The Big Bang Theory Cast Members Make An Absurd Amount Of Money From Reruns

Given their ongoing payday from "The Big Bang Theory," Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, and Johnny Galecki could all embrace an early retirement if they wanted to. Since "The Big Bang Theory" ended in 2019, Galecki has kept a low profile. Parsons hasn't strayed far from his roots, serving as the narrator and executive producer of "Young Sheldon." Cuoco has stayed busy, starring in and executive producing "Harley Quinn," "The Flight Attendant," and "Based on a True Story."

The cast's hefty paychecks were in part due to their savvy contract negotiating, which endorsed an all-for-one mentality. Moreover, there was never a question that Cuoco would earn less than her male co-stars. "I remember with my team, and even [creator] Chuck [Lorre], there was no conversation that I wouldn't have parity with those two guys," Cuoco told The Hollywood Reporter in 2020. "I'm lucky that I had people to pave the way for me and that no one balked."

Still, the cushy salaries — and cushier rerun residuals — are one of the privileges of starring on a broadcast network series. One of the motivating factors behind the dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes was the paltry residual pay provided by streaming services. "I'm lucky because I was on 'The Big Bang Theory,' which was on a broadcast network for years," said Kevin Sussman, who played Stuart on the show, in an interview with Deadline. "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."