What Do Actors Get for Reruns?
When a TV show or movie is aired multiple times, many actors continue to earn money from it. This ongoing payment, known as residuals, is an important part of an actor’s income. But how much do actors actually make from reruns? Let’s break it down.
1. What Are Residuals?
Residuals are payments made to actors, writers, and other creatives when a TV show, film, or commercial is rebroadcast, streamed, or sold in different formats. These payments are negotiated by unions such as SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA).
Actors receive residuals when their work appears:
📺 On cable TV or network reruns
🎞️ On streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu
💿 Through DVD, Blu-ray, or digital sales
🌎 In international markets
2. How Much Do Actors Make from Reruns?
The amount an actor earns from reruns depends on several factors:
- The original contract – A-list stars often negotiate better deals.
- The number of reruns – More airings mean more residuals.
- The platform – TV reruns typically pay more than streaming.
Here’s a general breakdown of how residuals work:
📺 Network TV reruns (e.g., ABC, NBC, CBS): The first rerun usually pays 100% of the original episode’s pay, with decreasing amounts for each subsequent airing.
💰 Cable reruns (e.g., TBS, FX): Payments are based on a fixed formula and are typically lower than network TV.
🌎 International syndication: Actors earn residuals when a show airs in other countries.
📀 DVD/Blu-ray sales: Residuals are often a small percentage of sales.
📱 Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+): Residuals depend on licensing deals, and payments are often lower than traditional TV reruns.
3. Do All Actors Get Residuals?
Not all actors receive residuals. The main requirements are:
✅ The actor must be part of SAG-AFTRA (or another union with residual agreements).
✅ The production must qualify – Not all low-budget or indie projects offer residuals.
✅ Background actors (extras) do not receive residuals – Only principal actors qualify.
For example, an actor with a few lines on a TV show will likely earn residuals, while a background extra in the same scene will not.
4. Examples of Actors Earning Big Residuals
Some actors continue to make millions of dollars from reruns. A few famous examples:
🎭 Jerry Seinfeld & the Seinfeld cast – Reportedly earn millions per year from syndication.
🎭 The Friends cast – Each main actor still makes $20 million+ per year from reruns.
🎭 Charlie Sheen (Two and a Half Men) – Earned over $100 million from reruns.
For most working actors, though, residuals provide a helpful but modest income stream rather than a fortune.
5. The Future of Residuals: Streaming vs. Traditional TV
With the rise of streaming platforms, residuals have changed significantly. Many actors earn less from streaming than from traditional TV reruns, as streaming services often pay a one-time flat fee rather than per rerun. This has led to disputes between actors, writers, and studios, including the 2023 Hollywood strikes, which pushed for better residuals from streaming services.
Conclusion
Actors earn residuals when their work is rerun on TV, streamed online, or sold in different formats. The amount depends on the platform, contract, and number of airings. While some stars make millions from reruns, most actors earn small but steady payments that add up over time.
So, the next time you rewatch your favorite show, remember—you might be putting a little extra cash in an actor’s pocket! 💰🎬
Acting Magazine Newsletters
Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.