Big Bang Theory stars set to earn $1 million per episode

Deal makes cast highest paid actors on US television

Deal puts cast's pay in line with that of Friends (CBS)

The Big Bang Theory is back on track after Jim Parsons (Sheldon), Johnny Galecki (Leonard) and Kaley Cuoco (Penny) inked deal reportedly making them the highest paid actors on US television.

Production was delayed on the new season of the sitcom while pay disputes were settled, but filming is now expected to resume as early as next week.

Three of the leads are now back on board, with actors Simon Helberg (Howard) and Kunal Nayyar (Rajesh) expected to settle shortly.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the trio "likely" will now earn $1m per episode (18 – 22 minutes of television), as part of a three season deal.

CBS, the sitcom's broadcaster, has yet to comment on the settlements.

Despite arguably not being as big a pop cultural talking point as other shows, The Big Bang Theory is still the most watched show in the US, attracting an average audience of 23.1 million in 2013-2014.

It will not run until at least 2017.

The deal puts the cast in line with that of Friends, who were reported to be earning a similar amount by the time the much-loved show reached its final season.