Leah Remini - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

vhshunter · 06-25-2005, 02:10 AM

Stalled negotiations finally resume. Writers go back last week in July.

So I guess, Leah is still a holdout.

margiegirl614 · 06-25-2005, 12:45 PM

Wow. I didn't even know there were still negotiations going on. I guess I just thought everything was neat and all set for fall when they were confirmed for the fall schedule. Thanks for updating us.

seven_to_shea · 06-26-2005, 01:31 PM

Sheesh, if Leah doesn't come back. Forget it, show's over for me. Doug and Carrie ARE the show, them separating or something is depressing and the tone is wrong for this show...it won't work, it'll just be the Kevin James Show which is probably what they want anyway. Re-casting is a bad move too.

The conspiracy theorist in me is wondering if this had anything to do with her and KJ barely appearing together towards the end of last season [yeah I know he was promoting a movie, I'm just daydreaming, lol].

Eujenni · 06-27-2005, 02:13 PM

It's amazing how much money entertainers get! Kevin James is getting over $500,000 an episode! Leah deserves to get paid just as much because she is a big part of the show too.
Here's an article I found in Variety.com about this subject.

Inside Move: King gets bundle; queen still unsigned
'Queens' Remini remains without a deal
By JOSEF ADALIAN

While most of the TV world is focused on this week's New York upfronts, a behind-the-scenes battle could be brewing on CBS' "The King of Queens."
Laffer, from CBS Prods./Sony, has been renewed for next season, with series star Kevin James on board (with a hefty new salary to boot). But the show's other star, Leah Remini, doesn't have a deal -- and negotiations don't seem to be taking place with any particular urgency.

As is usually the case in these matters, money seems to be the main sticking point. Remini is apparently looking for a payday in the neighborhood -- but not as much as -- of what James makes. Latter thesp is expected to pull down about $500,000 per episode next season.

What makes the "King" renegotiations interesting is the fact that the show is one of the rare comedies with two essentially co-equal leads. Though James plays the title character, Remini takes almost as much airtime as James in most episodes.

Despite this, industry insiders say the Eye's early offers to Remini have been for substantially less coin that what James will now make.

It would seem that CBS would be hard-pressed to continue "King" without Remini, since unlike the members of ensemble skeins like "CSI," the heart of "King" is the relationship between the two leads. One industry vet, however, joked that perhaps producers could work up a new storyline with "Kevin exploring the joys of being single."

It's expected negotiations could heat up after Memorial Day, with most insiders optimistic that there's ultimately a deal to be made.

Eye and reps for Remini declined comment.
Date in print: Tue., May 17, 2005, Los Angeles

dlemond · 06-27-2005, 02:18 PM

Remini could never hold up a show on her own.

Check her failed sitcoms.

James is a successful stand up comedian and is the basis of the show.
The show can work without Remini (not that it would be as good) but there is no show without James.

Remini deserves to be paid fairly, but nowhere near as much as James. That is practically insulting. Look at all the talent on Everybody Loves Raymond and they never got even close to Romano's pay (though they got an increase).

Pay her fairly, but let's be real here.

Eujenni · 06-27-2005, 02:52 PM

We're all entitled to our opinions.

I just found this updated article.

Moonveses' Stand-Off Eases

By Staff -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/26/2005 11:37:00 PM

It looks like this summer will not see a Moonves vs. Moonves battle royale after all. When tortured negotiations between CBS and King of Queens co-star Leah Remini over a new contract stalled this spring, industry rubberneckers salivated over a looming fight between CBS poobah Leslie Moonves and his brother, Hollywood powerbroker—and Remini attorney—Jon Moonves. But now sources at King of Queens report, with relief, that the previously stalled negotiations have finally resumed. The news has been greeted with cautious optimism at CBS, which needs a healthy King of Queens this fall.

When the network balked earlier this year at granting Remini a healthy pay bump (she reportedly earns significantly less than co-star Kevin James’ $500,000 per episode), some sort of job action seemed a likely option. After all, when sitcom stars sense that they have some leverage and not enough compensation, they have a way of losing their zest for work. The Friends gang suspended operations until NBC ponied up fat raises for them a couple of years ago, and last summer Everybody Loves Raymond’s supporting stars took the sick-out route until CBS realized the error of its monetary ways.

The network is moving the solid ratings performer from Wednesdays to Mondays this fall to shore up that now Raymondless night. And the relationship between Remini’s character and James’ is essential to the show, which will be starting its eighth season. A new deal would arrive just in time: The show’s writers return to work shortly, and production on the new season starts the last week in July. The Moonves camps declined to comment.

dlemond · 06-27-2005, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eujenni

We're all entitled to our opinions.

Yes, and I stated mine.

I don't have to sing her praises as much as you don't have to agree with me.

seven_to_shea · 06-28-2005, 05:18 AM

Thank you for the articles.

