10 Highest-Paid TV Stars (And What They Made Per Episode)

10 Highest-Paid TV Stars (And What They Made Per Episode)

Television has always been a powerful magnet for talent, but in recent decades, it’s also become a staggering source of wealth for those at the very top. While most actors dream of a steady paycheck, a select few have managed to negotiate mind-blowing sums that made them legends not just on screen, but in their bank accounts as well.

10. Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)

Long before he was commanding million-dollar paychecks, Jim Parsons was known for turning Sheldon Cooper into a cultural phenomenon. His quirky mannerisms and razor-sharp delivery became the backbone of The Big Bang Theory, and audiences couldn’t get enough.

By the final seasons, Parsons—alongside his main castmates—was pulling in around $1 million per episode. That number was nearly unheard of for a sitcom ensemble at the time. It was also a testament to the show’s dominance as one of the most-watched comedies on television.

While Parsons has since shifted toward producing and narrating projects, his success on The Big Bang Theory cemented him as one of the highest-paid stars in TV history.

9. Tim Allen (Home Improvement)

At the height of ’90s family sitcom mania, Home Improvement was the show everyone tuned into for laughs, life lessons, and a little “Tool Time” chaos. Tim Allen became a household name thanks to his mix of stand-up humor and lovable dad antics.

Networks knew that without Allen, the show would collapse. So, by the end of its run, he was reportedly earning $1.25 million per episode. That kind of paycheck was groundbreaking at the time and made Allen one of the richest comedians in Hollywood.

Though Allen moved on to movies like The Santa Clause and another hit series, Last Man Standing, his Home Improvement era remains the crown jewel of his career earnings.

8. Chris Pratt (The Terminal List)

Known first for being the goofy Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation, Chris Pratt’s leap into Hollywood superstardom was nothing short of dramatic. After proving himself in blockbuster franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, Pratt returned to TV with serious negotiating power.

Amazon Prime’s The Terminal List saw him cashing in at roughly $1.4 million per episode. That paycheck didn’t just reflect his acting—it was also tied to his involvement as an executive producer.

For Pratt, the move showcased how streaming platforms are willing to shell out enormous sums to land bankable stars. It was a clear sign that the television playing field had shifted dramatically in favor of top talent.

7. Kelsey Grammer (Frasier)

Already beloved as Dr. Frasier Crane on Cheers, Kelsey Grammer pulled off the rarest of feats: a spinoff that actually rivaled the original. Frasier became one of the most acclaimed sitcoms ever, and Grammer’s sharp wit and sophisticated charm were central to its success.

By the later seasons, Grammer’s salary ballooned to an incredible $1.6 million per episode. At the time, this was an extraordinary figure for a network sitcom star, but NBC knew they couldn’t risk losing him.

That deal not only made Grammer one of the richest actors of the ’90s but also secured his place in the history books as a pioneer in sitcom salary negotiations.

6. Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond)

Few sitcoms captured the warmth and chaos of family life quite like Everybody Loves Raymond. Ray Romano’s everyman humor made the show relatable to millions, and it became a cornerstone of CBS’s primetime lineup.

Romano wasn’t just the face of the series—he was the heart and soul of it. That’s why CBS opened its wallet, paying him about $1.725 million per episode by the end of the run.

Those numbers made him the highest-paid TV actor at the time. Romano’s payday was proof that even a simple family sitcom could become a cultural—and financial—juggernaut when paired with the right star.

5. Charlie Sheen (Two and a Half Men)

When Charlie Sheen joined Two and a Half Men, he was already known as Hollywood’s “bad boy.” Ironically, that image worked perfectly for the role of Charlie Harper, a wealthy bachelor living life with no filter.

Audiences loved his comedic timing, and the show quickly became a ratings powerhouse for CBS. Sheen’s salary reflected his star power—reports put him at roughly $1.8 to $2 million per episode.

Even after his dramatic exit from the show, Sheen’s payday remains one of the highest in television history. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Sheen changed the landscape of sitcom salaries.

4. Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show)

Already an Oscar-winning actress and producer, Reese Witherspoon made headlines when she jumped back into television with Apple TV+’s The Morning Show. The drama tackled workplace politics and personal scandals, and Witherspoon’s performance brought both grit and star power.

Apple knew they needed a marquee name to make the show a must-watch. As a result, Witherspoon pulled in around $2 million per episode. That’s blockbuster movie money—on a streaming series.

Her role also underscored how streaming platforms are willing to pay top dollar to lure A-list actors into long-form storytelling. It was a deal that set a new precedent for television salaries.

3. Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show)

Few stars have the enduring appeal of Jennifer Aniston. After dominating the ’90s with Friends, she could have easily coasted on that legacy forever. Instead, she reinvented herself for a new era with The Morning Show.

Her performance as Alex Levy was intense, layered, and utterly captivating. Audiences—and critics—took notice. Aniston’s paycheck of roughly $2 million per episode proved just how much value she still brought to the small screen.

Paired with Witherspoon, Aniston not only boosted Apple TV+ subscriptions but also reminded everyone that she remains one of television’s most bankable stars decades after Friends ended.

2. Kevin Costner (Yellowstone)

Western dramas had all but disappeared from primetime before Yellowstone came along, and Kevin Costner was the linchpin of its success. His portrayal of John Dutton, the stoic ranch patriarch, turned the show into a cultural phenomenon.

Reports placed Costner’s salary between $1.3 and $1.5 million per episode, but backend deals and raises often brought that number closer to $2.2–$2.5 million. It’s a staggering sum for a cable drama star.

For Costner, Yellowstone wasn’t just a paycheck—it revitalized his career and introduced him to a new generation of fans. His deal redefined how much networks would pay for prestige drama leads.

1. Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City)

Fashion, friendship, and plenty of martinis made Sex and the City a cultural landmark. At the center of it all was Sarah Jessica Parker, whose portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw became iconic.

As the show gained popularity, Parker’s influence grew behind the scenes as well. By the final three seasons of the original run, she was pulling in an astonishing $3.2 million per episode.

That figure makes her the highest-paid TV star in history by a comfortable margin. For Parker, Sex and the City wasn’t just a career-defining role—it was a financial masterstroke that remains unmatched on television.