How much does 90210 actors make on syndication?
I think this varies enormously and has much to do with the
star's power before, during, and after their show. It also depends
on whether or not the show was thought to be potential hit or when
it was a hit. It also depends on what is in the star's regular
contract. Some stars will have syndication covered, whether a lump
sum for certain agreements, or a per-episode royalty; and some will
have a line item indicating the same royalty as a pre-syndication
re-run, should syndication occur. There are many, many
permutations. I would guess most stars want a per-episode royalty
because this will pay them the most. I would think it's very
difficult to obtain, though, unless the star has a lot of power.
For example, I'm pretty sure the stars of the Friends cast have
per-episode royalties, or a deal even more lucrative than that.
Occasionally a star will obtain a lump sum for syndication even
when the show is a real clinker. That's star power for you. Many
stars have also been cheated out of their royalties. For example,
stars of the original black-and-white Superman series were granted
syndication royalties in their contracts, but sleazy entertainment
business executives found a way to cheat them out of it when the
show was sold. Big stars can make millions of dollars from
syndication. Some shows are aired a dozen times a day or more in
different markets all over the world for many years, even
decades.