Though the negotiation efforts were far tamer than last year’s mad dash scramble to replace Charlie Sheen in CBS’ most popular sitcom, now ‘Two and a Half Men‘ fans can rest easy that Walden, Alan and Jake will return for a tenth season of the long-running series.  Whether or not they secured the lucrative pay hikes sought, is another matter.

Deadline reports that ‘Two and a Half Men’ series stars Ashton Kutcher, Jon Cryer and Angus T. Jones are “inches away” from locking down a deal that would return all three stars for a tenth season, and second with Kutcher in the lead after Charlie Sheen’s infamous departure.  No final decisions have been made, though series creator Chuck Lorre had previously indicated his wishes to end the lucrative sitcom after a potential tenth season.

The three actors will return at their current salaries, Kutcher earning about $700,000 per episode, Cryer somewhat less and Jones $300,000, though each cast member will receive a signing bonus. Jones’ bonus at the last contract re-upping was by itself a whopping $500,000.  Previously, it had been reported that Kutcher petitioned for a raise to $1 million an episode, still behind Charlie Sheen’s highest take of $1.25 million.

Still, with the three actors essentially locked down for a tenth season, CBS will turn its attention toward hammering out a new license deal with Warner Bros TV, the studio in charge of producing ‘Two And A Half Men.’  Presumably, that deal will be resolved by CBS’ May 16 Upfront presentation.

So, what do you think?  Is this good news for the two and a half men of ‘Two and a Half Men?’  Are you glad to see the series come back for another year with Kutcher in the lead, or are you ready to jump ship to Charlie Sheen’s new FX series ‘Anger Management?’  Give us your take in the comments!

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