The cast of NBC’s beloved sitcom Superstore earned varying amounts per episode, with America Ferrera (Amy Sosa) and Ben Feldman (Jonah Simms) generally commanding the highest salaries, reportedly upwards of $150,000 per episode in later seasons. Other core cast members saw their pay increase steadily throughout the show’s six-season run, though specific figures are difficult to ascertain and often subject to confidential contract negotiations.
Delving into Superstore Salary Structure
Understanding the salaries of the Superstore cast requires acknowledging several factors. Television salaries are rarely static, often escalating with each season based on the show’s success, actor negotiations, and their perceived value to the production. Also, different cast members have different negotiating power due to their pre-existing recognition or crucial role in the story.
The Star Power Effect: Ferrera and Feldman’s Dominance
America Ferrera, having significant pre-existing fame from her starring role in Ugly Betty, held considerable leverage when negotiating her Superstore contract. Similarly, Ben Feldman’s contributions as the male lead and his growing popularity likely played a significant role in his salary increases. While exact figures aren’t publicly available, industry experts estimate their per-episode compensation reached the $150,000 to $200,000 range by the final seasons. This is consistent with pay scales for lead actors on successful network comedies.
Building Equity: Supporting Cast Salary Growth
While Ferrera and Feldman likely topped the salary chart, other key cast members, including Lauren Ash (Dina Fox), Colton Dunn (Garrett McNeil), Nico Santos (Mateo Liwanag), and Nichole Sakura (Cheyenne Thompson), undoubtedly saw significant raises as Superstore‘s popularity grew. These actors were vital to the show’s comedic ensemble and their salaries would have reflected their increased value. However, their per-episode earnings likely fell in the $50,000 to $100,000 range, particularly in the later seasons, depending on their individual contracts and bargaining power.
The Impact of Contract Negotiations
It’s crucial to remember that actor salaries are highly confidential and determined by individual contract negotiations. Agents play a vital role in securing favorable deals for their clients, often leveraging the show’s success and the actor’s contributions to argue for higher pay. Factors like residuals, syndication payments, and potential bonuses also influence the overall compensation package. Publicly available figures are often estimates based on industry trends and inside sources, and should be viewed with a degree of skepticism.
Superstore Salary FAQs: Addressing Your Burning Questions
This section answers some of the most common questions surrounding the salaries of the Superstore cast.
FAQ 1: Was there a significant salary difference between the main cast members in season one?
Yes, it is highly likely that there was a significant difference in salaries between the main cast members in the first season. America Ferrera, with her established career, would have commanded the highest salary from the outset. Other cast members, less known at the time, would have started at lower rates.
FAQ 2: Did the cast receive profit participation or royalties from syndication deals?
While specific details remain confidential, it’s plausible that some of the lead actors, particularly Ferrera and Feldman, negotiated profit participation or royalty agreements as part of their contracts. This would allow them to receive a percentage of the profits generated from the show’s syndication deals and other revenue streams. However, profit participation is typically reserved for higher-level actors and producers.
FAQ 3: How did the show’s popularity influence cast salaries over time?
The show’s increasing popularity had a direct impact on cast salaries. As Superstore gained viewers and critical acclaim, the actors’ bargaining power increased. They were able to leverage the show’s success to negotiate higher pay rates in subsequent seasons.
FAQ 4: Did America Ferrera’s departure affect the salaries of the remaining cast?
America Ferrera’s planned departure (ultimately delayed due to the pandemic) likely created an opportunity for the remaining cast members to renegotiate their contracts. With Ferrera no longer a central figure, the remaining leads could argue for a larger share of the salary budget, although there is no definitive public information confirming this.
FAQ 5: Were there any known salary disputes or contract renegotiations during the show’s run?
Publicly available information regarding specific salary disputes or contract renegotiations is limited. However, such discussions are common on long-running television shows, as actors seek to improve their compensation and working conditions. Negotiations are typically kept confidential between the actors, their agents, and the studio.
FAQ 6: How do Superstore salaries compare to other similar sitcoms on NBC?
The salary ranges for the Superstore cast were generally consistent with those of actors on other successful NBC sitcoms. Lead actors on established comedies often earn upwards of $100,000 per episode, while supporting cast members earn significantly less.
FAQ 7: Did the actors receive any additional compensation for directing or producing episodes?
If any of the Superstore cast members directed or produced episodes, they would have received additional compensation for those roles. Directing and producing typically command separate fees, on top of the actor’s per-episode salary.
FAQ 8: How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the production budget and potential cast salaries?
The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly impacted the production budget of Superstore’s final season. Implementing safety protocols, such as regular testing and social distancing, increased production costs. This may have had a minor impact on the available funds for cast salaries, although the exact extent is unknown.
FAQ 9: Are there any public records of the Superstore cast’s contracts?
No, actors’ contracts are considered private and confidential. They are not publicly accessible records. Information about actor salaries is typically obtained through industry insiders and speculative reporting.
FAQ 10: Would guest stars have received different pay than regular cast members?
Yes, guest stars typically receive significantly less pay than regular cast members. Their compensation is usually based on the number of scenes they appear in and their overall contribution to the episode.
FAQ 11: What are residuals and how do they affect a Superstore cast member’s income?
Residuals are payments made to actors, writers, and directors when their work is re-aired or distributed in various formats (e.g., syndication, streaming). These payments can provide a significant source of income for actors, especially as their shows continue to be popular in syndication or on streaming platforms. The amount of residuals an actor receives depends on their role, their contract, and the specific terms of the agreement.
FAQ 12: Where can I find the most up-to-date information on celebrity salaries?
Information on celebrity salaries is often speculative and based on anonymous sources. Reputable sources include industry publications like The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Deadline Hollywood. However, these publications often rely on estimates and inside information, so the accuracy of the reported figures may vary. Be cautious about information found on less credible websites or social media platforms.
Ultimately, the specific details of the Superstore cast’s salaries remain largely confidential. However, by considering industry trends, the show’s success, and the individual contributions of the actors, we can gain a reasonable understanding of the compensation they received for their roles on this beloved sitcom.