The landscape of television salaries has dramatically transformed, with more actors than ever earning $1 million or more per episode. As A-list stars transition to the small screen, their paychecks have surged, establishing a new norm for high-profile television appearances. While few actors achieved this milestone before 2017, the number has since expanded to include several prominent names, raising the stakes for talent in the industry.
Stars Enter the Million-Dollar Club
Among the groundbreaking earners, the main cast members of “The Big Bang Theory” – Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, and Kaley Cuoco – achieved $1 million per episode for the show’s final three seasons, a significant increase from their prior salary of $350,000 per episode. This marked a pivotal moment in Hollywood, setting a standard for future projects.
Jennifer Aniston is notable for making the million-dollar threshold on two separate occasions: first for her iconic role on “Friends,” where she earned $1 million per episode starting in 2002, and again for “The Morning Show” in 2019, commanding a staggering $2 million per episode. Her co-star, Reese Witherspoon, also reached this milestone with both “Big Little Lies” and “The Morning Show.”
Historical Context of Per-Episode Earnings
Jerry Seinfeld holds the distinction of being the first television actor to reach $1 million per episode in 1997, a figure equivalent to about $2 million today when adjusted for inflation. This groundbreaking fee laid the foundation for current salaries.
In terms of peak earnings, several actors have crossed the $2 million mark. They include Robert Downey Jr. for “The Sympathizer,” John Krasinski for “Jack Ryan,” and the aforementioned Aniston and Witherspoon for “The Morning Show.” However, notable for their limited-run series, these figures were often accompanied by additional production roles, boosting their overall compensation.
Top Earners and Their Productions
The list of actors earning $1 million or more per episode includes:
- Kevin Costner – “Yellowstone” (2022) – $1.2 million
- Elisabeth Moss – “Shining Girls” (2022) – $1 million
- Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren – “1923” (2022) – $1 million each
- John Krasinski – “Jack Ryan” (2022) – $2 million
- Jason Sudeikis – “Ted Lasso” (2022) – $1 million
- Michael Keaton – “Dopesick” (2021) – $1 million
- Jeff Bridges – “The Old Man” (2022) – $1 million
- Robert Downey Jr. – “The Sympathizer” (2021) – $2 million
- Jennifer Aniston – “The Morning Show” (2019) – $2 million
- Reese Witherspoon – “Big Little Lies” (2019) – $1 million
- Zendaya – “Euphoria” (2024, expected) – $1 million
This shift reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where significant star power and production values increasingly drive earnings. As streaming services continue to expand, the potential for lucrative contracts is likely to grow, setting new precedents in television history.
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