Profit From Reruns: $13 Million a Year
The hysterically-serious Frasier Crane was moved from his original setting in Boston (and the show “Cheers”) to Seattle to spend time with his family. It was a risky move, but it made the show even more popular than “Cheers.”
Grammer played the role for more than twenty years, and after eleven seasons the show finally went off-air in 2004. By the end of the show, Grammer was making $1.6 million *per episode*. And almost twenty years off the air, the show is still busting guts and bringing in the cash for Grammer to the tune of about thirteen million dollars a year.
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.
Fred Savage: The Wonder Years
Profit From Reruns: Nothing
The most famous thing from "The Wonder Years" might be the theme song, “With a Little Help from My Friends” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The show starred Fred Savage as Kevin, a sweet teen living in the sixties. The show ran for six seasons, but it didn't end well.
The producers wanted more adult storylines as Kevin grew up, but execs wanted things to stay teen-focused. This led to the show being canceled. Worse for Fred Savage, the drama finished its run on ABC, which owns all the rights for the show. This means Savage and the other actors have received nothing from residuals.
Johnny Galecki: The Big Bang Theory
Profit From Reruns: $10 Million a Year
Twelves years of playing Leonard, the most down-to-earth nerd from "The Big Bang Theory" will no doubt end up being profitable for Johnny Galecki. The network made billions, while Galecki and his co-stars have all made mere millions.
Just like Jim Parsons, Galecki makes up to ten million dollars a year, since reruns always seem to be playing. If you're a fan of "The Big Bang Theory" and you're disappointed it ended too soon, take heart – "Young Sheldon" has plenty of years ahead of it.