Although the 10-episode order from Lifetime may sound like a good news to the well-rated series, actors are harmed.
- Nov 30, 2011
AceShowbiz - "Army Wives" is here to stay. The veteran drama series has been given a 10-episode order by Lifetime, extending its number of episodes in season 6 from 13 to 23. The series has had 19 episodes in one season before but never went beyond 20.
Lifetime's decision to add episodes into the series, according to Deadline, is based on the fact that their news series "The Protector" and "Against the Wall" did not perform well. In addition, the cable will dodge the complexity of new paperworks because the cast don't have deals beyond the sixth season. The current contract require them to do all episodes produced in a season.
The series is currently in production of the 13th episode which supposedly was the season finale. Deadline said that the 23-episode order is most likely split into two batches.
Cast would reportedly receive a $10,000-per-episode pay rise on top of their 5-figures salary. Although it's 10 to 20 percent increase of their salary, it's comparably smaller than if they negotiate a new contract for seventh season.
The new pickup also weighs down the actors in terms of booking new pilots. The cast will now have to pass other opportunities which they probably have planned with the thought that the show ends in February.
