'The Big Bang' Clash Over Big Bucks

Published
ETONLINE

As production is halted on The Big Bang Theory due to complicated contract negotiations, we're looking back at other TV show casts who also held out for big pay days.

Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco are reportedly seeking $1 million per episode and Jim Parsons, a three-time Emmy winner, is said to be looking for even more.

While it's a steep price to pay, the cast could very well get their way by holding out. Similar strategies were used by the cast of Friends and Modern Family.

Related Gallery

In 1996, the cast of Friends were making $40,000 per episode. By the end of their run, the actors raked in $1 million an episode. More recently, the Modern Family cast went from $65,000 to $175,000 an episode.

"These people are essential to the show," said TV Guide magazine's Matt Roush. "They're not going to be cut out of the show. The show is going to go on."

The Big Bang Theory averaged around 20 million viewers last season, making it the most watched comedy on television.