Bob Odenkirk’s portrayal of Saul Goodman, both in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, cemented his place as a television icon. While his talent is undeniable, the question remains: how much did Odenkirk earn per episode for his critically acclaimed performances, particularly in the later seasons of Better Call Saul?
It’s widely reported, and corroborated by industry sources, that Bob Odenkirk’s salary per episode of Better Call Saul, particularly in the final two seasons (5 & 6), reached an estimated $200,000 per episode. This figure reflects Odenkirk’s growing star power, the series’ immense popularity, and his integral role in the narrative. It’s a significant increase from his reported earnings during the early seasons, underscoring the show’s escalating success and his value to the production.
Odenkirk’s Financial Journey: From Sketch Comedy to Primetime
Understanding Odenkirk’s per-episode salary requires context. He wasn’t an overnight sensation. He built his career through years of dedicated work, primarily in comedy writing and performance.
Early Career and Financial Struggles
Before Mr. Show and certainly before Saul Goodman, Odenkirk faced the typical struggles of a working artist. He wrote for Saturday Night Live, The Ben Stiller Show, and The Dennis Miller Show, earning a living but not achieving the blockbuster financial success he would later experience. These early roles were crucial in honing his comedic timing and writing skills, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.
Breaking Bad: The Launchpad
His role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad changed everything. Initially intended as a recurring character, Saul’s popularity with audiences quickly elevated him to a series regular. While his Breaking Bad per-episode salary wasn’t publicly disclosed, it’s safe to assume it was significantly less than his Better Call Saul peak earnings. However, Breaking Bad provided the platform and the character that would ultimately lead to his larger paychecks.
Decoding the $200,000 Figure: What Factors Influenced Odenkirk’s Salary?
Several factors contributed to Odenkirk’s impressive $200,000 per episode salary in the later seasons of Better Call Saul.
The Power of a Spin-Off
Better Call Saul wasn’t just a spin-off; it was a successful spin-off. It managed to both stand alone and enhance the legacy of Breaking Bad. This success gave Odenkirk substantial negotiating power. He was no longer just playing a supporting character; he was the lead in a critically acclaimed and commercially successful series.
Critical Acclaim and Awards Recognition
The show’s constant critical praise, including numerous Emmy nominations (though famously, no wins for Odenkirk personally), increased Odenkirk’s and the show’s overall value. Awards recognition translates to increased viewership and advertising revenue, directly impacting the ability of the production company to pay actors higher salaries.
Acting Prowess and Dedication
Beyond the show’s success, Odenkirk’s undeniable talent played a crucial role. He embodied the character of Saul Goodman so completely that it became impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. His commitment to the role, his dedication to the craft, and his ability to portray both the comedic and dramatic aspects of Saul made him an invaluable asset.
Negotiating Power and Contract Renewals
As the show progressed, Odenkirk’s agent likely leveraged the show’s success and Odenkirk’s importance to negotiate substantial pay raises with each contract renewal. This is a common practice in the entertainment industry, where successful shows often lead to significant increases in actor salaries.
FAQs: Unpacking the Bob Odenkirk Per-Episode Salary
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further insight into Bob Odenkirk’s earnings and the broader context of television actor salaries:
1. Did Odenkirk receive any backend profits from Better Call Saul?
It’s highly likely that Odenkirk received a percentage of the backend profits from Better Call Saul, especially in the later seasons. This is a common practice for lead actors in successful series and can significantly increase their overall earnings beyond their per-episode salary. However, specific details about his backend participation remain confidential.
2. How does Odenkirk’s salary compare to Bryan Cranston’s in Breaking Bad?
Bryan Cranston, as the lead of Breaking Bad, reportedly earned around $225,000 per episode in the final season. This is slightly higher than Odenkirk’s reported peak salary in Better Call Saul, reflecting Cranston’s status as the lead in the original series.
3. What other factors influence TV actor salaries besides popularity?
Besides popularity and awards recognition, factors like experience, the actor’s star power, the budget of the show, and the actor’s negotiating skills all play a significant role in determining TV actor salaries.
4. How do streaming service deals impact actor salaries?
Streaming service deals can both positively and negatively impact actor salaries. On one hand, the increased revenue from streaming can lead to higher budgets and potentially larger paychecks. On the other hand, streaming models can sometimes reduce residuals, which are payments made to actors for reruns and other uses of their work.
5. Is Bob Odenkirk’s Better Call Saul salary considered high for a TV actor?
While $200,000 per episode is a substantial sum, it’s not among the highest salaries in television history. A-list actors in extremely popular shows can command significantly higher fees, sometimes exceeding $1 million per episode. However, Odenkirk’s salary reflects his success and the value he brought to Better Call Saul.
6. Did Odenkirk’s near-fatal heart attack impact his salary negotiations?
It’s unlikely that Odenkirk’s health scare directly impacted his salary negotiations. While it undoubtedly affected production schedules and required adjustments, his established value and the show’s success would have been the primary factors influencing his pay.
7. How are TV actor salaries typically negotiated?
TV actor salaries are typically negotiated by the actor’s agent or manager, who represents their interests and argues for the highest possible compensation based on factors like experience, popularity, and the show’s potential success.
8. What’s the difference between upfront pay and backend profits?
Upfront pay refers to the fixed amount an actor receives per episode or per season. Backend profits, on the other hand, are a percentage of the show’s overall revenue, distributed after production costs are covered. Backend deals can be extremely lucrative for actors in successful shows.
9. How does the show’s budget affect individual actor salaries?
The overall budget of a television show directly impacts the amount available to pay actors. Shows with larger budgets, often backed by major networks or streaming services, generally have more flexibility to offer higher salaries.
10. Do actors receive residuals for Better Call Saul reruns?
Yes, actors typically receive residuals for reruns and other uses of their work on television and streaming platforms. The amount of residuals varies depending on factors like the actor’s contract, the type of distribution, and the number of times the show is aired.
11. What other sources of income does Bob Odenkirk have besides acting?
Beyond acting, Bob Odenkirk is also a writer, comedian, and producer. He has written for numerous television shows and films and has produced several projects, including Mr. Show with Bob and David. These endeavors provide additional sources of income beyond his acting salaries.
12. What advice would you give to aspiring actors hoping to achieve similar financial success?
The path to financial success in acting is paved with hard work, dedication, and talent. Aspiring actors should focus on honing their craft, building their resume, networking within the industry, and securing strong representation. Persistence and a genuine passion for acting are essential for navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry. Remember, building a brand takes time, and consistent high-quality work is the foundation for a successful career.