Big Bang Theory Delays Season 8 Production Due to Contract Negotiations

 
$1 million per episode is kind of a big deal.
Big Bang Theory has delayed production on season 8 due to contract delays with the Emmy-winning cast,

"Due to ongoing contract negotiations, production on The Big Bang Theory — which was originally scheduled to begin today — has been postponed," WBTV tells Sources in a statement.

The CBS smash comedy received a three-season renewal in March, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, the cast is looking for hefty salary increases before returning to work at Warner Bros. studios.
THR reports that Jim Parsons (Sheldon Cooper), Johnny Galecki (Leonard Hofstadter) and Kaley Cuoco (Penny) all are seeking $1 million per half-hour episode. (They currently earn $325,000 each show.) Costars Simon Helberg (Howard Wolowitz) and Kunal Nayyar (Raj Koothrappali) are negotiating together, as well. Mayim Bialik (Amy Farrah Fowler) and Melissa Rauch (Bernadette Rostenkowski) previously came to an agreement, both securing raises.

Before this setback, Big Bang Theory's executive producer Chuck Lorre told THR that the negotiation process would "work itself" out. "I think it's great," he said of the situation. "I want them all to be crazy wealthy because nobody deserves it more than this cast. It'll work out."