CBS says the upcoming 12th season of “The Big Bang Theory” will be the last.
Currently one of the most popular comedies on television, the series began about geeky physicist roommates portrayed by Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki and expanded to include their friends, girlfriends and then wives. Other stars include Mayim Bialik, Kaley Cuoco, Kunal Nayyar, Simon Helberg and Melissa Rauch.
Parsons’ work on the show has earned him four Emmy awards and a Golden Globe. CBS also airs a prequel about his character called “Young Sheldon.”
“We are forever grateful to our fans for their support of 'The Big Bang Theory' during the past 12 seasons,” CBS said in a statement released jointly with producers Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions.
“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,” the statement added.
“There are many ways to look at the dozen years of 'Big Bang Theory' as we draw to a close, but for me it will be the family that gathered each week to create a true labor of love,” tweeted co-creator Bill Prady. “I will treasure my Big Bang family to the end of my days.”
There’s also a UCLA scholarship created by and named for the series to support undergrad study in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Season 12 of “Big Bang” premieres on September 24.
