Landing a lead spot on a hit show is every working actor's dream. Yes, films are great for the resume — but any ongoing series means constant cash flow. And depending on syndication rights, TV stars can rake in millions beyond the initial deal as the years go by!
Thanks to endless TV reruns, residual checks have long been a secret moneymaker. The real wealth often hides in the small screen, and post-show — if talents sign the right contracts.
Now more than ever reruns can mean serious money as streaming has become another layer of profit from all those old classics. Netflix is the staple service for most, but the competition is heating up fast.
Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Prime, Hulu, and Peacock are fighting for the right to show new generations the hall of fame hits. Who will ultimately have the best streaming libraries, and how will this affect the long-term finances of the stars?
Check out who made it big - and who missed out - on timeless TV gold in the bank!
George Clooney — ER
Seasons: 15 (Played in 5)
Finale: 2009
IMDB Rating: 7.7
Where To Watch Now: Amazon Prime
The dreamy George Clooney didn't get that lasting reputation for anything. Back in the '90s, he became the household hunk America knew and loved through his stint on none other than ER.
Yes, women love doctors. But they love fake doctors even more! Since the series ended, George has moved on to bigger and better projects. All ER episodes live on Hulu, for true fans. But he still rakes in those sweet residuals to a tune of $13 million per year, depending on TV reruns. Not bad, without a legit med degree!
Kaley Cuoco — Big Bang Theory
Seasons: 12
Finale: 2019
IMDB Rating: 8.1
Where To Watch Now: HBO Max
The Big Bang Theory might be long over, but what about the big buck theory? Allegedly, the entire cast gets residuals. Non-nerd Penny played by Kaley Cuoco created a good financial foundation for herself raking in almost $1 million per episode near the end. Plus, $10 million a year is allocated for her on reruns!
In summary: More than a penny, for Penny. And the future looks bright for the entire show, with an HBO Max acquisition for five years of exclusive streaming worth more than $1 billion in the works! Yes, billion with a B. No joke!
Nancy Cartwright — The Simpsons
Seasons: 31
Finale: N/A
IMDB Rating: 8.7
Where To Watch Now: Fox and Disney+
The Simpsons is officially the longest-running cartoon, and its popularity isn't going anywhere. More than 30 seasons means a whole lot of paychecks and extra checks for the cast. No surprise there!
Nancy Cartwright is the secret voice of Bart and Maggie Simpson, and the studio clearly views her as irreplaceable. With $400,000 per new episode, and an additional 20 million in annual residuals, Nancy has it made! And on Disney+, a $71 billion acquisition is putting The Simpsons, Star Wars and more under one service. Exciting times are ahead for all cast, past and present!
David Schwimmer — Friends
Seasons: 10
Finale: 2004
IMDB Rating: 8.9
Where To Watch Now: HBO Max
David Schwimmer will probably always be remembered as Ross on Friends. Frankly, it's unlikely any other role will top this in the public mind. Being so boxed in, was it all worth it financially?
Why, $20 million a year, every year, doesn't sound so suffocating! At this point, it's safe to say this was the most lucrative paleontologist gig of all time. For the future, Netflix will say goodbye to Friends in 2020. HBO Max will have all streaming rights for all past episodes. And they wanted it badly: The New York Times reported the 2019 deal was worth $400 million!
Edie Falco — The Sopranos
Seasons: 6
Finale: 2007
IMDB Rating: 9.2
Where To Watch Now: HBO Max
The Sopranos introduced a new generation of fans to Edie Falco, as the tolerant yet sassy mob wife Carmela. She saw many honors during this period, including an Outstanding Lead Actress nomination not one, but six times — and three wins, overall. What about her paycheck, though?
Reports say that Edie has received at least $26 million from the series, which is no small chunk of change! The Sopranos residuals must good, too: She now has a net worth of around $40 million, some from other projects. But undoubtedly, some from the shady mafia too!
David Hasselhoff — Baywatch
Seasons: 11
Finale: 2001
IMDB Rating: 5.3
Where To Watch Now: Amazon Prime and Hulu
Baywatch was just as much a cultural phenomenon as it was a show. The sultry scripts launched Pamela Anderson into the mainstream, and the world was thankful. David Hasselhoff was not to underestimated either as the shirtless Mitch, running in the sand right beside her.
