WGA contract boosts writer bonuses for streaming viewership

Bridgerton and Fallout, two popular streaming shows, have both benefited from a new Writers Guild of America (WGA) contract. This agreement allows writers to receive bonuses based on viewership, marking a significant change in compensation for streaming success. Under the new contract, if a show achieves 20% U.S. viewership within 90 days, writers can earn bonuses of 50% on top of existing residuals. Bridgerton and Fallout are among the first shows to qualify for these bonuses, alongside Griselda, Ted, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. This development follows the 2023 Writers Guild strike, which aimed to address pay disparities in the streaming era. The new contract reflects the growing importance of streaming viewership in determining writer compensation.