Lauren Graham Says Netflix Doesn’t Pay ‘Gilmore Girls’ Residuals
The beloved television series “Gilmore Girls” has found a new life on streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, where it has garnered a whole new generation of fans. The show even received a revival season titled “A Year in the Life” in 2016, further solidifying its place in pop culture. However, the shift to digital platforms has raised some concerns about fair compensation for the cast members.
During a recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, star Lauren Graham addressed the issue of residuals for the cast members of “Gilmore Girls” on Netflix. She revealed that there are no residuals for the show on the streaming platform, highlighting a common challenge faced by actors as television audiences transition to online viewing. Despite the lack of financial compensation, Graham emphasized that the show has reached a wider audience through streaming, attracting viewers of all ages and backgrounds.
The debate over how to fairly compensate actors in the era of streaming has been a hot topic in the entertainment industry. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes brought this issue to the forefront, with both unions advocating for viewership-based bonuses for their members. As a result of negotiations between the actors guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), a new residual bonus system was implemented. This system provides a 75% bonus for actors who appear on the most-watched made-for-streaming shows, with an additional 25% allocated to the Success Bonus Distribution Fund to benefit actors on other streaming series.
In a related development, “Gilmore Girls” producer Gavin Polone filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. in 2018, alleging that he was deprived of residuals for the Netflix revival “A Year in the Life.” This case underscores the complexities of compensating creators and cast members for their work in the digital age.
Overall, the shift to streaming has raised important questions about fair compensation for actors and creators in the entertainment industry. As audiences continue to embrace online platforms, finding equitable solutions to these issues will be crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the industry.