Old episodes are on Netflix, for nostalgia. But the question remains: Was it all worth it to strip down, David? Yes, it seems so. Every year, the Hoff still collects $4 million due to this unforgettable role! Not so bad, really.
Ted Danson — Cheers
Seasons: 11
Finale: 1993
IMDB Rating: 7.8
Where To Watch: Netflix
Ted Danson is probably most recognizable from Cheers as Sam Malone. This hunk seemed to be the leading character American screens always needed, but nothing lasts forever. In later years, he would pursue smaller roles on Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Good Place.
Maybe that's because the financial pressure was no longer an issue. Ted had plenty of freedom with his rerun cash of $5 million a year. That 80's sitcom money really does pay the bills! And as to the Future forecast? Peacock after leaving Netflix.
Jerry Seinfeld — Seinfeld
Seasons: 9
Finale: 1998
IMDB Rating: 8.8
Where To Watch Now: Netflix
Seinfeld was unlike anything audiences had seen, before or since! The quick-witted lines and not-so-loveable characters have survived as cult figures well beyond the '90s. Jerry Seinfeld, of course, was the co-creator and lead. How did he fare personally, after the gig was up?
Depending on the syndication deal, Jerry stands to split $110 million every year with Larry David, his other half. Yes, every year! That doesn't sound so bad for 'a show about nothing', and Netflix agreed. The service has secured streaming rights in a deal worth half a billion bucks! Pretty good. Pretty, pretty, pretty good.
Betty White — The Golden Girls
Seasons: 7
Finale: 1992
IMDB Rating: 7.9
Where To Watch Now: Hulu and Amazon Prime
The Golden Girls was clearly ahead of its time. Four old ladies talking openly about the secrets of womanhood? Yes, please! Plus, historians agree: No one made the early 90's look as good as Betty White.
The real question is, how much did these witty scripts really buy Betty all these years? It turns out that one reason she may have been comfortable winding down her acting gigs is the cool $3 million she rakes in, over and over. Not bad, Betty!
Alex Borstein — Family Guy
Seasons: 18
Finale: N/A
IMDB Rating: 8.1
Where To Watch Now: Fox Now, Hulu, Fubo, YouTube and Netflix
Alex Borstein may not be recognizable as much by face as she is by voice. That's because she has spent more than a decade behind the scenes voicing Lois Griffin, the cartoon mom on Family Guy! While the Griffins may live a down-to-earth, middle-class lifestyle, does Alex have a fancier home after all this work?
Undoubtedly, yes. As a main character, she receives $225,000 per episode and up to $10 million a year from reruns! Cartoons are serious business these days, thanks to Seth McFarlane. A bit shocking, no?
David Caruso — CSI Miami
Seasons: 10
Finale: 2012
IMDB Rating: 6.4
Where To Watch: Amazon Prime
Retired producer and actor David Caruso was the main character on CSI: Miami. As Detective Horatio Caine, he really made people think about crime in new ways. America just couldn't get enough of all that sneaky police work, but what did David get out of it?
As it turns out, some decent residuals! A passive income of 100 grand a year is nice to live on, sure. But the truth is, CSI has created $6 billion overall! Did David really get the best deal, in the end?
Ray Romano — Everybody Loves Raymond
Seasons: 9
Finale: 2005
IMDB Rating: 7.1
Where To Watch Now: NBC's Peacock
Ray Romano gained recognition as the top purveyor of funny dad jokes on Everybody Loves Raymond. After nine seasons of family fun, it ended in 2005. Fans were sad, to be sure. But was Ray?
Probably not, actually. With $18 million a year from sitcom residuals, he constantly appears in solid spots on all kinds of wealth lists. He is considered one of the richest Emmy winning actors in TV history! Despite no home, since Netflix dropped it in 2016, Ray and fam are heading to a brand new service: Peacock, from NBC. Will it be a game-changer in the market? Only time will tell!
