Aries Spears: HBO Max Removed MadTV Episodes Because They Didn't Want to Pay Us (Part 5)

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In a candid interview, comedian Aries Spears exposed why HBO Max pulled all 14 seasons of *MadTV* from its streaming service. Spears explained that after the platform launched, the full series was available online, but when he and other cast members pushed the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) to ensure they received proper residual payments, HBO Max chose to remove the show entirely rather than pay up. Spears criticized the major network, saying, “We’d rather take it down completely than give you money.” Highlighting ongoing industry issues, Spears shared how actors often receive negligible residuals, citing examples like a $0.43 check from *The Boondocks.* This revelation follows similar frustrations from other comedians, including Dave Chappelle, who has spoken about being shortchanged on streaming deals. Spears’ comments shed light on the challenges performers face in securing fair compensation in the streaming era.