CBS Renews Two Men, Big Bang Theory For Multipe Seasons

CBS has renewed Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory for multiple seasons. Two and a Half Men has been picked up for three more years, through the 2011-12 season, while The Big Bang Theory has been ordered for two more years, through the 2010-2011 season. Slowing down the renewal process was WBTV’s outstanding $49 million breach-of-contract suit against CBS over Two and a Half Men license fees and production-cost reimbursements. Sources said that at a case management conference Monday, CBS and WBTV will announce that they have settled, with the long-term renewals said to be factoring into the settlement.

“Our collaboration with Warner Bros. and Chuck Lorre for these two series has lead to great entertainment for television audiences and has been very good business for CBS,” said CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler. “With these shows firmly in place, CBS is well-positioned for more comedy success in the years ahead.”

Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory are the main driving forces behind CBS’ ratings success on Monday night this season. With most broadcast series declining, CBS’ Monday-night comedy lineup is up 13% in viewers and 11% in 18-49 vs. last season. Now in its sixth season, Two and a Half Men averages 15 million total viewers. The Big Bang Theory, having surged with their sophomore cycle, are pulling about 10 million weekly.

Lorre co-created Two and a Half Men with Lee Aronsohn and The Big Bang Theory with Bill Prady.