Final Season Overview and Broadcast Performance
The tenth and final season of Will and Grace aired in 2019, concluding the NBC sitcom that originally ran from 1998 to 2006. The revival was ordered by NBC in 2017, with all four original cast members returning for a limited 18-episode run. The final season averaged around 3.5 million total viewers in the United States, according to NBC and Nielsen data, making it a strong performer for a legacy comedy revival. The series finale drew over 18 million viewers across multiple platforms, one of the highest-rated comedy finales in recent television history NBC official site.
Critical reception for the final season was mixed but largely respectful, with reviewers noting the show's ability to address modern social issues while maintaining its original comedic tone. Rotten Tomatoes aggregated scores for the final season in the mid-60s percent range, reflecting a divide among longtime fans and new audiences. The show remained a consistent topic in television discussions throughout its final months, driven by cast interviews and promotional appearances Rotten Tomatoes.
Cast Earnings and Contract Details
Reports indicated that the four lead actors earned a combined salary of roughly $3 million per episode during the final season, with each main cast member taking home an estimated $750,000 per episode. Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes, and Megan Mullally negotiated their contracts together, securing backend participation and profit-sharing arrangements. The final season's production budget was reported to be in the range of $3 million to $4 million per episode, reflecting the high-profile ensemble cast and production values Forbes.
Beyond per-episode pay, the cast benefited from syndication and streaming residuals, as the original and revival seasons continue to generate revenue through licensing deals. NBCUniversal, the parent company of the network, retains significant control over the show's distribution and merchandising rights. The financial structure of the revival allowed the cast to focus on the creative aspects without the pressure of long-term series commitments SEC filings.
Streaming Performance and Distribution
Will and Grace episodes are available on multiple streaming platforms, including Peacock, the NBCUniversal-owned service, and through digital purchase and rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. The show's catalog consistently ranks among the top watched classic sitcoms on Peacock, with the final season driving spikes in viewership during and after its broadcast run. Availability on these platforms has helped the series reach new audiences globally, extending its cultural and financial lifespan Peacock.
International distribution rights for Will and Grace are handled by NBCUniversal Global Distribution, with the show airing in over 100 countries. The final season was simultaneously released on several international markets, maximizing global viewership and advertising revenue. Syndication deals continue to bring in steady revenue through local networks and streaming services worldwide Tesla.