25 Highest Paid TV Actors of All Time

TV stars are now earning much more than just regular weekly salaries. Today’s deals often include payments per episode, producer credits, and a share of the show’s profits. The biggest earnings often come from successful shows being shown in reruns or on streaming services. While sitcoms used to dominate top salaries, limited series and high-quality dramas are now earning stars just as much, thanks to shorter seasons and larger budgets. Here’s a look at the TV stars with the most lucrative contracts across all types of television.

Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld didn’t just star in his show; he became a part-owner, which dramatically increased his income. He earned over a million dollars per episode and also secured a percentage of the show’s profits. Even years after the show ended, sales from reruns and streaming services continue to earn him money. These ongoing payments, along with licensing the show for use in other media, mean his total earnings are far greater than most actors’.

Ray Romano

Ray Romano earned an exceptionally high salary for a sitcom star during the height of his show’s popularity. He made over a million dollars per episode, and also profited from the show’s continued success in reruns. This combination of earnings established a new standard for how much sitcom stars could make.

Charlie Sheen

As a lifelong movie and TV fan, I remember when Charlie Sheen was absolutely raking it in during his time on that hugely popular comedy. He quickly became the highest-paid actor on television – his salary per episode climbed way up, eventually exceeding a million dollars! And it wasn’t just the base salary; he also got bonuses and a cut of the show’s profits, making his earnings even bigger as the seasons went on. It was a record-breaking amount at the time, and it stood for years after he left the show.

Kelsey Grammer

Kelsey Grammer earned a fortune thanks to the success of ‘Frasier,’ which began as a spin-off. Later in the show’s run, he was making over a million dollars per episode, and he also earned money as a producer. The continued popularity of both the original series and ‘Frasier’ in reruns significantly increased his overall income, establishing him as one of the highest-paid actors in television.

Tim Allen

Tim Allen was one of the highest-paid sitcom stars of the 1990s. At the show’s peak, he earned over a million dollars per episode. He also benefited from being a producer, and continued to earn money from merchandise and reruns for years after the show aired.

Jennifer Aniston

In the later seasons of her hit show, Jennifer Aniston worked with her co-stars to secure equal pay of $1 million per episode. She then successfully transitioned back to television with lucrative streaming deals, earning well over $1 million per episode. By also becoming an executive producer, she increased her financial stake in the shows. Her contracts demonstrate how television compensation has changed from traditional network arrangements to more profitable streaming services.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon successfully transitioned from movies to high-paying television series. She earns approximately two million dollars per episode for her leading role in a popular streaming drama, and her production company also provides additional income. This combination of acting and producing is now typical for major television deals.

Steve Carell

Steve Carell now earns a substantial amount per episode for his television work, especially with high-profile streaming series. He’s reaching seven-figure payments per episode, and his overall earnings are boosted by additional producer credits. His previous success on traditional networks gave him the negotiating power to secure these lucrative deals.

John Krasinski

John Krasinski not only starred in a popular streaming thriller but also earned a seven-figure salary per episode. As an executive producer, his income was also tied to the show’s success. The show’s shorter seasons and larger budgets allowed for these high per-episode payments, and as the series grew in popularity, it gave him more leverage to negotiate even better terms.

Kevin Costner

As a movie buff, I was really surprised to hear how much Kevin Costner made for that cable show! Apparently, he was getting over a million dollars per episode, which is huge. And it wasn’t just that flat rate – he also got extra money based on how much filming there was and his other commitments to the project. Plus, he was a producer and involved in other things related to the show, which boosted his earnings even more. The fact that the show was a hit worldwide definitely gave him more negotiating power each season, too.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone earned a substantial salary – over a million dollars per episode – for his starring role in a major streaming series. His deal also included producer credits and the possibility of future seasons or spin-offs. His famous name and existing fan base were key factors in securing this valuable agreement.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford negotiated a very lucrative deal for his latest television role. He reportedly earned over a million dollars per episode for the drama, and his involvement as a producer meant his pay could increase if the show did well. Because the show had a limited number of episodes, his per-episode earnings were exceptionally high.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker earned a substantial salary during the original run of a popular cable comedy show. She continued to earn well through films and subsequent seasons thanks to new contracts. Later, taking on producer roles allowed her to earn a share of the profits. Now, the show’s availability on streaming services continues to generate income for her.

