The Big Bang Theory will end its run after 12 seasons in May 2019. Since premiering on CBS back in 2007, the show has gone on to become one of the most prolific sitcoms in television history. In addition to being a ratings giant for the network, Big Bang has earned 10 Primetime Emmys (most of which are for Jim Parsons' portrayal of Sheldon Cooper) and spawned a spinoff series, Young Sheldon. The next season of the show will debut this fall.

Last year, Big Bang Theory was officially renewed for its eleventh and twelfth seasons, and word of its future has been quiet ever since. Earlier this month, it was reported CBS was having preliminary discussions to bring it back for a 13th year, but apparently the creative team felt they were at the end of the line. This season will be the final one for The Big Bang Theory.

Related: CBS' Fall 2018 Premiere Dates

In a press release, Warner Bros. Television, CBS, and Chuck Lorre Productions made the announcement. Big Bang Theory concludes its time on the air as the longest-running multi-camera TV series ever with a record-breaking 279 episodes.

“We are forever grateful to our fans for their support of The Big Bang Theory during the past twelve seasons. We, along with the cast, writers and crew, are extremely appreciative of the show’s success and aim to deliver a final season, and series finale, that will bring The Big Bang Theory to an epic creative close.”

When viewers last saw the gang, Sheldon and Amy were getting married, so it'd be reasonable for Season 12 to pick up shortly after that and explore how the couple's relationship has evolved. The season 1 finale of Young Sheldon seemed to imply the two were going to have children at some point, but it's unknown if that will be depicted on Big Bang. There's also the mystery surrounding Young Sheldon supporting character Tam, who was Sheldon's only friend in his troubled childhood. It's already been confirmed an episode of Big Bang will detail what happened to Tam, so it'll be interesting to see what becomes of that. The showrunners will have to work hard to ensure all the characters in the stacked ensemble receive a fitting sendoff. Fans have been following their adventures for years, and it would be disappointing if anyone was shortchanged.

Despite its ratings and accolades, Big Bang Theory will bow out with something of a mixed legacy. For all its fans, the show also has a fair number of critics who find it to be unfunny and formulaic. Regardless of how one feels about the show, there's no denying it put together a stellar run and is leaving the air on its own terms. For CBS, they'll be able to continue the franchise with more Young Sheldon, which was renewed for a second season.

MORE: Macaulay Culkin Turned Down The Big Bang Theory

Source: Warner Bros.