Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Warner Bros. Television Blast into the Future with Merchandise Program for “The Big Bang Theory”

(November 9, 2012 – Burbank, CA) – Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and Warner Bros. Television Group (WBTVG) continue to build the global licensing and merchandising program for “The Big Bang Theory” (Thursdays 8/7c on CBS), the #1 comedy series on television among Total Viewers. As the #1 licensing program for a live-action television series currently in the marketplace, “The Big Bang Theory” licensing program continues to grow. A strong roster of U.S. licensees and a growing contingent of international partners are supporting the fan-favorite with products inspired by the show, reaching across an array of categories including games, apparel and home goods, as well as niche product lines that are designed for the devoted fan base. “‘The Big Bang Theory’ has entered a merchandising orbit that we rarely see for a live-action television show. A combination of such a successful hit series and an impassioned fan base allows us to develop a consumer products program, the likes of which we haven’t seen in a long time,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President of Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “We’ve established a strong and growing products program in the U.S. and are now in the midst of expanding our international program for fans around the world.” The latest product to hit retail shelves is Cardinal Industries’ ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Fact or Fiction Trivia Game: Fan Edition,” which is rolling out this week. A follow-up to the incredible success of its 2011 edition of the trivia game, which sold out within just months of its release, the 2012 “Fan Edition” incorporates more than 400 trivia questions submitted by fans. Cardinal Industries fielded thousands of fan questions submissions, a testament to the passionate fan base of the show. Also out this year from Cardinal Industries, Inc. is the UNO Big Bang card game, which will be followed by additional games in 2013. “Viewer appetite for ‘The Big Bang Theory’ is unparalleled, reigning strong as the #1 comedy on network and in syndication, and Warner Bros.’ growing consumer products program allows our fans numerous opportunities to engage with their favorite show,” said Lisa Gregorian, Chief Marketing Officer, Warner Bros. Television Group. Many of the 70 licensees supporting “The Big Bang Theory” merchandising program have already seen unprecedented success. Ripple Junction, one of the first licensees to jump on board with the franchise, has been a strong partner across multiple categories, helping build the business and feed fan demand for several years. Having roots in apparel and spot-on comedy tees, Ripple Junction has seen tremendous success with sales of “The Big Bang Theory” t-shirts tripling year-over-year. The Ripple Junction collection also features fun show-specific themed lines such as Soft Kitty and Sheldon’s catchphrase, “Bazinga!,” with products including t-shirts, sweatshirts, plush and accessories, among other categories. Also supporting the fan-dedicated product program is Funko, which reports sales of over 100,000 bobble-head figures featuring the likeness of each primary cast member. Trends International, which creates posters, pens, decals and bookmarks based on the show, reports that “The Big Bang Theory” is their best-selling television property. Cryptozoic launched “The Big Bang Theory” trading cards earlier this year to overwhelmingly positive response. Their 2012 launch marked the largest release of trading cards based on a television comedy. “The Big Bang Theory” also continues to prove its strength overseas with a global licensing program that is expanding across North America, Europe and Australia, among other regions, in 2013. In Australia, M.A.C. Group Pty. Ltd. will develop apparel; Ikon Collectables Pty. Ltd. will release a series of board games, gifts, novelties and decorative accessories; and Kinnerton Confectionery will offer an array of products and confectionaries inspired by the hit show. In the U.K., Forbidden Planet will offer apparel and accessories, and Pyramid Posters Limited will release “The Big Bang Theory” themed posters and calendars for fans to enjoy throughout the year. Also developing product lines inspired by “The Big Bang Theory” are Dirac Dist., S.L. in Spain with a line of gifts, novelties and decorative accessories; Copag da Amazônia S.A. in Brazil with exciting themed games; Aurimoda, S.A. de C.V. in Mexico with an apparel collection inspired by the show; and NTD Apparel, Inc. in Canada also with an assortment of apparel offerings. The merchandise program is further bolstered across additional categories with licensees such as The Northwest Company, ICUP Inc., Quantum Mechanix Inc., Z!NG REVOLUTION and global partner Hallmark, among other licensing partners that will continue to help expand the property into some of the most fan-requested categories and brands. “The Big Bang Theory” was created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, who also serve as executive producers along with Steven Molaro. The series stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. About Warner Bros. Consumer Products:
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world. About Warner Bros. Television:
Warner Bros. Television (WBTV) is one of the entertainment industry's most respected providers of original content, producing award-winning drama and comedy series for both broadcast network television and cable. For the 2012–13 television season, WBTV is currently producing and distributing nearly 30 primetime series, with multiple programs on each of the five broadcast networks, in addition to shows on cable’s TNT, Showtime and Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. ###