*Obviously* the show is kapput without James, but I think the same could be said with Remini. Not only do you have a storyline that totally doesn't fit the show, I really don't think James can pull off a dramatic storyline like that. And, no Carrie...should hypothetically story-wise, mean no Arthur [Doug has always wanted rid of Arthur and Carrie wouldn't leave him], so they're doubly screwed if Stiller isn't around, which in turn means no Holly [and she was the highlight of the past season IMO]. They lose tons of credit if they lazily keep the same characters around for no apparent reason. So we get lots of scenes with Kevin James' brother, his wife and other relatives to fill up space?

They need to sort themselves out, and give Leah a fair pay day, whatever that may be.

HuntingtonM15 · 06-28-2005, 11:12 PM

I personally don't feel that either Leah or Kevin could hold up the show on their own. A few episodes maybe, but an entire season...nope. The quality of the show would definitely go down.

JourneyMan · 06-29-2005, 09:21 AM

They could keep Arthur in the show without Leah there if Carrie died. Of course, that would be a pretty depressing thing to happen on a sitcom, so I can't see that happening. I started watching KOQ because Leah is so hot, but I love all the actors on the show now. It could go on without Leah, but would lose a lot of its spunk.

seven_to_shea · 06-29-2005, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JourneyMan

They could keep Arthur in the show without Leah there if Carrie died.

Don't give them any ideas, lol. I hope this all gets resolved but this kind of thing leaves a bitter taste in my mouth in enjoying the show. Ya know?

Anyway, Leah was looking good at the War of the Worlds premiere [I'm sure you all can figure out the connection between her and Tom Cruise, I'm trying to block it out myself

].

HuntingtonM15 · 06-29-2005, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seven_to_shea

[I'm sure you all can figure out the connection between her and Tom Cruise, I'm trying to block it out myself

].

felicitylen · 06-29-2005, 05:10 PM

I just want to comment that I have been watching this show for awhile, and I definitely agree that Leah should get equal pay or a pay raise just like Kevin. What's going on with Jerry Stiller? Are there any negotiations concerning his pay? Is there any word on whether or not she will be back for another season?

gidgetgrape · 06-29-2005, 06:18 PM

I hope everything gets straightened out because I would hate for it to be taken off the air or drastically changed. I didn't like Leah before she appeared in King of Queens. I remember hating the summer episodes of Saved By The Bell with her and Zack. She was too gruff for that show. I think she's found her niche on King of Queens and as much as I didn't like her then I LOVE her now.

jpcanes · 06-29-2005, 09:48 PM

take it easy people

I think it is both in the network's and Leah's
best interest to get a deal done.At least for the
upcoming season(hopefully not the last).
Hey,I'm just glad she doesn't play hockey!

06-25-2005, 02:10 AM	#1
vhshunter Member Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 04, 2002 Posts: 742	Leah Remini Stalled negotiations finally resume. Writers go back last week in July. So I guess, Leah is still a holdout.

06-25-2005, 12:45 PM	#2
margiegirl614 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 08, 2005 Posts: 17	Wow. I didn't even know there were still negotiations going on. I guess I just thought everything was neat and all set for fall when they were confirmed for the fall schedule. Thanks for updating us.

06-26-2005, 01:31 PM	#3
seven_to_shea Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Sep 13, 2003 Posts: 173	Sheesh, if Leah doesn't come back. Forget it, show's over for me. Doug and Carrie ARE the show, them separating or something is depressing and the tone is wrong for this show...it won't work, it'll just be the Kevin James Show which is probably what they want anyway. Re-casting is a bad move too. The conspiracy theorist in me is wondering if this had anything to do with her and KJ barely appearing together towards the end of last season [yeah I know he was promoting a movie, I'm just daydreaming, lol].

06-27-2005, 02:13 PM	#4
Eujenni Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 14, 2005 Posts: 23	It's amazing how much money entertainers get! Kevin James is getting over $500,000 an episode! Leah deserves to get paid just as much because she is a big part of the show too. Here's an article I found in Variety.com about this subject. Inside Move: King gets bundle; queen still unsigned 'Queens' Remini remains without a deal By JOSEF ADALIAN While most of the TV world is focused on this week's New York upfronts, a behind-the-scenes battle could be brewing on CBS' "The King of Queens." Laffer, from CBS Prods./Sony, has been renewed for next season, with series star Kevin James on board (with a hefty new salary to boot). But the show's other star, Leah Remini, doesn't have a deal -- and negotiations don't seem to be taking place with any particular urgency. As is usually the case in these matters, money seems to be the main sticking point. Remini is apparently looking for a payday in the neighborhood -- but not as much as -- of what James makes. Latter thesp is expected to pull down about $500,000 per episode next season. What makes the "King" renegotiations interesting is the fact that the show is one of the rare comedies with two essentially co-equal leads. Though James plays the title character, Remini takes almost as much airtime as James in most episodes. Despite this, industry insiders say the Eye's early offers to Remini have been for substantially less coin that what James will now make. It would seem that CBS would be hard-pressed to continue "King" without Remini, since unlike the members of ensemble skeins like "CSI," the heart of "King" is the relationship between the two leads. One industry vet, however, joked that perhaps producers could work up a new storyline with "Kevin exploring the joys of being single." It's expected negotiations could heat up after Memorial Day, with most insiders optimistic that there's ultimately a deal to be made. Eye and reps for Remini declined comment. Date in print: Tue., May 17, 2005, Los Angeles

