“The Big Bang Theory” Season 8 begins with two new episodes Monday

The Big Bang Theory

After some heated contract negotiations with the cast, The Big Bang Theory returns for Season 8 as scheduled with back-to-back new episodes — and with very hefty pay raises for stars Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting. The series airs on Mondays beginning Sept. 22 while CBS broadcasts Thursday Night Football, and then returns to its regular Thursday night slot on Oct. 30.

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First up, in “The Locomotion Interruption” (8pm ET/PT) Leonard and Amy take an unexpected road trip to Arizona to pick up Sheldon. Meanwhile, Penny interviews for a job at Bernadette’s company, and Howard is weirded out by Stuart’s relationship with Mrs. Wolowitz.

Then in “The Junior Professor Solution” (8:31pm ET/PT), when Sheldon is forced to teach a class, Howard surprises everyone by taking it. Meanwhile, the tension between Penny and Bernadette gives Amy a chance to play both sides.

The Big Bang Theory

Photo: Michael Ansell/CBS ©2014 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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