The King of Queens has had a long run in syndication, but that does not establish how much Kevin James or Leah Remini earns from reruns—or whether either could live on those payments alone. SAG-AFTRA explains how residuals can be paid when a production is reused; the available sources do not disclose either actor’s individual residual totals or private compensation terms.
What reruns can—and cannot—tell us about their income
The show’s continued circulation makes ongoing residual payments plausible for performers covered by the applicable agreements. But a program’s syndication history is not an actor’s payment record. The sources available do not establish Kevin James’s or Leah Remini’s individual King of Queens residual income, much less their total income or whether reruns alone would cover their living costs.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![The King Of Queens - The Complete Series [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/519nZAWG0pL._SL160_.jpg)
|
The King Of Queens - The Complete Series [DVD] | $34.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![The King Of Queens: The Complete Series [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pgKWYh72L._SL160_.jpg)
|
The King Of Queens: The Complete Series [DVD] | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
|
The King of Queens: The Complete Series | $42.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
The King of Queens : The Complete Series Box Set with Bonus Disc | $299.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
King of Queens : Season 3 | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
There is no sound basis here to assign either actor an annual residual figure or to assume they receive equal amounts. Those conclusions would require actor-specific information about contracts, payment calculations, and actual residual records.
What residuals are
SAG-AFTRA describes residuals as additional compensation when a production is shown beyond the original use covered by initial compensation. The union’s 2021 TV and Theatrical Residuals Quick Guide says: “Residuals are additional compensation paid to performers when a production is shown beyond the original use covered by the initial compensation.” Qualifying reruns and distribution in other markets may trigger payments, depending on the applicable agreement and rules.
#1 Best Overall
Eligibility can depend on contract coverage and, for a principal performer, whether the performance remains in the released version. The calculation is not a universal flat fee for every rerun. SAG-AFTRA’s residuals overview and member-help guidance describe factors that can include the contract in force for the relevant year, time spent on the production, production type, market, applicable minimums, license fees, and how residuals are shared among performers.
Why rerun counts do not reveal a performer’s payout
A report about another syndication cycle or a long-running broadcast history can show that a series had repeated distribution opportunities. It does not disclose the terms of an individual performer’s deal or the amounts credited to that performer. Even a payment tied to a market or run may not be displayed as a separate, easy-to-interpret figure: SAG-AFTRA notes that payments covering multiple markets or runs can be “rolled up” into one amount on a single market line, while other lines show zero.
Rank #2
- The King Of Queens
- The Complete Series
That means neither the number of times an episode aired nor a single market line in a payment record would, by itself, provide a reliable estimate of total residual income.
What is documented about The King of Queens’ syndication
A 2013 Next TV report said Sony Pictures Television was taking the sitcom into its third syndication cycle. In 2024, TV Insider reported that the show would enter its 27th consecutive year airing somewhere on television and join Cozi TV’s primetime lineup on September 9, 2024. That is a dated account of a planned lineup addition, not confirmation of the channel’s schedule in 2026.
Rank #3
These reports support the claim that the series has had a substantial rerun life. Neither reports what James or Remini received, and neither establishes that rerun payments could replace other income.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What would be needed to compare James and Remini
A meaningful comparison would need comparable, actor-specific information for both performers—not a general estimate of one person’s wealth beside an alleged residual figure for the other. Relevant details would include:
- Whether and how each performer’s role was covered by the applicable agreement.
- The compensation or residual formula that applied to each performer.
- Which markets and types of reuse were included, and over what period.
- Whether a reported amount is gross residuals, net income, or income from all sources.
The sources available do not provide those details or an attributable statement from either actor about personal King of Queens rerun income. A union-wide forecast about additional streaming-related earnings and contributions is not an individual performer’s payout and cannot answer the question.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Factory sealed DVD
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
