The Big Bang Theory would have continued for two more years if Jim Parsons hadn’t quit

‘It was very hard for a while for people to accept the decision’

The Big Bang Theory came to an end in May 2019 after 12 seasons, but a producer has now revealed it was meant to go on for much longer than that.

If Jim Parsons — who plays Sheldon Cooper on the series — hadn’t walked out, the sitcom would have continued for another two seasons.

Speaking to Metro, production designer John Shaffner, revealed that the initial plan was for the show’s studio, Warner Bros, and network CBS to run for another couple of years.

“The news that [the show] was ending had been leaked because Warner Bros had prepared a proper roll-out of explaining it to everybody, but the cast didn’t know,” Shaffner revealed.

“What had occurred was Jim Parsons had been in touch with Chuck Lorre over the hiatus week and had said he couldn’t come back and do anymore. And Chuck had always said if one member of the cast left the show then the show would have to end.”

Shaffner added that “Warner Bros and CBS wanted to sign for about two more years”.

“I was back in the office and I found out about this and I went down to stage and I saw Johnny [Galecki] and Kaley [Cuoco] in the comic book store and they were just hugging each other and crying,” he continued.

“It was very hard for a while for people to accept the decision and the crew was very disappointed because it was a good job,” he added. “But I really respected what Jim did. It’s better to leave on top.”