'The Big Bang Theory' Season 9 Spoilers & News Update: 'TBBT' Sets New Record With 17.25 Million Viewers From The Amy and Sheldon Love Affair; Popular CBS Sitcom To End In 2017?

The much-awaited episode of the hit CBS sitcom "The Big Bang Theory" (TBBT) was finally aired and it broke a record with regards to its ratings, making it the highest so far since the show started with 7.18 million views. Thanks to the love affair between Amy (Mayim Bialik) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons), fans couldn't help but tune in and check if the two are finally going to make love to take their relationship to the next level.

Toronto Sun reported that it was the episode back in December 17 that made its current TV rating success. Based on Nielsen statistics, the average view it got for same-day viewership has reached a total of 17.25 million that made it the number one sitcom for that week when it was aired. It is noteworthy to include the fact that this was also a show included in "live plus-7" category and that also gained them a title for being the most-watched TV show with a live studio audience.

Competition is tough in the world of network television knowing that there are other great shows and sitcoms that people are hooked on watching. In fact, 'The Big Bang Theory' is sharing the same success when it comes to their average viewers per season with AMC's 'The Walking Dead.' Other shows that are in competition and are still on the lead are "Blindspot" (NBC), "Empire" (Fox), "The Blacklist" (NBC) and newcomer, "Quantico" (ABC).

CBS did a great job in marketing the December 17 episode, as Amy and Sheldon were about to finally make love. Cinema Blend also got a hold of this record-breaking rating that "TBBT" has achieved. This is just the beginning of the Amy and Sheldon next-level love affair. But now that this huge event in their relationship has finally taken place, the question is would there still be any reason for fans to be glued watching it?

Find out what's next on their new episode this Thursday, January 7 via CBS.

Meanwhile, Parent Herald previously reported that "The Big Bang Theory" will end in 2017. "The reality is that maybe season 10 is the ending point," show producer Steven Malaro divulged to The Hollywood Reporter.

"The real answer is, I don't know, and all I can do right now is go episode to episode and try to make each one the best that we can. There's still so many episodes to go. Even if hypothetically season 10 was the end, I wouldn't be focusing on that yet. That seems like something that would be dealt with way down the line, he added. However, up to this writing, no official word from the production team has confirmed that this is true.

What do you expect to happen in the upcoming episodes of "The Big Bang Theory"? Share to us your thoughts in the comment section below.