Stuart actor Kevin Sussman explains how The Big Bang Theory being on streaming platforms changes how he gets paid. As the SAG-AFTRA strike reaches its first week, more actors come out not just to join the protests on the streets, but also to share their personal experiences concerning the matters being discussed. This way, the public gets a better understanding of what is at stake and why a strike is desperately needed to ensure that everyone can earn a decent living working in Hollywood. That includes Sussman, who was on The Big Bang Theory for 11 out of its 12 seasons.

Speaking to Deadline in light of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA dual strikes, the actor discusses the discrepancy between the residuals he gets from the nerd-centric sitcom depending on whether it was on broadcast network re-runs or streaming platforms.

"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."

Big Bang Theory Is The Perfect Show To Explain How Streaming Changed The Way Actors & Writers Get Paid

Sussman and everyone else who worked on The Big Bang Theory are perfectly positioned to talk about the issue of how streaming platforms pay almost nothing for residuals. As he mentioned, the sitcom was on CBS for years, which meant that they were straightforwardly paid for their work then. It was then syndicated and continues to still run on various networks. After the rise of streaming platforms, however, it became available on streaming services, such as Max. This means that the cast and writers of The Big Bang Theory get residual checks from two different streams, giving them personal knowledge on the matter.

It's worth noting, however, that not everyone has a show, both on broadcast TV reruns and on streamers. There are only a few of them, and they're mostly the popular shows that first aired on networks. Nowadays, countless new projects are exclusively available on streaming platforms, and the writers and cast from those shows and movies allegedly receive almost nothing in residuals. For example, AC Bradley, the writer of Marvel Studios' Ms. Marvel on Disney+, says she wasn't fully paid for all the services she rendered.

Sussman isn't the only The Big Bang Theory cast member who openly supports the protests. Mayim Bialik has also pulled out of her hosting duties on Jeopardy! to support the endeavor. Aside from appropriate and fair wages, other issues that are up for discussion are the use of AI in production and a better working environment for everyone involved. Unfortunately, however, it's difficult to say when the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes will end.

Source: Deadline