Studio Deals Unlock a Trove of Reruns

Thousands of hours of television programming are becoming available to rerun on digital networks and cable channels after new residual agreements between studios and Hollywood’s three largest guilds.

The shows now freed from “residual gridlock” include old broadcast series like “Charlie’s Angels” and “The Flying Nun” and newer made-for-cable programs like “Breaking Bad” and “Sons of Anarchy,” according to John Weiser, president of United States distribution for Sony Pictures Television. On behalf of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, Weiser presented the residuals changes to the Directors Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America and SAG-Aftra, which represents actors and other broadcast workers. The last of those three organizations, the Screen Actors Guild -- American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, approved the changes Aug 22 as part of a three-year contract.