MUMBAI: CBS has announced that the critically acclaimed comedy The Big Bang Theory will get a multi-year broadcast renewal.  The show has been renewed for an additional three years, extending it through the 2016-2017 television season.

“Comedy is a big part of CBS schedule, and The Big Bang Theory is the biggest comedy force on television,” said CBS Entertainment chairman Nina Tassler in a press release earlier.

“This multi-year deal further strengthens our network’s position for future seasons and marks another chapter in the great partnership CBS enjoys with Warner Bros. Television for delivering audiences the best in comedy. We’re proud to work with and showcase the incredible talents of Chuck Lorre, Steve Molaro and this amazing cast every week,” added Tassler.

The Big Bang Theory, which premiered in September 2007, has been television's number 1 comedy show amongst viewers since 2010-2011 and continues as the number 1 comedy in key demographics for the second straight season. This season of The Big Bang Theory is averaging 19.79 million viewers, making it the highest-rated non-sports programme in all demographics.

In addition to being a ratings success, the programme has earned critical acclaim and award recognition. The series has won Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series” for star Jim Parsons (2010, 2011, 2013), a People's Choice Award for “Favorite TV Comedy” (2010, 2013, 2014), Television Critics Association Awards for “Outstanding Achievement in Comedy” (2009, 2013) as well as “Individual Achievement in Comedy” for Parsons (2009). In 2011, Parsons won a Golden Globe for “Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy” while Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting also won a 2014 “People's Choice Award for Favorite Comedic Actress.”

The Big Bang Theory stars Johnny Galecki (Roseanne, In Time), Jim Parsons (The Normal Heart), Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting (Charmed, 8 Simple Rules), Simon Helberg (Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip), Kunal Nayyar (Sanjay & Craig), Mayim Bialik (Blossom) and Melissa Rauch (True Blood). Chuck Lorre (Two & a Half Men, Mom), Steve Molaro and Bill Prady are executive producers. The series is from Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television. Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady are series creators.

The Big Bang Theory airs on Zee Café and Star World in India.