Casts For 'The Big Bang Theory' And 'Modern Family' Gear Up For Contract Negotiations

The deals for the casts of CBS' The Big Bang Theory and ABC's Modern Family are both up heading into next season, and everyone is gearing up for re-negotiations. Both shows are the number one comedies on their respective networks, and both casts are expected to ask for salary increases.

No movement has been reported as of yet, but the cast of The Big Bang Theory has likely made progress as the show is slated to go back into production on August 10, according to Deadline.

While The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family are both the highest-rated comedies on their respective networks, that is not the only thing these shows have in common. "Both Big Bang and Modern Family - whose license fees deals with CBS and ABC also are up after next season - come from outside studios not affiliated with the nets they air on - Warner Bros. TV and 20th Century Fox TV, respectively." Both companies also have rich off-network syndication deals, TBS airing Big Bang Theory and USA airing Modern Family, that collect nearly $1.5 million per episode. Also, both shows are the only broadcast comedy series currently on TV to have garnered Emmy nominations for best series. Modern Family has won the award for a record-tying five times.

While The Big Bang Theory is likely making progress on negotiations, the situation for Modern Family is a bit different over at ABC at the moment. "There has been some posturing by ABC, with the network sending signals that a renewal of Modern Family is not a given and that it could conceivably do without the praised comedy after next season," reports Nellie Andreeva from Deadline.

Historically, negotiations with The Big Bang Theory actors and studio have been a bit smoother, only resulting in a delay in production by one week back in 2014. However, for Modern Family, the negotiations escalated into a legal battle in 2012 with the actors even filing lawsuits against the studio.

Do you think CBS and ABC must bring back both of these top rated comedy series?