Does the SAG Deal Prove Actors Have No Power?

Welcome to The Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, episode 80! This one is packed, and we have new developments for the podcast as well.  The SAG-AFTRA deal is heading to a member vote — and before you cast yours, you need to hear this episode. We recorded this before the SAG-AFTRA National Board approved the tentative agreement, which makes everything we break down here an essential primer for what actors are actually being asked to sign off on. The streaming bonus structure, the 90-day window, the $40 million that never materialized — we get into the mechanics of why actors had problems with the financial terms in the contract in 2023 and why that matters to actors TODAY. The biggest questions: Did actors have any fight left? And do they have any leverage right now? Judging from the details of the new deal, we're not so sure.  E-Kan and Rían also talk about what taking power looks like - Issa Rae's new vertical is blowing up, and it might be a big sign of things to come with verticals and how it's shaping the entertainment industry. Part 2 of the SAG-AFTRA contract drops next week. We're going deeper on the vote, what's at stake, and what actors should actually be asking before they decide. This is your homework. Listen before you vote. As for the podcast, this is a soft launch of Season 2 because why not? Also, we launched a Patreon link if you want to support the podcast. Any donations will help us keep doing it and help us make it better. If you can't support, either way we appreciate you for listening and coming along for the ride. We will continue to put out the podcast for FREE everywhere you find your podcasts, and all video. Thanks for joining us!  Follow @actorsguidepodcast @ekansoong @riansheehykelly Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidetotheEndoftheWorldPodcast LINKS: https://deadline.com/2026/05/sag-aftra-board-approves-four-year-amptp-deal-1236898612/ Issa Rae Microdrama got 45 Mill views in a week: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/tiktok-bolsters-micro-series-content-with-first-of-its-kind-partnership-with-hoorae?lang=en  https://tappedinculture.substack.com/p/issa-raes-tiktok-microdrama-screentime https://www.tiktok.com/@hooraemedia/video/7626496879328595213 Hidden Gems:  Mickey O'Sullivan (acting classes, coaching, tapings in Chicago) - https://mickeyosullivan.com/ Monarch Nursery @monarchnursery (Plant Nursery in Santa Monica, CA) Time stamps: (00:00) Intro (1:34) Season 2 launch (01:57) SAG-AFTRA tentative deal (08:24) Why many members are worried (11:51) The Streaming Bonus is a problem (19:18) Why the 2023 Contract is still relevant (26:02) Take the bitter with the sweet (28:20) Issa Rae Vertical hits 45 mill views (37:37) RIP Quibi (41:50) Hidden Gems