For the first time ever, The Big Bang Theory reruns will be available on cable networks other than TBS, which has been the hit sitcom’s exclusive off-network home for more than 13 years. Paramount Global has made a deal with Warner Bros. for Big Bang to join Nick at Nite and MTV‘s lineups.
Warner Bros.’ most recent agreement extension with TBS is believed to include a provision for the rights to become non-exclusive, allowing the studio to find another buyer. There will be no other carveouts, with incumbent TBS and Paramount’s Nick at Nite and MTV as the only cable networks to carry Big Bang for the time being. (TBS and WBTV sibling Max remains Big Bang‘s exclusive streaming home.)
Big Bang has been the backbone of TBS’ schedule since its launch on the network, breaking rating records early on. It remains TBS’ flagship series.
With Nickelodeon’s nighttime programming block Nick at Nite and TBS also acquiring Modern Family this year and last year, respectively, the comedy-focused cable brands will now both feature Big Bang, prequel Young Sheldon, Friends and Modern Family.
This marks Big Bang‘s return to Paramount after the 2019 end of the series’ original run on CBS.
Big Bang will debut on Nick at Nite on Dec 24 with a two-day stunt featuring holiday-themed episodes including the beloved “Leonard Nimoy’s Napkin.” Season 4 will start rolling Dec. 27, airing daily from 12-2 a.m., with all 12 seasons set to rotate.
Starting Jan. 1, MTV will air “MTV’s New Year with a Bang,” an all-day marathon of Season 3. Beginning Jan. 4, episodes across all 12 seasons will run every Saturday and Sunday alongside Friends.
“We are thrilled to welcome The Big Bang Theory back into the Paramount family, bolstering the comedy lineup for both Nick at Nite and MTV,” said Laurel Weir, EVP and Head of Programming, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks.
The licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales for the series was negotiated on behalf of Paramount Global by Barbara Zaneri, Chief Programming Acquisitions Officer.
The Big Bang Theory, produced by WBTV and Chuck Lorre Productions, premiered in 2007 and aired 279 episodes spanning 12 seasons.
Here is the Nick promo:
From Deadline.com