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Are Residuals Driving the Streaming Purge?

When a service like Disney+ or Max de-platforms a made-for-streaming series, how much does it save in residuals for union talent? The answer is more than just a hypothetical as the cutbacks continue.

When a service de-platforms a streaming series, how much does it save in residuals? Consider Diary of a Future President, the Disney+ series which first premiered in January 2020 before both seasons were withdrawn this May.
When a service de-platforms a streaming series, how much does it save in residuals? Consider Diary of a Future President, the Disney+ series which first premiered in January 2020 before both seasons were withdrawn this May. Photo courtesy of Disney
Jonathan Handel
August 18, 2023

As we anxiously await the results of the revived AMPTP-WGA negotiations, I have preoccupied myself with another question: the number of series that streamers have pulled from their platforms. By one count, Max/HBO has nuked about 20 scripted originals. Disney+ and Hulu about six each—or, per another source, a combined total of about 50 series, albeit not all of them scripted—even as the Disney-owned platforms announced price increases. For Showtime and Starz, the count is reportedly one each. Paramount+: five. These evictions, of course, have negated the obligation to pay residuals, since made-for-streaming residuals are only due if a series is actually available.