Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco to get $1M an episode

Actors Jim Parsons, JohnnyGaleckiandKaleyCuocowill get big raises for their roles on television sitcomThe Big Bang Theory after locking in three-yearcontracts that will see them earn $1 million USanepisode, according to a report on Deadline.com.

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The pay increases would be significant forCuoco, who plays Penny,Parsons (Sheldon Cooper)and Galecki (Leonard Hofstadter).

Previous reports had pegged their earnings at about$350,000 per half-hour episode.

The new contractswould also give the trio a bigger piece of the show's overall profits.

The show, set in Pasadena, Calif., centreson two brilliant but socially awkward physicists (Sheldon and Leonard) whose lives are transformed whenan outgoing and attractive waitress (Penny) moves into the apartment across the hall.

In March, CBS renewed the hit series three more seasons, which would bringthe show to its 10thyear.

The ongoing dispute over salaries has delayed production for the show's eighth season, andWarner Bros. Television is reportedly still negotiating with cast members Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar.

If deals can be reached by Wednesday'sproduction deadline, filmingwill only be one week behind.

That means fans canstillexpect the showto return on itsslated premiere date ofSept.22.

Big Bang Theory is the No.1 comedy on television, netting huge ratings for CBSand an estimated$1 billion in profits for Warner Bros.over the next three years.

There has been no official comment from Warner Bros,CBS or representatives ofthe show's stars.