Next season of Big Bang Theory to be last

Award-winning ratings smash The Big Bang Theory will end with the finale of its 12th season in May next year, CBS said this week, lavishing praise on the long-running comedy.

Focusing on a highly intelligent but socially awkward professor and his group of scientist friends, Big Bang was the biggest comedy ratings draw on broadcast television for years, winning 10 Emmys.

“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 show – which will end its 12-year run on 279 episodes – is a rare example of a long-running hit TV series that has managed to retain its massive viewing figures.

The last season attracted an audience of almost 19 million per episode. –