When “Friends” first graced television screens in 1994, few could have predicted the monumental success it would go on to achieve, not only during its ten-season run but also through decades of syndication. Integral to the show’s legacy is the story of how the six main cast members—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer—united in their salary negotiations, a move that saw each actor earning $1 million per episode in the show’s final seasons. This negotiation not only set a precedent in the entertainment industry but also cemented the cast’s lifelong bond.
The story of their salary negotiations is as remarkable as the show’s enduring popularity. Initially, the cast earned $22,500 per episode, but as the show’s popularity soared, so did the buzz around Ross and Rachel’s relationship, played by Schwimmer and Aniston, who then began earning more than their co-stars. However, in a strategic move that demonstrated both his integrity and business acumen, Schwimmer initiated the idea of group negotiations to ensure pay equity among the cast.
Schwimmer’s proposal marked a turning point, not just for the cast but for the industry as a whole. As reported, Schwimmer had enough foresight to recognize the collective power they held as an ensemble. He convinced Aniston to join him in taking a pay cut so that their fellow actors could be equally compensated. Perry reflected on Schwimmer’s decision, noting, “David had certainly been in a position to go for the most money, and he didn’t… But his decision served to make us take care of each other through what turned out to be a myriad of stressful network negotiations, and it gave us a tremendous amount of power.”
Indeed, their unity paid off—literally. By the final two seasons, each cast member was making $1 million per episode. Every actor in the ensemble receives a 2 percent share of the billion-dollar earnings, equating to each of the six individuals earning $20 million per year. It is probable that they also received substantial payments from agreements made with Netflix and Max.
Their collective bargaining was a novel approach at the time, one that was later emulated by actors in other series like “The Big Bang Theory”. It also helped them navigate the complex and often individualistic world of Hollywood with a unique camaraderie that extended off-screen.
While some, like “Friends” co-creator Marta Kauffman, have questioned the enormity of the salaries calling them “kinda ridiculous,” it is evident that the pay negotiations were a defining moment for the cast and their careers. The fact that “Friends” continues to be a staple on television, amassing viewership and generating significant syndication revenue, speaks to the show’s lasting appeal and, by extension, the financial foresight of its stars.
Relevant articles:
– TIL that in the last two seasons of FRIENDS, each cast member earned $1 million per episode. And now, they make $20 million per year each for reruns. All thanks to David Schwimmer, who encouraged the cast to negotiate together as a team.
, Oct 7, 2016