The TV Role Hierarchy: From Background to Series Regular
Let’s break down something that confuses MANY parents new to the industry: the different types of TV roles your child might be up for, and what each one really means for their career, bank account, and day-to-day experience on set.
Think of TV roles like the layers of a sandwich—each one has its own flavor, importance, and price tag. Understanding these distinctions will help you and your young actor navigate the industry with much more confidence. No more nodding along by pretending you know what "fractional series regular" means!
Understanding TV Roles
Let's start from the top and work our way down the TV role food chain. I'm not just going to tell you what these roles are—I'll share what they mean for contracts, pay, credit, and your child's experience. Because let's face it, the difference between a co-star and a guest star might seem small on paper, but it can mean thousands of dollars and weeks of work difference!
Series Regular
What it is: The golden ticket of TV roles! Series regulars are the main characters who appear in most episodes of a show.
Contract terms:
Multi-year contracts (usually 5-7 seasons) with options for each season
Exclusivity clauses that limit other work during filming seasons
Guaranteed minimum number of episodes per season
Pay structure:
Highest per-episode rate (can range from $20,000 to $100,000+ per episode for established child actors)
Residuals for reruns, streaming, and international distribution
Potential for salary renegotiation as the show becomes successful
“Daytime Soap Operas can list “Contract Roles””
Credit placement:
Opening credits or "Also Starring" credits
Name appears in every episode, even if the character doesn't
What parents should know:
Series regular roles are life-changing commitments. Your family's schedule will revolve around the show's production calendar for potentially years. The trade-off? Financial security and career-defining exposure.
I've worked with kids who landed series regular roles, and while the excitement is incredible, the adjustment period can be challenging. Your child will essentially have two full-time jobs: acting and school. Not to mention possible relocation and a new job for one parent. Make sure they are truly ready before pursuing these roles, because the long hours on set will test their passion.
Fractional Series Regular
What it is: A lesser-known category where an actor appears regularly but not in every episode.
Contract terms:
Similar to series regulars but with guaranteed appearance in a specific fraction of episodes (hence the name)
Often includes a "put pilot" guarantee of 7-13 episodes
Still includes exclusivity during filming periods
“Imagine being a character that dies or moves and it’s a surprise to audience.”
Pay structure:
Slightly lower than full series regulars
Usually paid per episode with guarantees for a minimum number
May include "holding fees" for episodes not used in
Credit placement:
Often listed as "Also Starring" or with the regular cast
May rotate with other fractional regulars
What parents should know:
This can actually be a sweet spot for child actors who need more flexibility. Your child gets the prestige and stability of being part of the main cast, but with somewhat less demanding schedules. The studio gets the benefit of having your child's character without paying for every episode. Win-win!
Recurring Guest Star
What it is: Characters who appear in multiple episodes (3+ typically) but aren't main cast members.
Contract terms:
Often signed for a specific number of episodes with options for being written in more
May include a "first position" clause giving the show priority for scheduling
Usually season-specific, not multi-year
“Remember Heather Locklear on Melrose Place? She was the star of the series and was never listed as series regular but rather “Special Guest Star’ (on her own title card)”
Pay structure:
Weekly rates higher than one-time guest stars
Potential for bumps if used in more episodes than initially contracted
Some recurring characters can grow into series regulars (with new contracts)
Credit placement:
"Guest Starring" credit
Name appears only in episodes where the character appears
What parents should know:
Recurring roles are fantastic opportunities for young actors to build their resumes while maintaining some schedule flexibility. These roles can sometimes grow into bigger opportunities if the character resonates with audiences. I've seen recurring characters become fan favorites who eventually join the main cast!
Guest Star
What it is: A significant role in a single episode, often driving that episode's story.
Contract terms:
Single episode or weekly contracts
No long-term commitment
Potential to return in future episodes (which would make it recurring)
“You could even win an Emmy award!”
Pay structure:
Day rates or weekly rates substantially higher than co-stars
Scale plus 10% is common for newer actors
Established actors can command much higher guest star rates
Credit placement:
"Guest Starring" credit at beginning of the episode
Often appears before co-stars in credits
What parents should know:
Guest star roles are perfect for building a strong reel. Your child will typically have meaty scenes with the main cast and potentially a character arc within the episode. These roles are the bread and butter of many working child actors—substantial enough to showcase talent, but not requiring the massive time commitment of series regular roles.