Ted Danson

Ted Danson has enjoyed a successful and lengthy television career, earning substantial income from both traditional networks and streaming services. He commanded high salaries per episode in recent comedy series, and expanded his earnings through producing and consistent roles in popular, well-regarded shows. Additionally, continued revenue from reruns of his earlier successful programs continues to add to his overall lifetime earnings.

Sofía Vergara

As a movie and TV buff, I’ve been following Sofía Vergara’s career for years, and it’s amazing to see how she’s built her empire. Of course, ‘Modern Family’ paid her incredibly well – she quickly became one of the highest-paid actors on TV per episode. But it wasn’t just the show! She really maximized her earnings with smart endorsements and licensing deals, making her overall income among the very top for anyone in television. And she didn’t stop there – she also got into producing and format deals, which added even more to her success. It’s a great example of someone building a really impressive career both on and off screen.

Ellen Pompeo

Ellen Pompeo successfully negotiated significant salary increases throughout her time on a popular medical drama. She eventually earned one of the highest per-episode salaries for any actor on a network television show. Beyond her base salary, she also received producer credits and bonus payments for reaching certain achievements, further increasing her total earnings. Her long run on the show and its continued popularity in reruns made her overall compensation even greater.

Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay has earned a remarkably stable and high income from her television work. She’s among the highest-paid stars of network dramas, and her earnings have grown thanks to her work as a producer and appearances in related shows. Strong viewership and continued reruns ensure a steady income for years to come.

Kaley Cuoco

Kaley Cuoco and her castmates earned $1 million per episode during the height of their popular sitcom. She then moved on to lead streaming shows, negotiating lucrative deals that gave her significant creative and financial control. More recently, she’s taken on producer roles, increasing her ownership and potential earnings from projects. Additionally, voice acting and animated series have provided a consistent income stream.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons transitioned from starring in a highly-paid sitcom to also becoming a producer. He agreed to a small pay cut to ensure fair compensation for his fellow cast members, while still maintaining a very high salary. Expanding into producing provided him with additional income streams. His continued success and awards also allowed him to command top-level earnings.

Johnny Galecki

Johnny Galecki benefited from the show’s success, earning a million dollars per episode. As the series continued, he also negotiated a producer credit, giving him further financial involvement. Continued revenue from reruns and international licensing significantly boosted his overall earnings, and the show’s widespread availability in reruns forms the foundation of his long-term income.

Courteney Cox

Courteney Cox earned a million dollars per episode with her famous TV show. She continued to increase her income through other acting roles and by working as a producer. The show’s recent popularity on streaming services also continues to bring her money through royalties. Plus, her work as a producer has created new sources of income beyond acting.

Lisa Kudrow

Let me tell you, Lisa Kudrow didn’t just star in Friends, she hit that incredible million-dollar-per-episode milestone with the rest of the cast! And she didn’t stop there. She smartly transitioned into producing, working on some really fantastic shows. She’s also diversified, taking on documentary and unscripted projects which is great for a steady income. But honestly, the lasting power of Friends means those residuals are still rolling in, and that show continues to be a huge asset for her. It’s a smart career, and she’s clearly made some excellent choices.

Henry Cavill

In the later seasons of a popular fantasy show, Henry Cavill earned approximately one million dollars per episode. His high salary reflected the show’s large scope and worldwide popularity. Because producers had more influence, negotiating his contract renewal became easier. The show’s shorter seasons also meant he earned more per episode.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal earned substantial per-episode fees – ranging from the high six to seven figures – for starring in popular, critically acclaimed TV series. He increased his overall income by working on multiple shows at the same time, and successfully negotiated pay raises after successful seasons and award recognition. Combining both voice acting and on-screen roles further boosted his television earnings.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston successfully used his popular television series to earn substantial income from subsequent projects. He later commanded fees of over a million dollars per episode for limited-run series. By also becoming a producer and gaining creative control, he increased his overall earnings. Consistent high demand for his work continues to ensure he receives top-level compensation.

Share your picks for the biggest TV paydays ever in the comments.

2025-11-03 13:16