Ashton Kutcher Signs Short Contract for 'Two and a Half Men'

By AOL TV Editors Posted May 23rd 2011 09:01AM

Last week it was all smiles as Ashton Kutcher attended CBS's annual upfront presentation in New York as the new face of top-rated comedy, 'Two and a Half Men.'

Now it seems as though Warner Bros. and CBS may not be making longterm plans for the veteran series with Kutcher.

'The Wall Street Journal' reports that Kutcher's new deal, which will net him an estimated $750,000 per episode, is only for one year, even though executives are still said to be keen to continue the money-spinning 'Men' for at least another two or three years.

'Men' was renewed for Seasons 8 and 9 back in 2010, before star Charlie Sheen's very public meltdown and exit. With Kutcher's signing it seemed like a new era was about to start for the veteran series, which is due to enter its ninth season in the fall.

So why the one-year deal? If CBS decides to renew 'Men' beyond Season 9, then Warner Bros. could either renew Kutcher's contract or could look for a replacement. A short deal also gives Kutcher an escape clause in case he decides to quit the show after one lucrative season.

Kutcher will join existing 'Men' stars Holland Taylor, Angus T. Jones and Jon Cryer when the show returns, and creator Chuck Lorre greeted the news of his signing with an emphatic thumbs-up: "We are so lucky to have someone as talented, joyful and just plain remarkable as Ashton joining our family. ... If I was any happier, it'd be illegal."

Nina Tassler, President of CBS Entertainment was similarly enthusiastic. She said in a statement: "He brings creativity, energy and personality to everything he touches. We are thrilled to have him, and excited beyond words for what he brings to the next season of 'Two and a Half Men.'"

Meanwhile, in an interview with 'The Hollywood Reporter', Warner Bros. CEO Peter Roth isn't giving anything away: "The specifics are literally still being worked out. This is such a dynamic process that I'm sure [executive producer] Chuck [Lorre] will have a number of different thoughts and will write towards the extraordinary strengths of Ashton as we go through the process. What I can tell you is that we're very excited about Ashton's presence in the show."

See more at TV Squad.

Tags: ashton kutcher, Two and a Half Men

Comments

(31)

Monday 23 May

By Tina

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I'm not a Ashton fan, at all.. But, I guess we need to give the guy a chance.. He has big shoes to fill, good luck Ashton.. I hope you can make us all laugh til our sides want to split like Charlie did me..

By sosgeorgelegacy

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Charlie Sheen or anyone with substance abuse issues should read my book about how to get sober in a modern world. It flies in the face of old-fashioned programs which perpetuate low self-esteem. Search for the title, "SOS Safely Obtaining Sobriety." Escape addiction. Learn to avoid it too. The modern approach without meetings, rehab or shame. Charlie, this book may keep you sane. I invite everyone to read it. "SOS Safely Obtaining Sobriety" by George Legacy. Good luck Kutcher and Sheen!

By Sue

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I never watched the show because I did not like Sheen. I will now give it a chance.

By JIM

They must be happy because the show will suck and will be off the air before the season ends.

By WT

Ashton Kutcher? Only a one year deal? He's lucky to get any work at all. He would have starved if hadn't married well.

It will be the last year for this show. Without Charlie Sheen Two and a Half men is done. Bertha is great. Alan is okay. Jake needs to go away.

By BTDT

Hope it works out. I like these people.

By carol

I wont be watching it.ashton kutter is a loser..this is the end of three and a half men...it wont be the same without charlie, although i'm not his greatest fan, but the show is him and his real life so thats what makes it all the funnier....sorry lorre your the loser here

By Kathy

But Charlie Sheen Isn't?

By bj

I want Charlie Sheen back or no one! The show will be nothing without Charlie Sheen. Jake is great & so is Berta. Wake up Mr. Lorre - Charlie Sheen made the show!

By mem

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Without the rest of the cast, writers, and staff Charlie would be nothing. No matter what the job, everyone can be replaced and in a lot of cases it's for the better.

By tony

charlie was the show,nuff said.

By joann natale

i dont intend to watch it without charlie. he was the show. i can stand the brother, so with him still on it a big NO for me

By GB

I may disagree with his antics and demands. But, I have to admit he was the show. He didn't even have to act. Although, I would not encourage my children to watch the show either. I can't even stand to LOOK at Ashton-that pretty little goofy annoying boy toy with no talent.

By bamagrl

The sheen is just another druggie.

By georgelegacysos

Charlie Sheen or anyone with substance issues can read my book about sobriety in the modern world. It flies against old-fashioned programs that perpetuate low self-esteem. Search the title, "SOS Safely Obtaining Sobriety." Escape addiction. Learn to avoid it too. No meetings, rehab or shame. Charlie, this book may keep you sane. "SOS Safely Obtaining Sobriety" by George Legacy. Good luck Kutcher and Sheen!

By Sandy

really tacky - trying to hawk your book on this site - shame on you.

By Mike Rath

Hey George..
Spring for a web site.. 2 postings here is pathetic...

By themeeker

Hey George...Safely Obtain THIS...you know what finger I'm holding up.

By Grumpy

He shouls have signed a 2 week contract.... That's my estimate for how long the show will last without Charlie!

Since you asked, I do have a web site too. Just search SOS Safely Obtaining Sobriety. I am all over the place. This topic is directly related to the point of my book, which is to help people with addiction, which is what generated this entire dialogue on PopEater.

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