Note: This article contains spoilers for the two-part series finale of The Big Bang Theory, 'The Change Constant' and 'The Stockholm Syndrome'.
The Big Bang Theory drew to a "perfect" close just hours ago, but talk of a spin-off series is already underway – despite, y'know, the success of existing spin-off Young Sheldon.
Fortunately for fans still basking in the Big Bang's climactic afterglow, it looks like any kind of spin-off series or revival is a long, long way off.
Chatting to Entertainment Weekly about the series finale, showrunner Steve Holland admitted that he "doesn't know" whether the gang will ever appear onscreen again.
"That [decision] probably is slightly above my pay grade. For me personally, it's hard to think of any of these characters without the others," Holland said, pouring cold water on the idea of any kind of Joey repeat.
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"To me, they live together as a family. It's hard for me to imagine them operating independently."
US network CBS appear to have other ideas, however, with the president of its entertainment arm, Kelly Kahl, admitting to Deadline that they'll be ready "to listen" if – although not when – creator Chuck Lorre comes to them with any ideas.
"When Chuck wants to come talk to us about potential spin-offs, we are here to listen," he said. "We are not pushing him, we are not demanding a spin-off. We respect Chuck.
"When he thinks he has something, there is an understanding that we will talk."
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Of course, this isn't the first time the Big Bang Theory cast and crew have floated the idea of a spin-off – Kaley Cuoco recently admitted she'd sign up for a Penny-centric series.
"If Chuck [Lorre] came and said, 'Let's do it', I'd say yes. Other than that, I don't see a spin-off for myself. But I don't like to say no to Chuck. So if he wanted it, I'm in," Kaley said.
What was that about "no-one having any interest" in a new show, Johnny Galecki?
The Big Bang Theory aired on CBS and CBS All Access in the US. E4 airs the show in the UK.
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