"The Big Bang Theory" stars are reportedly banding together to ensure they all receive raises.
“They know the critical position 'Big Bang' holds on CBS's primetime schedule and the only thing preventing them getting what they want would be a spectacular ratings demise this season," a source told Radar. "That isn't about to happen anytime soon. They’ll put on a united-front during negotiations."
Indeed, "Big Bang" is an asset to CBS. The comedy pulls in huge numbers for the network. Season 6 of "The Big Bang Theory" averaged close to 19 million viewers and a 6.2 rating in the 18-49 demographic. CBS renewed "The Big Bang Theory" for three seasons in 2011, making the upcoming 2013-2014 season is the last one as part of that deal.
Request for comment from CBS was not immediately returned.
The strategy Parsons, Cuoco and Galecki are reportedly employing has worked for TV stars in the past. The cast of "Friends" famously banded together to earn raises that got each of the six stars $1 million an episode. More recently, the women of "Criminal Minds" stood together before Season 9 in order to get raises from CBS.
"The Big Bang Theory" returns on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
