Netflix Had Not Paid Eric Kripke Any Residuals, Despite ‘Supernatural’ Being a Top 10 Show for the Service

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As a dedicated gamer and avid fan of Supernatural, I can’t help but feel deeply disappointed and frustrated when I read about Eric Kripke‘s struggle to receive residuals for his groundbreaking work on the iconic series. Supernatural is not just a show that captured the hearts of millions around the world, but it also paved the way for the rise of streaming services and binge-watching culture.

Supernatural, created by Kripke, is known as one of the most beloved fantasy series in history among fans of the genre. The show has achieved cult status due to its exceptional overall quality, a feat not easily accomplished by many other shows.

Certainly, a significant portion of the show’s popularity can be credited to its leading actors, Jared Padalecki portraying Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester – two sibling hunters of supernatural entities. However, the brothers’ development into their final characters would not have been possible without the guidance of showrunner Erick Kripke and the innovative minds behind the scenes.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but appreciate the hard work that goes into creating my favorite shows. But have you ever stopped to consider that even the showrunners face financial battles behind the scenes? In an interview with Deadline, Kripke revealed this unfortunate truth: some streaming services aren’t willing to pay up for residuals and royalties. That means these talented individuals must fight tooth and nail for every penny they deserve. It’s a reminder that even in the world of entertainment, money isn’t always easy to come by.

During an interview with Deadline amidst the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023, I, Eric Kripke, shared that Netflix hadn’t handed me a dime for residuals regarding “Supernatural,” even though it was one of their most prized possessions. This show, albeit an older one, consistently graced Netflix’s top 10 most-watched lists and remained incredibly popular.

As a devoted fan of Eric Kripke’s brilliant work, I can’t help but feel the need to clarify a common misconception. Although it’s true that Netflix reaps significant financial rewards from his creations, the relationship between the two wasn’t quite as straightforward as some may think. In my perspective, Eric didn’t simply receive a paycheck based on Netflix’s profits; instead, he was compensated for his initial investment of time and creativity in developing these captivating stories.

I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness as I reflect on the fact that The Winchesters has come to an end. This show has been a part of my life for so long, and its absence leaves a noticeable gap. It’s hard not to reminisce about the thrilling adventures, the heartfelt moments, and the unbreakable bond between Sam and Dean. The thought that this franchise, as I have come to know it, is no more is a bitter pill to swallow. But such is life, isn’t it? We cherish the moments we have, and when they’re gone, all we can do is hold on to the memories and look forward to what comes next.

KRIPKE: It was odd for me because no matter how my professional life unfolded, I could always rely on the thought, “At least I have earnings from ‘Supernatural’ in reserve, and continuing royalties from ‘The Winchesters.'” Even when everything seemed to be wrapping up, I remember thinking, “I need to be extra careful now, I don’t have this safety net anymore.”

Five years on that show was my most audacious aspiration, an achievement I never could have foreseen or imagined. The experience has left me deeply humbled and utterly astounded. I never dared to believe that the show would endure for 15 years and reach such a vast audience. This realization leaves me speechless with wonder, pride, and disbelief.

As a huge fan of the television industry, I’m always fascinated by shows that truly resonate with audiences and gain massive popularity. One prime example is “Supernatural.” When this series takes off, the creatives involved can really reap the rewards through residuals. It’s an incredible feeling to know that your hard work continues to pay off long after the initial episode airs. Could you elaborate more on this concept?

KRIPKE: Here’s an illustrative scenario. The viewership data I receive stems from the show airing on TNT, which garners around a couple hundred thousand viewers per episode. In contrast, the streaming of “Supernatural” on Netflix ranks among the Top 10 in terms of total minutes watched. The vast collection of episodes contributes to this popularity, but even so, if we solely consider the number of people engrossed in watching the show for extended periods, it surpasses the viewership of “Squid Game” and other notable hits. Regrettably, despite its immense success, I have yet to receive any royalties or residuals from this. There’s no need for sympathy.

I’ve been doing well for myself lately, but as I reflect on my team of dedicated writers who are struggling to make ends meet, it hits me hard. I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me, I’m just bringing attention to the stark inequality we face in our industry. When you consider the circumstances of these talented individuals – some between jobs or barely getting by – the situation becomes all the more significant.

Source: Deadline

Kripke’s lack of residual payments meant that others involved in the series didn’t receive any either during the SAG-AFTRA strike. This highlights the significance of the strike and the importance of standing behind artists and production staff for our beloved movies and shows. We can only hope for a more favorable situation moving forward.

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2024-07-18 03:18