However, here's what we know:
* Early seasons: Reportedly, early seasons cost around $1.5-2 million per episode.
* Later seasons: As the show gained popularity and its stars negotiated higher salaries, production costs are believed to have risen to around $3-4 million per episode.
Factors affecting cost:
* Cast salaries: The main cast members earned substantial salaries, which significantly impacted the budget.
* Location filming: Some episodes were filmed on location (e.g., in Pasadena, California), which incurred additional expenses.
* Special effects: While not as complex as some other shows, The Big Bang Theory still featured some visual effects, especially in later seasons.
* Guest stars: Guest appearances by notable actors also added to the cost.
It's important to note: These figures are estimates based on various sources, and the actual cost per episode may have varied depending on specific factors.