Alan Alda — M*A*S*H
Seasons: 11
Finale: 1983
IMDB Rating: 8.4
Where To Watch Now: Hulu
Who can forget M*A*S*H and the lovable Hawkeye Pierce? Just in case anyone did, local stations ran reruns of the Vietnam war comedy for decades. Alan Alda's silly twist to a serious subject in American history seemed to touch a lot of folks out there. How did he come out of it, financially?
Alan reportedly rakes in a cool million every year in royalties. And with plenty of work outside of this iconic role, the actor is still doing just great. Reportedly, he has $45 million in the bank right now!
Marg Helgenberger — CSI
Seasons: 15 (Played in 12)
Finale: 2015
IMDB Rating: 7.5
Where To Watch Now: Hulu
Everyone knew Marg Helgenberger as the cougar on CSI, for a time. Hot redheaded investigator Catherine Willows was sleuthing hard from 2003 to 2018, but the money continued long after she left. Fans need to know: How much, exactly?
Even a minor character can rake in the dough over the years, and this includes Marg. As an original cast member, she still gets $10,000 a year in rerun money. Even as she explores other works, she can't quite forget the magic of CSI. She briefly popped into the new season as Catherine on the 300th episode. Very nostalgic!
Ricky Gervais — The Office (US + UK)
Seasons: 9 / 2
Finale: 2013 / 2003
IMDB Rating: 8.9 / 8.5
Where To Watch Now: Netflix (Planned move to Peacock)
Ricky Gervais surely created the best-paying desk job of all time with The Office. The UK's success that led to a worldwide franchise operation of spinoffs only rakes in more and more money as time goes by. How much, exactly?
Tough to say precisely, but Ricky ended up with a $90 million net worth long after his starring role ended, and it only increases by the year. Residuals forever? Yes, please! New streaming life? Netflix is dropping it all in 2021, but Peacock is taking over fast. "The Office" will play there exclusively for five years!
Bob Saget — Full House
Seasons: 8
Finale: 1995
IMDB Rating: 6.7
Where To Watch Now: Netflix
Good old Bob Saget. Always a friendly, familiar face on TV. Perhaps he earned that reputation after playing Danny Tanner on Full House! Bob signed up for the highest residual checks on the cast, as well. Does it pay the bills today?
As it turns out, no way! He actually receives $2,000 per year at most. While that may sound like a raw deal, Bob already racked up a net worth of $100 million from the show and other ventures. Full House itself is about to make a comeback on Netflix with a 13 episode mini revival: Fuller House!
Kristen Bell — The Good Place
Seasons: 4
Finale: 2019
IMDB Rating: 8.2
Where To Watch: Netflix
The Good Place had a lot well-liked faces on its all-star cast, especially Kristen Bell as Eleanor Shellstrop. NBC signed a pretty airtight deal with the talent on the front end. As a result, the actors do not receive residuals from reruns! And yes, that includes Kristen.
The show ended in 2019, and it's likely Kristen has made more than enough money through the Frozen franchise and her new childcare products to really even notice. Fans still think this sitcom is a nice line on her well-rounded resume, if nothing else. Time to "let it go"!
Jon Cryer — Two and a Half Men
Seasons: 12
Finale: 2015
IMDB Rating: 7.0
Where To Watch Now: Amazon Prime and Netflix
Two and a Half Men was once one of the most popular sitcoms in America, and reruns do seem to still get ratings. Charlie Sheen seems to be doing fine, financially. But what about his other half on the show, roommate Alan Harper?
The twelve season series actually does pays out millions of bucks in dividends, and Jon Cryer got one of the biggest chunks. He seems to be in line for an extra $20 million, on top of $620,000 per episode already. Imagine that!
Mayim Bialik — Doogie Howser, M.D.
Seasons: 4 (Guest appearance)
Finale: 1993
IMDB Rating: 6.5
Where To Watch Now: Hulu
Yes, Mayim Bialik was an important part of The Big Bang Theory. But who really remembers how she got started in the biz, in the first place?
