The stars of “friends” still earn in the series – the amount is shocking even haters

Since the last episode of the Cult Sitcom “Friends” was released in 2004, 20 years have passed, but the actors continue to receive fantastic money for it. Thanks to the unique contract, which the six main characters were eliminated in the mid -90s.

How they were successful

When the series only became popular, the actors only received $ 25 thousand per episode. From the third season, however, they only started to negotiate themselves collectively. This decision allowed them:

• Place the salaries among each other;
• Gradually increase the costs to a record of 1 million dollars per series in the last seasons;
• reach a unique point on the percentage of syndication.

Syndication is the sale of rights to show the series on television channels around the world again and license for streaming. Actors usually receive time payments or percentage of old bets. But in the case of “friends”, the stars corresponded to the share of the current profit.

How much do they earn now

According to USA Today, the series still brings around $ 1 billion a year, taking into account the sale of rights for television and online platforms. Each of the six most important actors receives approximately 2% of this amount – that is, around $ 20 million a year.

For comparison: secondary actors also receive money, but the amount is much more modest. So, Vincent Ventresscas, who played Bobby in just two episodes, said that he receives around 2 thousand dollars from Checks annually. And the late James Michael Tyler, the performer of the role of Ganter, said:

“I am happy when a check comes. Of course these are not millions, but still a pleasant addition to income.”