Profit From Reruns: 5% of the Residuals
The CW supernatural crime series “iZombie” featured Rose McIver as the lead character, a zombie who feeds her lust for flesh by feasting on brains from the morgue, where she works as a medical examiner. While “The Walking Dead” was dramatic and tense, “iZombie” ended up being more episodic and comedic, and ended in 2019 after five seasons.
It’s gotten superb ratings, and reruns are a given, which means Rose McIver will be earning up to five percent of the residuals. For such a popular show, and one that is bound to a streaming sweetie, this kind of contract is sure to be a good decision for McIver.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Seinfeld
Profit From Reruns: $400 Million So Far
She's a comedian, singer, and producer, but she's most well-known for her role on the sitcom "Seinfeld", where she played Elaine. Julia Louis-Dreyfus now appears on "Saturday Night Live" as well as having the lead spot on the show "Veep", but it's not like she actually needs to work.
Her residuals from "Seinfeld" have brought in plenty – at least $400 million. Unlike her friend Jerry, Julia doesn't own part of the rights, but she still makes a lot. This show about nothing (The motto was “No learning, no hugging”) is still a common find when channel surfing.
Matt LeBlanc: Friends
Profit From Reruns: $20 Million a Year
Matt LeBlanc appeared as the thick-skulled actor Joey who consistently brought the laughs on "Friends". He also appeared in a "Friends" spinoff, "Joey", though this show didn't reach the high marks of the parent show.
But don't cry for Joey – LeBlanc was making a million dollars per "Friends" episode while it was still running, and reruns will drop a cool twenty mil on his doorstep every year, and his current sitcom, "Man with a Plan", is still ongoing.
Dr. Phil: The Dr. Phil Show
Profit From Reruns: $10 Million So Far
Known as a hard-hitting psychologist with a talk show that tackles tough topics, Dr. Phil got his start on Oprah before beginning his own series. The show talks about the absurdities of human nature and behavior, and plenty of them are about helping people who are in dire need of help.
The show began in 2002, and thanks to the reality TV aspect, filming is easier than most scripted shows. New episodes are still showing up, and while the reruns might not be one of the most popular things on television, there are still enough of them to bring in the money. Dr. Phil has earned around ten million dollars in total residuals.
Sarah Michelle Gellar: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Profit From Reruns: $10 Million So Far
For seven seasons, Gellar pretended to be high schooler Buffy Summers, the chosen one, who spent her time battling demons, vampires, and plenty of other nasty creatures. While the movie that kick-started the show starred Kristy Swanson, she wasn't picked up for the television series.
The show ended in May of 2003, and thanks to the show's popularity Gellar has received over a million dollars in total residuals. UPN reruns of the show still appear every once in a while, and for fans of Joss Whedon, who would go on to make "Firefly", the DVDs of the show are a must-watch on a regular basis.