$1m-an-episode pay dispute settled

Production is set to resume on The Big Bang Theory after three of its key stars settled their pay disputes.

Jim Parsons, who plays Sheldon, Johnny Galecki (Leonard) and Kaley Cuoco (Penny) all agreed to new three-year deals. They had been seeking a reported $1million an episode, which would make them the highest paid actors on US television.

The terms of the new contracts have not been confirmed, but trade magazine The Hollywood Reporter said the settlement was likely to be close to that sought by the actors, who bargained collectively. Previously they were paid $325,000 per episode.

Big Bang Theory is the most popular TV show in America, with an average audience of 23.1 million, and is syndicated around the world.

Co-stars Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar are still involved in negotiations but are expected to settle shortly.

The actors are expected to return to work on the eighth series on Wednesday, a week later than scheduled. It is not known if the delay will result in fewer than the anticipated 24 episodes being recorded, but observers say the time can be made up over the run.

Published: 4 Aug 2014