‘The Big Bang Theory’ season 8: Jim Parsons on cast contract dispute, misconceptions

Throughout the entire contract dispute between the cast of “The Big Bang Theory” and studio Warner Bros. TV, there was a cone of silence in many ways around Jim Parsons and company. While they would discuss other subjects in interviews, this was something that they were quiet about … at least until now.

In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly about the Emmys airing on Monday, Parsons explained first and foremost that the biggest misconceptions out there about the dispute are that the actors are not on strike by any means, and they also do want want to see their time on the show end. It is all about just getting a new deal to return to work:

“I always thought everything would be worked out by the start date [of July 30] … When it wasn’t, it certainly wasn’t a good feeling, but there was absolutely no getting around the fact that everything had to be dealt with and finished before we could get back … You see the word ‘strike’—’They’re walking out!’—but there was nothing to walk out from. That’s always hard, because part of you wants to explain to people what’s really going on. ‘Don’t worry, we’re not leaving, we want to do the show.’”

The one negative of all this is that thanks to these headlines, everyone knows now how much you make. We’ve never had a problem with Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, and Johnny Galecki getting around $1 million an episode, mostly because if the show is that big of a hit, there is enough money to go around. Parsons doesn’t like talking about the paycheck, but understands that this is a part of the business:

“I came from a family in Texas who simply never spoke about money … When suddenly everybody is guessing, or some even getting close, to the ballpark of what you’re earning—well, that’s interesting, that everyone knows what you make. It is what it is, and the job is so wonderful that those minor oddities are well worth the ride.”

If nothing else, simply rejoice in the fact that new episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” are being made, and the show will return on Monday, September 22. You can see some updates on the series over at this link, and be sure to sign up today for some further TV scoop via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: CBS