Ashton Kutcher’s contract for "Two and a Half Men" is only for one year, reports the Wall St. Journal’s Speakeasy blog, quoting "people familiar with the situation." [Note: The WSJ is behind a paywall for some of its stories.]

According to the story, by Lauren A.E. Schuker, the deal is only for one year "[P]artially because CBS has licensed the show for only an additional year, according to these people. If CBS renews the show for a second year, then Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc., could renew Mr. Kutcher for another season or are free to find another actor. Mr. Kutcher, for his part, could also bow out. Both CBS and Warner Bros. want to get at least two or three more years out of ‘Two and a Half Men,’ according to people close to the situation, meaning that big negotiations still lie ahead."

The story adds, "Mr. Kutcher will be well paid for a season’s work, earning roughly $20 million for a full season of “Two and a Half Men,” which spans roughly 22 to 26 episodes, according to the people familiar with the situation. That includes roughly $750,000 per an episode and additional fees."

Kutcher will be replacing the fired Charlie Sheen on the show. Sheen reportedly pulled down about $2 million per episode, including syndication fees.

The story notes that "A representative for Mr. Kutcher didn’t return requests for comment, nor did CBS."