{alltv} 'Desperate Housewives' stars reportedly finalizing contracts, one year at a time

Monday, April 11, 2011

{alltv} 'Desperate Housewives' stars reportedly finalizing contracts, one year at a time

Almost two months after cast member James Denton described the "Desperate Housewives" contract negotiations as "tenuous," Deadline reports that they should be finalized as early as Monday (April 11) with the network officially announcing a Season 8 pick up very soon after.

According to the report, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman and Marcia Cross are close to signing their deals, which will look very similar to the one Teri Hatcher closed months ago when she negotiated independently of the other housewives.

The contracts are for one year with an option to renew for a second if ABC and creator Marc Cherry make good on their promise of two more seasons.

Each star has reportedly received a $50,000 bump from their previous salary to $325,000 an episode. That will be augmented by bonuses and other additional payments to as high as $375,000 an episode. If they exercise their option for a second year, the women's base salary will increase to $350,000 and they could make as much as $18 million each for both upcoming seasons.

As we previously reported, newest housewife Vanessa Williams' contract already obligated her to return for next season. Contract negotiations for the men of Wisteria Lane would start obviously once the women have all signed on.

Cherry is expected to leave the show next season to work on his developing pilots leaving the show in longtime executive producer Bob Daily's hands.

While "Desperate Housewives'" ratings have not been as high as they used to be, the show is still one of the network's two highest rated series along with "Grey's Anatomy."

Are you happy to welcome the housewives back for at least another year?