Is The Big Bang Theory Dead?

Production for The Big Bang Theory was supposed to begin Wednesday, which was pushed off to today, and now it has been delayed another day.

The delays are happening as the principle actors Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayya remain without a contract.

All are seeking raises to continue working on the hit show. Production delays like this are not uncommon as stars and producers often play chicken.

The failure of any of the main cast to reach a deal however does place the future of the show in jeopardy.

Last season's finale was written with Parsons' character in a state of flux. That could be used as a way to write him off the show.

"Due to ongoing contract negotiations, production on The Big Bang Theory-- which was originally scheduled to begin today -- has been postponed," WBTV said in a statement Wednesday.

TvGuide.com reported the following:

Parsons, Galecki and Cuoco, who currently earn $325,000 per episode, are negotiating as a group and seeking salary increases up to a potential $1 million per episode as well as a cut of the back-end profits.

Helberg and Nayyar are also negotiating together and seeking big raises similar to those given to co-stars Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch,who previously secured new deals with WBTV.