All reality television stars are not created equal. Some reality TV cast members are hauling in millions through their contracts, while others aren’t making much at all. The cast of the iconic MTV reality TV show, “The Real World,” for example, did not make much per week. However, their rent was paid. The cast of “Vanderpump Rules,” meanwhile, collected a mere $5,000 for the entire first season of the show, Reality Tea reported. Despite the fact that these reality TV stars didn’t make much money per episode, they weren’t exactly stuck in dead-end jobs either.
The Trade-off
What reality TV might not pay per episode it makes up for in plenty through publicity. Cast members on a reality TV show who only make a few hundred dollars per episode can leverage their publicity to get an endorsement deal worth many times that.
If shows are breakout hits, of course, stars may be able to negotiate better-paying contracts, but that depends on the sort of show. While the stars of “Vanderpump Rules” eventually were able to increase their pay grade, their television show was based on their lives. They were in a position to negotiate. “The Real World” lives on with new casts. For this reason, MTV can keep salaries relatively low.
Endorsement deals
In cases where the television show isn’t dependent on a single personality to continue, it would be wise for cast members to explore endorsement deals. All sorts of reality TV celebrities have endorsement deals, including the Kardashian clan. Khloe Kardashian recently began working with Kybella, which offers a non-surgical procedure to remove double-chins, according to plastic surgeon Glenn Vallecillos.
These agreements are the source of revenue for reality TV stars who are on shows that don’t pay well. The publicity, in many cases, can be as good as money, because it can easily lead to large contracts to endorse products or appear at events.
If you purchase real property from a foreign person or entity, you may be required to withhold taxes from your payment to the seller under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA). The federal tax law is designed to ensure that foreign sellers pay any applicable capital gains tax on profits realized from […]
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?
Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer
Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]
Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC
Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]
Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]
What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained
What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Reality TV Doesn't Always Pay Well
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Reality TV Doesn’t Always Pay Well
All reality television stars are not created equal. Some reality TV cast members are hauling in millions through their contracts, while others aren’t making much at all. The cast of the iconic MTV reality TV show, “The Real World,” for example, did not make much per week. However, their rent was paid. The cast of “Vanderpump Rules,” meanwhile, collected a mere $5,000 for the entire first season of the show, Reality Tea reported. Despite the fact that these reality TV stars didn’t make much money per episode, they weren’t exactly stuck in dead-end jobs either.
The Trade-off
What reality TV might not pay per episode it makes up for in plenty through publicity. Cast members on a reality TV show who only make a few hundred dollars per episode can leverage their publicity to get an endorsement deal worth many times that.
If shows are breakout hits, of course, stars may be able to negotiate better-paying contracts, but that depends on the sort of show. While the stars of “Vanderpump Rules” eventually were able to increase their pay grade, their television show was based on their lives. They were in a position to negotiate. “The Real World” lives on with new casts. For this reason, MTV can keep salaries relatively low.
Endorsement deals
In cases where the television show isn’t dependent on a single personality to continue, it would be wise for cast members to explore endorsement deals. All sorts of reality TV celebrities have endorsement deals, including the Kardashian clan. Khloe Kardashian recently began working with Kybella, which offers a non-surgical procedure to remove double-chins, according to plastic surgeon Glenn Vallecillos.
These agreements are the source of revenue for reality TV stars who are on shows that don’t pay well. The publicity, in many cases, can be as good as money, because it can easily lead to large contracts to endorse products or appear at events.
