11 of the 13 stars of CBS' sitcom "Bob Hearts Abishola" were downgraded from series regulars to recurring stars.
The drastic cost-cutting move may provide an early glimpse at a future strategy for networks and streamers.
- Only series leads Billy Gardell and Folake Olowofoyeku will remain as "Bob Hearts Abishola" regulars.
- The remainder of the cast will appear in just five episodes apiece of the show's 13-episode fifth season, allowing them to be relabeled as recurring stars.
- This also waives the actors' exclusivity, allowing them to pursue roles on other projects while still appearing on "Bob Hearts Abishola."
- This means another significant pay cut for the show's ensemble, which already took an apparent pay cut when the series was renewed for Season 5.
- "Bob Hearts Abishola" is produced for CBS by Warner Bros. TV, meaning that the network pays a hefty license fee on top of production costs for the show.
- NBC's "Law & Order" franchise is pursuing a similar strategy, cutting costs by decreasing the number of episodes in which actors appear.
