"The Big Bang Theory" has not been canceled but fans may finally know what took so long for the network to officially renew the comedy series. New reports claim that contract negotiations are the cause of the lack of renewal news. After inking amazing deals a few years ago, Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Kunal Nayyar, and Simon Helberg have been riding an incredible high.

However, their co-stars Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch want more money and there just isn't much wiggle room. Apparently, the show's big stars are willing to take pay cuts in order for Bialik and Rauch to increase their salaries.

Contract negotiations could be over soon

Bialik and Rauch are being paid between $200,000 and $300,000 per episode this season. However, the rest of the main cast is being paid $1 million per episode. It has been reported that Parsons, Galecki, Cuoco, Nayyar, and Helberg have already agreed to take a $100,000 cut in salary for the prospective next two seasons. That will free up $500,000 for Bialik and Rauch.

While it doesn't seem like much, it may be enough to get the whole cast on board for Seasons 11 and 12, which is really all the network is looking to do at this time.

Will 'TBBT' be canceled after Season 12?

The way that things are sounding, it's possible that CBS could cancel "The Big Bang Theory" after the next two seasons air. The show has done very well over the past several years but many feel as though it has run its course -- and CBS may feel this way as well. Sources say that the network's license fee isn't enough to pay for the cost of production and that price is only going to get higher moving through 2018 and beyond. Adding another 48 episodes may be all that can be done to keep your favorite characters coming into your living room week after week -- for new plot lines, that is.

The show, of course, is in syndication and has made a lot of money for Warner Bros.

At least Sheldon Cooper fans need not worry. Rumor has it, he's getting his very own spinoff show!

Do you think that "The Big Bang Theory" will be canceled after Season 12?