Aaron Paul doesn't get a dime from Breaking Bad being on Netflix - 'it's insane'

February 19, 2024

Breaking Bad became a worldwide phenomenon after its release on streaming giant Netflix, however, fan favorite Aaron Paul, who plays Jesse Pinkman, recently revealed he ‘doesn’t get paid a dime’ from it being on there.

Although Breaking Bad gained huge popularity being streamed on Netflix, the TV show first aired on AMC in 2008, and ran until 2013. Paul and his co-stars recently picketed outside Sony Pictures in California to join the rally against streaming services.

Aaron Paul doesn’t get paid by Netflix for his award-winning Breaking Bad role

The 44-year-old recently revealed that despite the show’s ongoing success after being picked up by the streaming giant, he’s received zero residuals.

The star, who went on to star in his own movie off the back of the series, played the drug-making business partner of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White.

Amid the Hollywood strike, Paul stood with his former co-stars outside Sony Pictures California, as he revealed to ET Canada:

“I don’t get a piece from Netflix on Breaking Bad to be totally honest and that’s insane to me.

“It’s such common sense and I think a lot of these streamers, they know they’ve been getting away with not paying people fair wage and now it’s time to pony up.”

According to multiple reports, Paul is said to have made between $150,000 – $200,000 per episode of the series.

Paul’s co-star, Bryan Cranston, also spoke to the outlet, as he explained they weren’t trying to make ‘streamers the enemy’.

“We’re not making [the studios and streamers] the enemy. They are not villains. These are people that we all will be working with once again at some point.

“We just want them to see reality and fairness and come back to the table and talk to us,” he revealed.

Members of SAG-AFTRA are striking alongside the WGA, as the unions are fighting for necessary action over streaming residual pay, and the increased use of AI in production.

Aaron Paul’s role as Jesse Pinkman won him three Emmys

The iconic role of Jesse Pinkman won Aaron a total of three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, in 2010, 2012, and 2014. He was also nominated in both 2009 and 2013.

His TV film, off the back of Breaking Bad, El Camino, was also nominated for an Emmy award in 2020 for Outstanding Television Movie.

Bryan Cranston won four Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2014.

The show also had two Outstanding Drama Series wins in 2013 and 2014.