CBS announced today a multi-year broadcast renewal for the top-rated, critically acclaimed comedy The Big Bang Theory.

The Big Bang Theory, which is TV's most-watched comedy and the top-rated broadcast entertainment show among adults 18-49, has been renewed for an additional three years, extending it through the 2016-2017 season.

Here's what CBS chairman Nina Tassler had to say about the renewal in a statement.

"Comedy is a big part of our schedule, and The Big Bang Theory is the biggest comedy force on television. This multi-year deal further strengthens our network's position for future seasons and marks another chapter in the great partnership CBS enjoys with Warner Bros. Television for delivering audiences the best in comedy. We're proud to work with and showcase the incredible talents of Chuck Lorre, Steve Molaro and this amazing cast every week."

About The Big Bang Theory:

The Big Bang Theory, which premiered in September 2007, has been television's #1 comedy in viewers since 2010-2011 and continues as the #1 comedy in key demographics for the second straight season. This season, The Big Bang Theory is averaging 19.79 million viewers (+4% versus last year), 6.1/19 in adults 18-49, 7.8/21 in adults 25-54 and 4.5/16 in adults 18-34, ranking as the highest-rated non-sports program in all these demographics.

In addition to being a ratings success, The Big Bang Theory has earned critical acclaim and award recognition. The series has won Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series" for star Jim Parsons (2010, 2011, 2013), a People's Choice Award for "Favorite TV Comedy" (2010, 2013, 2014), Television Critics Association Awards for "Outstanding Achievement in Comedy" (2009, 2013) as well as "Individual Achievement in Comedy" for Parsons (2009). In 2011, Parsons won a Golden Globe for "Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy" while Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting also won a 2014 People's Choice Award for "Favorite Comedic Actress."

The Big Bang Theory stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. Chuck Lorre, Steven Molaro and Bill Prady are executive producers. The series is from Chuck LorreChuck Lorre Productions, Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television. Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady are series creators.