Reality Shows Pay With Resuscitated Careers ($50K and more a show)

Yahoo TV ^ | 3/21/09 | Andrew Gumbel

[NormsRevenge]

Not so long ago, reality TV was the last place any self-respecting celebrity would wish to end up.

Now, though, the famous -- and almost-famous -- are lining round the block to get on the most popular shows, like "Dancing With the Stars" or "Celebrity Apprentice." And it isn't for the money.

Stars on a multi-character scripted drama can make upwards of $50,000 an episode – sometimes way upward. On reality shows, celebrities get what is referred to as Most Favored Nation status -- which means nobody gets more than anybody else. The celebs on "Dancing With the Stars," for example, get $200,000 for the entire season, [See celebrity reality TV payments on The Wrap] whether they're booted or not, a bonus of $100,00 if they're number one, a smaller bonus if they're number two, an even smaller bonus if they're number 3, a top TV agent told The Wrap.

So Marie Osmond made what Emmitt Smith made, what Cloris Leachman made, what Belinda Carlisle made this season -- and she was the first celeb booted off.

Of course, every reality show is different. A celebrity with a show built around his or her life is likely to get producer credit and maybe something on the back end. Participants on an existing show generally get a flat fee without residuals.

[NormsRevenge]

No wonder Cloris Leachman didn't want to leave last year.

If I got paid for how well I danced, I'd starve. Not in Hollywood.

[Sir Clancelot]

So here’s my vote for the next Celebrity Apprentice:

Team One:
Jimmy Carter
Jesse Jackson
Madeline Albright
Al Gore

The goal would obviously be to see if any of these people could run a profitable business.

And on team Two:

John Candy
John Belushi
Chris Farley
George Carlin

I realize that all the members of team two are already DEAD, but in the true Democratic policy of leveling the playing field, I think this might give Team One the chance to finally succeed at something.

[FoxInSocks]

So Marie Osmond made what Emmitt Smith made, what Cloris Leachman made, what Belinda Carlisle made this season -- and she was the first celeb booted off.

That's really not true, in my opinion. They don't net the same amount, because the people who last longer get a larger "bonus." I guess it depends on what the meaning of "is" is.

They would, however, take home the same amount after Congress punitively confiscated their bonuses through tax legislation.

[NormsRevenge]

Maybe we could get Bawney Fwank and Cwis Dodd to pair up and go on the show.. they sure know about bonuses. :-}