Fear not, 'Two and a Half Men' fans.  Where one year ago it seemed the long-running CBS sitcom was desperate to put a lead actor in place after Charlie Sheen's famous departure, the current incarnation of Chuck Lorre's prize-winning sitcom will soon secure its future for a historic tenth, and by no means final season.

Deadline TV reports that insiders at the CBS sitcom have little reason to fear for their jobs, that despite a deal with current series star Ashton Kutcher not yet having been struck, negotiations for the next season of 'Two and a Half Men' "will be done" in time.  Says one of Deadline's insider sources, “It is moving in the right direction and will get done,” adding that an announcement is expected within the next few weeks.

Kutcher himself has been public about his intent to return to the series, saying at the recent Paleyfest event that "I’m absolutely adoring the time that I’m having,” so locking down the former 'That '70s Show' star should eventually cement a fall 2012 lineup for CBS' already-dominating Monday / Thursday comedy blocks.

Not only that, but it's expected that to secure Kutcher for a ninth season of 'Two and a Half Men,' CBS might pony up the dough to make the actor's deal worth more than $1 million per episode!  At the time of his exit after eight seasons, Charlie Sheen pulled in approximately $1.25 million per week.

What say you, 'Two and a Half Men' fans?  Has Kutcher's replacement as lead been worth additional seasons, would you like to see a new center, or should 'Two and a Half Men' be put out to pasteur altogether?  Give us your take in the comments below!

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