06-27-2005, 02:18 PM	#5
dlemond Hey, I know you. Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 03, 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,751	Remini could never hold up a show on her own. Check her failed sitcoms. James is a successful stand up comedian and is the basis of the show. The show can work without Remini (not that it would be as good) but there is no show without James. Remini deserves to be paid fairly, but nowhere near as much as James. That is practically insulting. Look at all the talent on Everybody Loves Raymond and they never got even close to Romano's pay (though they got an increase). Pay her fairly, but let's be real here.

06-27-2005, 02:52 PM	#6
Eujenni Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 14, 2005 Posts: 23	We're all entitled to our opinions. I just found this updated article. Moonveses' Stand-Off Eases By Staff -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/26/2005 11:37:00 PM It looks like this summer will not see a Moonves vs. Moonves battle royale after all. When tortured negotiations between CBS and King of Queens co-star Leah Remini over a new contract stalled this spring, industry rubberneckers salivated over a looming fight between CBS poobah Leslie Moonves and his brother, Hollywood powerbroker—and Remini attorney—Jon Moonves. But now sources at King of Queens report, with relief, that the previously stalled negotiations have finally resumed. The news has been greeted with cautious optimism at CBS, which needs a healthy King of Queens this fall. When the network balked earlier this year at granting Remini a healthy pay bump (she reportedly earns significantly less than co-star Kevin James’ $500,000 per episode), some sort of job action seemed a likely option. After all, when sitcom stars sense that they have some leverage and not enough compensation, they have a way of losing their zest for work. The Friends gang suspended operations until NBC ponied up fat raises for them a couple of years ago, and last summer Everybody Loves Raymond’s supporting stars took the sick-out route until CBS realized the error of its monetary ways. The network is moving the solid ratings performer from Wednesdays to Mondays this fall to shore up that now Raymondless night. And the relationship between Remini’s character and James’ is essential to the show, which will be starting its eighth season. A new deal would arrive just in time: The show’s writers return to work shortly, and production on the new season starts the last week in July. The Moonves camps declined to comment.

06-28-2005, 05:18 AM	#8
seven_to_shea Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Sep 13, 2003 Posts: 173	Thank you for the articles. Obviously the show is kapput without James, but I think the same could be said with Remini. Not only do you have a storyline that totally doesn't fit the show, I really don't think James can pull off a dramatic storyline like that. And, no Carrie...should hypothetically story-wise, mean no Arthur [Doug has always wanted rid of Arthur and Carrie wouldn't leave him], so they're doubly screwed if Stiller isn't around, which in turn means no Holly [and she was the highlight of the past season IMO]. They lose tons of credit if they lazily keep the same characters around for no apparent reason. So we get lots of scenes with Kevin James' brother, his wife and other relatives to fill up space? They need to sort themselves out, and give Leah a fair pay day, whatever that may be.

06-28-2005, 11:12 PM	#9
HuntingtonM15 That Bothers Me Moderator Forum Star Join Date: Jun 20, 2003 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 11,060	I personally don't feel that either Leah or Kevin could hold up the show on their own. A few episodes maybe, but an entire season...nope. The quality of the show would definitely go down.

06-29-2005, 09:21 AM	#10
JourneyMan Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 29, 2005 Posts: 15	They could keep Arthur in the show without Leah there if Carrie died. Of course, that would be a pretty depressing thing to happen on a sitcom, so I can't see that happening. I started watching KOQ because Leah is so hot, but I love all the actors on the show now. It could go on without Leah, but would lose a lot of its spunk.

06-29-2005, 05:10 PM	#13
felicitylen Keep Austin WEIRD Senior Member Join Date: Apr 17, 2003 Location: Hook 'em Horns Posts: 1,606	I just want to comment that I have been watching this show for awhile, and I definitely agree that Leah should get equal pay or a pay raise just like Kevin. What's going on with Jerry Stiller? Are there any negotiations concerning his pay? Is there any word on whether or not she will be back for another season?

06-29-2005, 06:18 PM	#14
gidgetgrape Forever Gidget Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 20, 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 3,502	I hope everything gets straightened out because I would hate for it to be taken off the air or drastically changed. I didn't like Leah before she appeared in King of Queens. I remember hating the summer episodes of Saved By The Bell with her and Zack. She was too gruff for that show. I think she's found her niche on King of Queens and as much as I didn't like her then I LOVE her now.

06-29-2005, 09:48 PM	#15
jpcanes Member Senior Member Join Date: Feb 28, 2005 Location: The L.R.G.'s Indiana Office Posts: 1,744	take it easy people I think it is both in the network's and Leah's best interest to get a deal done.At least for the upcoming season(hopefully not the last). Hey,I'm just glad she doesn't play hockey!