Way back when, there was a show called Doogie Howser, M.D. about a teen doctor. Crazy right? America simply loved the idea, for a strange period. Mayim got her start there in one episode, but she doesn't seem to be collecting a lot of cash from this stint. Online, she shared her recent Doogie check with fans: A whopping 0.02 USD in royalties!
Jim Parsons — The Big Bang Theory
Seasons: 12
Finale: 2019
IMDB Rating: 8.1
Where To Watch Now: HBO Max
The Big Bang Theory was a well-rounded hit, but only Jim Parsons could make Sheldon Cooper the quirky, eccentric genius we all know and love. Those hilarious one-liners seemed effortless, and the show wouldn't have been the same without him! Clearly, executives felt the same way.
Jim was offered a pretty sweet compensation package to stay on so long! Besides earning $900,000 per episode, his residuals now come in at $10 million a year. And there's no sign of a slowdown, either. Those reruns are not going anywhere!
Michael J. Fox — Family Ties
Seasons: 7
Finale: 1989
IMDB Rating: 7.2
Where To Watch Now: Amazon Prime
Michael J. Fox has been famous in recent years because of his activism for Parkinson's Disease. Sadly, the actor has been suffering for some time. But before this second career, Mike was well known for the Back to the Future trilogy as Marty McFly. And, one more thing: His youthful role on Family Ties was a total classic!
These days, Michael J. has a net worth of $65 million dollars. Alex P. Keaton was just one step along the way, but it made a big difference! While it is unknown how much money he gets exactly each year, clearly, all those sitcom episodes are still bringing in the big bucks. Decades later, even!
Jennifer Aniston — Friends
Seasons: 10
Finale: 2004
IMDB Rating: 8.9
Where To Watch Now: HBO Max
Friends generated Hollywood A-listers, and many might argue the biggest name was Jennifer Aniston. Since the end of the show, she has continued a constant stream of success in Hollywood with a fortune of more than $240 million dollars so far. How much of that is due to sitcom residuals, though?
Reports say that her annual check is $20 million! The network itself has pulled in billions, too. The studio must miss these numbers, as well: A reunion is planned where all original cast members will earn a cool $3 million. Thanks, HBO Max!
Drake — Degrassi: The Next Generation
Seasons: 14
Finale: 2015
IMDB Rating: 7.3
Where To Watch Now: Netflix
Drake may be the biggest thing in hip hop these days, but real fans know he got his first taste of the entertainment business on TV. Canadian, TV, that is! Up in Toronto, he landed a gig on the set of Degrassi as a wheelchair-bound basketball player named Jimmy.
He warmed everyone's hearts back then, but it seems his Degrassi cash has now dried up. On Instagram, he showed a photo of the measly eight bucks and 25 cents he gets every year now! Luckily, the show lives on, just about everywhere. Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes, and more!
Hank Azaria — The Simpsons
Seasons: 31
Finale: N/A
IMDB Rating: 8.7
Where To Watch Now: Fox and Disney+
Hank Azaria is a known face from The Simpsons series outside of the cartoon. But how many fans really know that it is him that plays Apu, Moe, Chief Wiggum, and more? Another secret: How much does Hank actually pull in these days from all the old episodes airing again and again?
Apparently, he gets residuals from episodes when his characters pop up in the storyline. Depending on exactly what stations show, this might mean up to ten million bucks a year — not a cheap rate!
Kelsey Grammer — Frasier
Seasons: 11
Finale: 2004
IMDB Rating: 8.0
Where To Watch Now: Youtube Red, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and CBS All Access
Kelsey Grammer was Frasier Crane himself, and any fan will testify that no one could have portrayed the character quite like him. Maybe the show wouldn't have ever gained traction! For this major Frasier contribution, does he still benefit from its success?
Yes, Kelsey gets $13 million a year from the reruns! Adding that to $1.6 million per episode during the height of the show, that all adds up to more than just a pretty penny. Will it go off the afternoon schedule anytime soon? Unlikely, based on ratings!
