two more seasons, but there was some turmoil surrounding the pay rates for supporting cast members. The rising cost of salaries could come to into play as CBS decides they want the show to go past season 12.

Even if the show does end after a dozen seasons, the Big Bang universe has the potential to carry on for a dozen more. The spin-off series, Young Sheldon, is getting some positive buzz from critics ahead of its debut in the fall.