Putting yourself out there on reality TV is something many people have done, and while the vast majority are forgotten, some people become infamous figures that etch their place in TV history. It's rare, of course, but it happens.
90 Day Fiance has had some notable figures, and some, like Big Ed, have increased their net worths after being on the show. Many reality shows pay their contestants, but others are not as kind. This has led to fans wondering about 90 Day Fiance cast members.
Let's see if the show pays is cast members.
How Much Does '90 Day Fiance' Pay Its Stars?
January 2014 marked the start of 90 Day Fiance, a show that is both over-the-top and addicting for fans. The show focuses on international lovers with a 90-day window to marry one another. A simple premise, sure, but this show is wildly popular and has been so for years now.
On the surface, it might not seem like things would get too crazy on the show, but once chaotic figures make their way in front of the cameras, all bets are off. Fans are treated to the best and worst version of cast members on the show, and the dramatics are cranked up to 11 each season.
For 8 seasons and nearly 80 episodes, fans of the show have enjoyed the relationships presented to them. It's a real oil and water situation for many, and the fallout from failed unions give way to juicy moments that social media users can't help but dissect.
The cast members on the show put themselves out there for the world to see, and many fans have wondered about their compensation for being on the show.
'90 Day Fiancé' Has Turned Its Stars Into Household Names
One unique thing that this show offers is the opportunity for overnight celebrity. Few contestants will actually make this happen, but the truth is that people who appeared on the show have been able to become household names.
There is perhaps no better example of this than Big Ed. He became a social media talking point while on the show, and the overnight celebrity he found was a reminder of what is possible by appearing on reality TV.
Ed touched on life after becoming realty TV famous, saying, "I’d never heard of 90 Day Fiancé and I filled out the link. I filled it out like it was a lotto ticket. The next thing you know I’m on this reality show and I’m in the Philippines. I thought it was a waste of time and it was ridiculous and no one would watch it."
"It all changed in January 2020 with the premiere. Overnight like literally overnight people would stop me on my Vespa. I couldn’t even walk down the street or an airport without being berated. You know I love it too. I wouldn’t change anything although it’s changed my life in every facet. I kind of like where I’m at. It feels good," he added.
Some contestants end up on spin-off shows, and others even get their own shows, which is proof that this show can lead to major opportunities.
The opportunities might be there, but are contestants actually paid for being on the show?
'90 Day Fiancé' Pays Less That Most Would Assume
So, does the series actually pay people to be on the show? Thankfully, one former cast member has opened up about her experience, and she shared that the show does pay its cast members.
According to US Weekly," In 2018, Nikki Cooper, who appeared as a friend of David Toborowsky on season 5 of 90 Day Fiancé, posted on Facebook that cast members get paid $1,000 per episode and $2,500 to film the tell-all special, which equals out to $14,500 for a 12-episode season."
No, that is not a ton of money, but given the fact that the show is making money from their contestants' behavior, it's nice to see that they kick them a little something for their work in front of the cameras.
Again, the show does offer a platform that contestants can spring from, meaning that a memorable stint on the show can lead to lucrative opportunities. This is not a guarantee for everyone, of course, but the opportunity is still there for those willing to air their drama out for the world to see.
The next time you sit down and enjoy an episode of 90 Day Fiance, just remember that these folks are getting paid.