Summary

• Kevin Sussman reveals how streaming platforms have significantly cut his residuals for The Big Bang Theory, making it less profitable for him.
• While the main cast members of The Big Bang Theory are still making millions, the same cannot be said for the supporting cast like Sussman.
• Ben Affleck is among the actors trying to improve residual pays in Hollywood, recognizing the negative impact of streaming services on long-term earnings.

For 12 seasons, The Big Bang Theory was among the top comedy shows out there, if not, at the very top. That cast made millions thanks to the show, and for some, that holds true today.

However, the supporting cast members aren't making as much. Credit to Kevin Sussman for opening up and revealing why his pay for The Big Bang Theory has shrunk over the years. We'll also reveal his salary throughout the series, and why the actor might've been underpaid for his contributions.

Kevin Sussman Revealed Streaming Platforms Cut The Residuals Significantly For His Work On The Big Bang Theory

Working on a popular sitcom can be a profitable decision for the actors involved. That was especially true for the main cast on The Big Bang Theory.

Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, and Kaley Cuoco are still making a fortune since the show wrapped up. The main stars are making 1% of the backend profits, which is extremely profitable given that the show makes $1 billion per year. This equals a hefty $10 million per year. No wonder Johnny Galecki hasn't been heard of since TBBT ended...

However, the same doesn't hold true for the entire cast. Kevin Sussman explained that streaming changed the way he gets paid. So, when TBBT appears on a streaming platform, it isn't as profitable as a network deal.

Sussman explains, “For me the big issue is residuals for streaming. I’ve known that it’s been untenable for years. I was surprised that it took this long for there to be a strike like this. I’ve seen residuals for my own shows absolutely tank once they go to streaming. I’m lucky because I was on The Big Bang Theory, which was on a broadcast network for years. Since it moved to streaming [like Max and Amazon Prime], it’s night and day. I don’t see how it’s possible for an upcoming actor these days to actually be able to make a living.”

A tough reality for Sussman, who played a major role as a supporting cast member for years on the series. In truth, the actor was also underpaid during his time on the series.

Kevin Sussman Was Also Viewed As Underpaid During His Time On The Big Bang Theory

Kevin Sussman made $50,000 per episode on The Big Bang Theory. This truly is nothing to scoff at. However, based on The Big Bang Theory cast salaries, this number was very low.

Nonetheless, the actor was a valued part of the show, and showrunner Steve Molaro made sure that Sussman would be featured in the final episode.

"We knew we wanted Kevin Sussman (Stuart Bloom) to be part of the finale because he’s such a part of the show. But we really wanted it to be focused on the main cast. This was our chance to say goodbye. It’s the audience’s chance to say goodbye. We didn’t want to fill it up with a bunch of returning guest stars."

Sussman's role and salary on the comedy series could have been quite different. He was initially considered for the role of Howard, played by Simon Helberg. That would've certainly boosted his salary, but the role of Howard could not be replaced by anyone other than Helberg.

Although Sussman isn't making a huge profit off backend money, there is a movement in Hollywood with actors trying to improve profit-sharing.

Ben Affleck Is Among The Actors Trying To Improve Residual Pays In Hollywood

Ben Affleck is applauded for implementing a strict rule in his contracts. Speaking alongside Wired, Affleck discussed the importance of "Artists Equity" and how he's trying to give actors a chance to make more off "shrinking residuals."

The actor said, "It came to mind, slowly, through my experience producing and directing movies and looking at how the resources were spent. Also recognizing that the evolution of streaming services was putting a cap on people's abilities to benefit in the long term on an annuity basis."

Affleck continued on, discussing his own experience with residual pay.

"One of my fondest memories is of discovering a $400 residual check in the mailbox when I was on the verge of bankruptcy—if you can call it that when you don’t own anything. If you're an actor and you did a week on a TV show that was very successful, you would expect to be able to make some [annuity] money because of the success of the collective effort. Now, that’s not the case. So I constructed this model."

At the very least, there is an attempt at the moment to improve the situation.