`New York Undercover' Series Stars End Walkout

NEW YORK - Production has resumed on Fox's police drama "New York Undercover" following a three-day walkout by its stars, Michael DeLorenzo and Malik Yoba.

"The actors returned under the terms and conditions of their original, five-year contracts," said executive producer Dick Wolf.

He said the actors and Universal Television "had conversations, but there were no negotiations."

Wolf said the walkout was prompted by demands that included $75,000 per episode for one of the actors plus more creative input, "a gym and a star trailer and better food."

Wolf threatened to write the actors out of the show. Universal also filed a $1.2-million suit against them alleging breach of contract, maintaining that the delays were costing the production company $60,000 per day.

Observers think the "Undercover" stars may have been emboldened to hold out by the much-publicized salary dispute involving NBC's "Friends," whose six cast members are each seeking raises to more than $100,000 per episode.

"Friends," however, is a major hit that has already been sold into syndication for more than $4 million per episode. "New York Undercover" is one of TV's highest-rated shows in black and Latino households but draws relatively small ratings overall. It does not have a deal beyond its Fox run and, according to the producer, continues to operate at a deficit.