The Big Bang Theory season 11
Actor Jim Parsons arrives at the 22nd Annual Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, U.S., December 11, 2016. Reuters/Danny Moloshok

Remember Sheldon Cooper, Dr Leonard Hofstadter and Penny from the CBS sitcom “The Big Bang Theory?” The trio is to return in the whole new “The Big Bang Theory” season 11, but that should take a while to release, as only contracts are being renewed at the moment.

“We are in negotiations, but it is definitely business as usual,” CBS president for entertainment Glenn Geller said Jan.16 at the Television Critics Association winter press tour. “We are guardedly optimistic that we will make a deal.” That being said, Geller didn’t clarify if “The Big Bang Theory” will renew with multiple episodes in case negotiations with the cast members pushes through.

According to Variety, CBS is taking the time to negotiate contract terms with actors Jim Parsons (Cooper), Johnny Galecki (Hofstadter) and Kaley Cuoco (Penny). They had their contracts renewed last in 2014 when all three of them secured $1 million per episode fee for three consecutive seasons with 24 episodes each. “We want to get them all back. That’s the goal,” Geller said, on being asked if they could still make “The Big Bang Theory” season 11 sans either of the three leads.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros television screenwriters Steve Moralo, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady are formulating a script meant for the TV show’s prequel, “Sheldon,” as reported by THR. Geller has so far refused to comment on the status but the same has been confirmed from the casting which is currently underway. A young Sheldon Cooper will also be seen in the upcoming series.

Finally, it needs no telling that “The Big Bang Theory” ranks among the top television comedies in America. With an extensive outreach among key adults in the 18-49 demographic, the show currently boasts of a whopping 21.5 viewers. So far, the series has generated at least $1 billion in revenue since it debuted in 2011.

More episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” season 10 is currently being aired with episode 13 airing Jan. 19. Watch the show tonight exclusively on channel 9Now in Australia.