Recurring Co-Star
What it is: A small character who appears in multiple episodes but has limited screen time in each.
Contract terms:
Episode-by-episode contracts, sometimes with options
No exclusivity (can work on other shows simultaneously)
Sometimes booked just days before filming
“Think Gunther at Central Perk on FRIENDS”
Pay structure:
Day player rates
Can become more negotiable if the character keeps returning
Potential for "bump ups" to guest star status if role expands
Credit placement:
Listed in end credits
Sometimes grouped under "Co-starring"
What parents should know:
These roles can be steady work that adds up over time! While not as flashy as guest star spots, recurring co-stars are known entities on set, often get better treatment than one-time co-stars, and can develop relationships with casting directors that lead to bigger opportunities down the road.
Co-Star/Day Player
What it is: Small roles with limited lines, typically appearing in just one or two scenes.
Contract terms:
Daily contracts with potential hold days
Quick or Last-minute bookings common
Easiest roles to book for newer actors
Pay structure:
Day player rates based on SAG-AFTRA minimums
Limited residuals
Often 1-2 days of work maximum
“Medical & Cop Drama series often have the biggest amount of co-star roles available per episode. ”
Credit placement:
End credits only
Sometimes grouped under "With" or simply listed by character name
What parents should know:
Co-star roles are the most common entry point into TV for child actors. While the parts may be small, they're essential for building credits, gaining set experience, and getting that first foot in the door. Don't dismiss these opportunities—everyone starts somewhere, and showing professionalism in small roles often leads to bigger ones!
Cameo
What it is: A brief special appearance, often by a recognizable actor or celebrity.
Contract terms:
Usually one-day shoots
Often negotiated personally rather than through standard channels
May include special considerations for billing or promotion
Guess Who?
The Rock, Dwayne Johnson, on Hannah Montana
Pay structure:
Highly variable depending on the performer's fame
Can range from scale to substantial fees for well-known personalities
Often more about the exposure than the pay
Credit placement:
May receive "Special Appearance by" credit
Sometimes uncredited if the appearance is meant to be a surprise
What parents should know:
True cameos are rare for child actors unless they're already well-known. However, as your child builds a career, special appearances on shows can be a fun way to maintain visibility without major time commitments.
Background Actor/Extra
What it is: Non-speaking roles that fill out scenes (students in a classroom, kids at a playground, etc.)
Contract terms:
Daily booking with no guarantee of screen time
Often booked through specialized background casting
No audition required in most cases
Pay structure:
SAG-AFTRA minimum daily rates for union work
Lower rates for non-union background work
Additional bumps for "featured" background (when camera focuses on them)
Appearing in a season as an “extra” could rule you out from being cast in a speaking role.
Credit placement:
No credit in the episode
No addition to acting resume
What parents should know:
Background work can be a way to experience a set environment with less pressure, but I generally don't recommend it as a path to television speaking roles. While "getting discovered" in the background does can happen, it's extremely rare. That said, background work can provide income and set experience while your child continues to audition for speaking roles.
How These Roles Impact Your Child's Career Path
Let's talk strategy for a minute. In the beginning of your child's career, ANY speaking role is valuable experience. All speaking roles are very competitive. Co-star roles build confidence and provide those crucial first few credits that help get them in the door for bigger opportunities.
As their resume grows, you might want to be more selective, aiming for guest star and recurring roles that provide meatier material for their demo reel.
Series regular roles are often seen as the ultimate goal, but they're also the biggest commitment—make sure your entire family is prepared for that lifestyle change before pursuing these opportunities.
Remember: There's no "right" path! Some of the most successful adult actors built careers playing supporting characters rather than leads. The key is finding roles that suit your child's strengths and will introduce them to the industry.
Contract Negotiation Tips for Parents
No matter what level role your child is booking, understanding these few contract basics will serve you well:
1. Know the minimums: Familiarize yourself with SAG-AFTRA minimum rates for each category so you know what's reasonable.
2. Understand exclusivity: Higher-level roles often come with restrictions on other work your child can accept. Make sure these restrictions are clearly defined and reasonable.
