The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons has penned an emotional note about the end of the beloved American sitcom after season 12. Along with a group photo taken on set with costars Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch, the 45-year-old, in a lengthy Instagram post, said he's 'terribly grateful' for the cast 'who are all my playmates.'

'It is hard (nearly impossible, actually) to really accept that this is a picture of the first of the final 24 episodes we will shoot for The Big Bang Theory. I feel very fortunate that we have another 23 episodes to shoot this season because I am hopeful that with each and every one, my level of REALLY accepting this fact will sink in,' Parsons wrote.