TV Show intros - why is only the last cast member's character name listed?

[mugs]

All of the previous cast members are usually listed name only, but at the end sometimes it's "and So and So as Character". One theory would be that it's because that actor is the star of the show, but that's not the case (at least not always). I'm watching the pilot of Seinfeld right now and at the end of the intro it says "and Jason Alexander as George."

???

 

[BornStar]

I would guess those actors should be known for something other than that TV show. In Jason Alexander's case, I would assume that would be Pretty Woman although I'm not sure when either of those first came out.

 

[dethman]

dont know. but it's generally a more coveted credit.

 

[sswingle]

Its usually a guest star or some such thing.

 

[kranky]

Negotiated by their agent. Being the last person listed, and credited as "Joe Smith as ....." is a higher status level than just being another name in the list.

 

[Kntx]

Originally posted by: kranky
Negotiated by their agent. Being the last person listed, and credited as "Joe Smith as ....." is a higher status level than just being another name in the list.

And if you think that's weird... read about how name location on movie posters is chosen.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Kntx

Originally posted by: kranky
Negotiated by their agent. Being the last person listed, and credited as "Joe Smith as ....." is a higher status level than just being another name in the list.

And if you think that's weird... read about how name location on movie posters is chosen.

It's always funny when a poster shows people standing next to each other, and their names are out of order above their heads.

I figured it was a prestige thing, I just thought it was odd that it's often not the star of the show.