3. Look beyond the daily rate: Consider residuals, potential for recurring appearances, and credit placement.
4. Clarify working hours: Especially important for child actors who have strict working hour limitations by law.
5. Don't go it alone: An experienced agent, manager, or entertainment attorney should review any contract before you sign.
Think of contracts like recipes—they all have similar ingredients, but the proportions and cooking methods make all the difference in the final result!
Real Talk: What These Different Roles Mean Day-to-Day
Beyond contracts and credits, each type of role creates a different experience for your child on set:
Series regulars have their own dressing rooms, established relationships with crew, and a voice in their character's development. But they also face the longest hours and highest expectations.
Guest stars receive special treatment as the "new kid" for their episode, with featured storylines and decent accommodations, but must adapt quickly to an established set dynamic.
Co-stars may spend most of their day waiting for their brief scene, with minimal rehearsal time and a need to nail their performance quickly.
Background actors experience lots of hurry-up-and-wait time, less comfortable accommodations, but also less pressure.
I always tell parents: Ask your child about their experience after each job, not just about the scenes they shot. How were they treated? Did they enjoy the process?
The Reality of "Moving Up the Ladder"
While I've presented these roles as a clear hierarchy, the reality of the industry isn't always so linear. I've worked with kids who booked a series regular role with virtually no prior credits (rare but it happens!), and others who've worked steadily for years as co-stars without landing bigger roles.
The entertainment industry can sometimes feel like a game of Chutes and Ladders rather than a straight climb up. Your child might book a fantastic guest star role and then go back to co-star roles for a while. That's completely normal and doesn't represent a step backward—it's just the nature of this business.
What matters most is consistency, professionalism, and genuine love for the craft. Those are the qualities that sustain a long-term career, regardless of what size role your child is playing this week.
Common Questions About TV Roles
Q: Can my child move from background work to speaking roles?
A: While possible, this is uncommon. Background casting and principal casting are usually handled by different departments. Your best path to speaking roles is through proper auditions.
Q: Should we turn down co-star roles if my child has already done guest star work?
A: Not necessarily! Consider factors like the show's prestige, the specific character, potential for recurring, and how the role fits into your child's overall career goals. A small role on a hit show can sometimes be more valuable than a bigger role on an unknown project.
Q: How do we know if a series regular role is worth the commitment?
A: Consider: Is the show on a reputable network/platform? Is the producer/showrunner established? Do you and your child connect with the character and concept? Would your family be happy if this became your child's primary job for several years? And most importantly: Does your child genuinely love the project?
Q: Are there age-specific considerations for different role types?
A: Yes! For very young actors (under 8), series regular commitments can be particularly challenging due to limited working hours and attention spans. Teen actors may find recurring roles ideal as they balance school commitments. Consider your child's developmental needs when pursuing different role types.
Q: How do streaming shows differ from traditional network TV in how they classify roles?
A: Streaming platforms sometimes use different terminology or hybrid models. Some Netflix shows, for instance, might contract all talent as "series regulars" but with different episode guarantees. Always clarify exactly what the role entails, regardless of what it's called.
Q: My child was a co-star but had more lines than some guest stars. Why the lower classification?
A: Role classification isn't just about line count—it's also about story impact, screen time, and how the role was budgeted. Sometimes these distinctions feel arbitrary, but they're usually determined by production needs rather than talent considerations.
Feedback & Guidance
Please check out my one-on-one coaching sessions where we can develop a strategy specifically for your child's career goals.
Finding Your Child's Place in the TV Landscape
Understanding the differences between TV roles isn't just about knowing industry lingo—it's about setting appropriate expectations and making strategic decisions for your child's career and wellbeing.
Remember that every working actor, even the biggest stars, still auditions for and accepts a mix of role types throughout their careers. The goal isn't necessarily to reach "series regular status" and stay there forever, but to build a sustainable, enjoyable career that grows with your child.
Whether your young performer is just starting out with co-star roles or already juggling recurring guest star opportunities, knowing the landscape helps you navigate it more confidently.
Have questions about TV roles I didn't cover? Drop them in the comments below!