Seth MacFarlane — Family Guy
Seasons: 18
Finale: N/A
IMDB Rating: 8.1
Where To Watch Now: Fox Now, Hulu, Fubo, YouTube and Netflix
Family Guy was and is entirely the brainchild of funnyman Seth Macfarlane, and he's tried to replicate his TV success with American Dad and Orville. But let's be honest — does he really need to?
Seth has created a show worth $2 billion, so far. He also has a little arrangement just for residuals to pad his bank account with $400,000 annually. And why not? He secretly does the voices of the 3 main characters, plus many more. Whatever pile of golden coins he keeps somewhere, it's only growing by the year. As expected, really!
Tim Allen — Home Improvement
Seasons: 7
Finale: 1999
IMDB Rating: 7.2
Where To Watch Now: Amazon Prime
Everyone's favorite handyman and dad all in one is living large, and in charge. Home Improvement may be over, but the residuals certainly aren't! How is Tim Allen's bank account, these days?
The numbers are in, folks: Tim Allen is the highest paid DIY expert in history! All that advice from neighbor Wilson must have told Tim to stay on board, week after week. At the end of this sitcom run, The Toolman seems to have at least $18 million from those two decades of work. Impressive!
Julia Louis-Dreyfus — Seinfeld
Seasons: 9
Finale: 1998
IMDB Rating: 8.8
Where To Watch Now: Netflix
Jerry Seinfeld has been declared the richest comedian in world history. That's all well and good, but what about his colleagues who made Seinfeld the sitcom that beat the rating competition? Especially, Julia Louis-Dreyfus?
Fans will be happy to find out that he didn't steal all the spoils for himself. Elaine was brilliantly played and handsomely paid. Her dazzling dance netted her hundreds of millions, through it all. The residuals must be pretty intense, to get to the 400 million mark! Congrats, genius Julia.
Ed O’Neill — Married...With Children
Seasons: 11
Finale: 1997
IMDB Rating: 8.0
Where To Watch Now: Amazon Prime and Hulu.
Ed O’Neill has recently become employed again with his role on Modern Family, but that's all just a cherry on top at the bank. At this point, the Al Bundy dividends are hard to beat!
Married with Children aired decades ago, but Ed is still receiving around $10 million a year from the reruns. Adding that all up since the '90s is almost overwhelming! Ed is probably dealing with it just fine, though. Not too shabby for a bunch of dad jokes at the end of the day, now on Prime and Hulu.
Mark Harmon — NCIS
Seasons: 18
Finale: N/A
IMDB Rating: 7.8
Where To Watch Now: CBS All Access
Mark Harmon was stern enough to make viewers tune in to NCIS, week after week. How serious are his dividends from the criminal investigative drama after all that case solving?
Crime may not pay. but fake crime-busting on TV seems to be lucrative! Mark makes $125,000 per new episode, but he also rakes in a lot of residuals from past material. It has been reported that he has made up to $60 million in total from the experience! Special Agent Gibbs, well done.
Johnny Galecki — The Big Bang Theory
Seasons: 12
Finale: 2019
IMDB Rating: 8.1
Where To Watch Now: HBO Max
Johnny Galecki was an irreplaceable part of The Big Bang Theory. As Leonard Hofstadter, he helped to make this nerdy TV empire gross billions! Very impressive, but how is he doing as a free man these days?
Good news: Johnny does make a good chunk of change from all the yearly residuals. Because he was the main character, he now receives up to $10 million every year as a passive income. Nothing to scoff at, really!
Chad Michael Murray — One Tree Hill
Seasons: 9
Finale: 2012
IMDB Rating: 7.6
Where To Watch Now: Amazon Prime
Ah, Chad Michael Murray and One Tree Hill. Basketball boy Lucas Scott lives on in the hearts of millions. Does he accrue coins, too?
Yes, One Tree Hill execs paid a pretty penny to its hot stars in contract, necessary to get the best of the best young talent for The CW back then. Now, he pulls in up to 100 grand a year from all the old seasons. Not bad, Chad! And even better, Amazon Prime is challenging Netflix by offering all nine cult classic seasons to its roster. Ladies, prepare to swoon all over again!
