So much for those “preliminary discussions” of a 13th season. CBS’ long-running sitcom “The Big Bang Theory” will end after its upcoming 12th season.
The final season will debut Monday Sept. 24, before moving to its regular Thursday time slot on Sept. 27. When the series ends next May, it will finish as the longest-running multi-camera series in television history with 279 episodes.
In a joint statement, Warner Bros. Television, CBS and Chuck Lorre Productions said, “We are forever grateful to our fans for their support of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ during the past twelve seasons. We, along with the cast, writers and crew, are extremely appreciative of the show’s success and aim to deliver a final season, and series finale, that will bring ‘The Big Bang Theory’ to an epic creative close.”
Earlier this month, CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl was bullish that the show would return for a 13th season. “We don’t believe it’s the final year,” Kahl said during Television Critics Association press tour. “We are in preliminary discussions to renew the show with Warner Bros. Productions, the studio.”
“The Big Bang Theory” first debuted in 2007 and has garnered 52 Emmy nominations — winning 10 of them — and seven Golden Globe nominations. Jim Parsons himself took home four Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy, his most recent win in 2014. The show consistently was among the most-watched programs on television and was often used by CBS as a launching pad for new shows.
“‘The Big Bang Theory’ has been the defining comedy of its generation,” said Kahl, in a statement on Wednesday. “All of us at the network take exceptional pride in this series that uniquely combines creative genius, commercial ratings success, cultural influence and characters who became so popular, they are easily known by just one name. We’re incredibly grateful for our partnership with Warner Bros., Chuck Lorre Productions and a brilliant cast and crew that has made such a ‘big bang’ and lasting legacy on the television landscape.”
At least “Big Bang Theory” fans will have “Young Sheldon.” The spinoff following the younger version of Parsons’ Sheldon Cooper returns for its sophomore season Sept. 24.