Although taping for the eighth season has been scheduled for July 30, stars of the CBS comedy "Big Bang Theory" have yet to renew their contracts.

The entire original cast - which includes Emmy-winner Johnny Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar - is said to be holding out for a massive pay increase. Melissa Rauch and Mayim Balik have already re-negotiated their contracts last fall.

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Parsons, Galecki and Cuoco have each been earning $325,000 per episode. The said actors have agreed to negotiate as a team and are said to be asking for $1 million for 30 minutes worth of airtime.

The Hollywood Reporter stated, "They're expected to negotiate together; Helberg and Nayyar also are looking for increases and will negotiate together."

The said demand is reminiscent of the $1 million negotiation and ultimate pay increase the "Friends" cast obtained during their last two seasons on air.

Negotiations are said to be at a standstill and figures provided by both management and cast are far apart. Despite having no apparent conclusions since negotiations were initiated in September, sources say that producers are confident that they will reach a compromise.

CBS entertainment chairman Nina Tassler stated, "We're feeling very confident that everything will work out. These deals always get miraculously done."

Unlike the cast of "Modern Family", the "Big Bang Theory" cast is not expected to stage a walkout while negotiations are ongoing.

The comedy was renewed for three more seasons last March; however possible irresolute discussions may lead to the show's demise.

Approximately 19 million U.S. viewers tune into the show per episode.

The seventh season ended with Sheldon possibly leaving town for some soul-searching.

If a compromise is reached, the eighth season is due to air this September in the U.S.

Warner Bros. Television, the show's producing studio, has yet to make an official comment on the issue.

TagsBig Bang Theory, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Kunal Nayyar, Simon Helberg, CBS, Mayim Balik, Melissa Rauch, Warner Bros, pay increase