Lucille Ball — I Love Lucy
Seasons: 6
Finale: 1957
IMDB Rating: 8.4
Where To Watch Now: CBS All Access and Hulu
Lucille Ball is the first female comedian many Americans ever saw on TV. Everyone loved the lines, Lucy, Lucy, Lucy! After playing the part of Mrs. Ricardo for 6 seasons, I Love Lucy must have made the actress rich. Right?
Right. Lucy was a fan favorite, and the show was actually rated number one for four years. After the show, the real Lucille laughed all the way to the bank with $17 million a year for syndicated reruns. They are simply endless, and everywhere! And still funny, too.
Sam Waterston — Law & Order
Seasons: 20
Finale: 2010
IMDB Rating: 7.7
Where To Watch Now: Amazon Prime (Planned move to Peacock)
Sam Waterston was the face of Law & Order for so, so many years. In this new era, Sam is trying out the Netflix trend with a new show called Grace & Frankie. Does he really have to work for a living at this point, though?
Interestingly, Sam only receives around $5,000 annually for the old reruns. But it's not all bad news, with a current net worth around $20 million. And if fans want to see more of him, Peacock is the place to be. Bye bye, Prime!
Matt LeBlanc — Friends
Seasons: 10
Finale: 2004
IMDB Rating: 8.9
Where To Watch Now: HBO Max
Matt LeBlanc will probably hear "How you doin'?" on the street for the rest of his life, but he doesn't seem to complain. Maybe there's a secret reason for his relaxed attitude? With Friends cash coming in totaling $20 million a year, it sure seems worth the trouble!
Many may not know that NBC actually tried to replicate this success with a Friends spinoff starring Matt. It didn't take off, of course. Nobody remembers those 2 lost seasons! Fans haven't held it against him, have they?
Dr. Phil — The Dr. Phil Show
Seasons: 17
Finale: N/A
IMDB Rating: 4.1
Where To Watch Now: Hulu Live and Fubo TV
The beloved living psychologist Dr. Phil still manages to find his way on to American television after all these years. He's on the screen almost every day with some new personal tragedy or family issues to explore. How has all that TV dysfunction panned out, dollar-wise?
It's safe to assume that there is a yearly paycheck for every new season. But the reruns aren't a bad financial foundation, at around $10 million total! Always on the hunt for fresh drama, this is undoubtedly just the beginning. Cha-ching!
Maureen McCormick — The Brady Bunch
Seasons: 5
Finale: 1974
IMDB Rating: 6.7
Where To Watch Now: CBS Now
Marsha, Marsha, Marsha. Your contract, what a shame! Actress Maureen McCormick was one of the most memorable members of The Brady Bunch cast, but the residuals do not reflect that. Not even a little!
The entire cast, actually, has opened up about this struggle with the studios. Efforts to renegotiate have not been successful with the iron-clad clauses in the contracts that they signed back in the 60's. Maureen and friends get nothing at all when the reruns come on, and they have for decades! Very sad, indeed.
Tom Ellis — Lucifer
Seasons: 5
Finale: N/A
IMDB Rating: 8.2
Where To Watch Now: Netflix
Lucifer was a drama all about the supernatural, and it lasted for just three seasons on mainstream network TV. But Netflix thought they could revive it, and it got picked to continue online for but after that. Now, it's finished all around. How did star Tom Ellis do, in the end?
Despite all the yanking around, Lucifer Morningstar did get $50,000 for each episode. He stands to make some residuals as well, but the figure is currently unknown. The mystery continues!
David Hyde Pierce — Frasier
Seasons: 11
Finale: 2004
IMDB Rating: 8.0
Where To Watch Now: Youtube Red, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and CBS All Access
David Hyde Pierce was an irreplaceable part of the Frasier experience, back in the day. Fans can confirm he is a big reason why the show has been on TV without interruption since 1993!
It seems that consistent ratings gold for decades means residuals, residuals, residuals. David has been reported to be in for $40 million so far with reruns! Most psychiatrists do well, but not this well. Very impressive, Miles! Where is he now, by the way? Frasier actually left Netflix because of cost in 2019. Now, it's diversified: Hulu or Amazon Prime Video. More choice, more laughs!