Paramount, ‘Becker’ Actors Settle Lawsuit

Production of “Becker,” the CBS sitcom starring Ted Danson as a grouchy doctor, is back on track after settlement of a salary dispute by five of the show’s supporting actors.

A breach-of-contract suit brought by the five actors against Paramount Network Television “has been settled and all differences resolved,” the two sides said in a joint statement.

Paramount, like CBS, is a unit of Viacom Inc.

Paramount said cast members Terry Farrell, Alex Desert, Shawnee Smith and Saverio Guerra had skipped work for two straight days, holding up production on the show.

Series regular Hattie Winston had both days off but took part in a sickout by the cast earlier this month.

The five actors filed suit Tuesday, accusing Paramount of reneging on a written agreement last year to negotiate a pay increase going into the show’s upcoming fourth season.

Danson was not involved in the dispute.

The statement from Paramount did not explain how the suit was settled. Executives at the studio were unavailable for comment.

“Everyone is delighted that production will resume and ‘Becker’ will remain on schedule,” the studio said.

Speaking for the actors, Farrell said, “We are delighted that we were able to resolve our differences. . . . We are all thrilled to be back on stage.”

“Becker” is one of the top-rated comedies on television and currently ranks No. 15 in household ratings among all network shows in prime time.