1. Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington and Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones (Up to $1.2 million per episode)
By the final two seasons of Game of Thrones, several of the show’s central actors negotiated salaries of about $1.2 million per episode. That group included Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington and Peter Dinklage, who had become the faces of the series. HBO agreed to the raises after the show turned into a global phenomenon with massive ratings and international distribution. The shortened final seasons also meant fewer episodes, which often drives up per-episode pay.
These deals were widely reported by outlets like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, and they remain among the highest confirmed salaries for a drama series. Not every cast member reached that level, but the core leads did. Their contracts reflected both star power and the show’s dominance in the prestige TV era. It set a benchmark for ensemble drama salaries going forward.
2. Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men ($1.8 million per episode)
Charlie Sheen earned approximately $1.8 million per episode during his final season on Two and a Half Men. At the time, it made him the highest-paid actor in television. The sitcom was one of the most-watched shows in the United States, which gave Sheen significant leverage in negotiations. The network relied heavily on the show’s consistent ratings performance.
His salary reflected both ratings success and syndication value. The show generated substantial revenue beyond its original broadcast through reruns. Despite the high pay, his tenure ended abruptly following public disputes with the production. That exit became one of the most widely covered controversies in television history.
3. Ray Romano, Everybody Loves Raymond ($1.7 million per episode)
Ray Romano reached approximately $1.7 million per episode during the later seasons of Everybody Loves Raymond. His salary increase came after the show proved to be a long-running ratings success for CBS. Romano was not only the lead actor but also deeply involved in the creative direction of the series. That dual role strengthened his negotiating position.
The deal became a major reference point for future sitcom contracts. It also led to supporting cast members negotiating raises of their own. The show’s strong syndication performance added further justification for the high salaries. Romano’s earnings were among the highest ever for a network sitcom lead.
4. Kelsey Grammer, Frasier ($1.6 million per episode)
Kelsey Grammer earned around $1.6 million per episode in the final seasons of Frasier. His portrayal of Frasier Crane had already spanned years on Cheers before continuing in the spin-off. That longevity made the character one of the most established in television history. NBC maintained strong ratings with the show throughout its run.
Grammer’s salary reflected both his central role and the show’s critical success. Frasier won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series. His contract was considered unusually high for its time. It demonstrated how long-term character investment could translate into financial leverage.
5. Tim Allen, Home Improvement ($1.25 million per episode)
By the final season of Home Improvement, Tim Allen was earning about $1.25 million per episode. The show had been a consistent top performer for ABC throughout the ’90s. Allen’s popularity as a comedian and actor helped anchor the series. The network depended on its strong family audience appeal.
The salary increase reflected both ratings dominance and long-term profitability. The show performed well in syndication, which added to its overall value. Allen’s deal was considered groundbreaking at the time. It helped set a new standard for sitcom leads in the late ’90s.
6. Jerry Seinfeld, Seinfeld ($1 million per episode)
Jerry Seinfeld earned $1 million per episode during the final season of Seinfeld. This made him one of the first television actors to reach that milestone. The show was one of the most successful sitcoms in television history. Its cultural impact and ratings gave Seinfeld significant bargaining power.
He famously turned down an even larger offer to continue the series beyond its ninth season. The decision ended the show at its peak rather than extending it further. The $1 million figure became a benchmark for future TV salaries. It marked a turning point in how top talent was compensated.
7. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow, Friends ($1 million per episode)
By the final two seasons of Friends, all six main cast members earned $1 million per episode. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow were among those who benefited from the group negotiation strategy. The cast negotiated as a unit to ensure equal pay. This approach prevented disparities between leads.
The deal was considered historic for ensemble television. The show’s massive popularity and syndication potential made the salaries financially viable. It also influenced how future casts approached contract negotiations. The Friends model is still referenced in industry discussions today.
8. Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory ($1 million per episode)
Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki each earned $1 million per episode at the height of The Big Bang Theory. Eventually, additional cast members joined them at that level. The show dominated network ratings for several seasons. Its broad audience appeal made it highly profitable.
Like Friends, the cast negotiated collectively to maintain salary parity. The show’s success in syndication further increased its value. Their contracts reflected both performance and long-term revenue potential. It became one of the most lucrative sitcom deals in television history.
9. Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, The Morning Show ($1 million+ per episode)
Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston reportedly earn over $1 million per episode for The Morning Show. The series was one of the flagship launches for Apple TV+. Both actresses brought established film careers to the project. Their involvement helped generate early attention for the platform.
In addition to acting, both serve as executive producers. That role significantly increases their total compensation. Streaming platforms often invest heavily in recognizable talent. Their salaries reflect the competitive nature of the streaming market.
10. Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso ($1 million per episode)
Jason Sudeikis earns about $1 million per episode for Ted Lasso in its later seasons. The show became one of Apple TV+’s most successful original series. It received multiple awards and strong critical reception. That success increased Sudeikis’s leverage in contract negotiations.
He also serves as a creator and executive producer. This dual role contributes to his overall earnings beyond acting. Streaming services often structure deals to reward both creative and on-screen contributions. His salary places him among the highest-paid actors in modern television.
11. Chris Pratt, The Terminal List ($1.4 million per episode)
Chris Pratt reportedly earned about $1.4 million per episode for The Terminal List on Amazon Prime Video. His transition from film to television reflects a broader industry trend. Streaming platforms frequently secure high-profile movie stars for original series. Pratt’s established box office success strengthened his negotiating position.
The show was positioned as a major release for the platform. High salaries like this are often part of larger overall deals. These may include bonuses and backend participation. Pratt’s earnings highlight how streaming has reshaped television compensation.
12. Kevin Costner, Yellowstone (Reported up to $1.2–$1.3 million per episode)
Kevin Costner’s salary for Yellowstone reportedly rose to between $1.2 and $1.3 million per episode in later seasons. The series became one of the most-watched cable dramas in the United States. Costner’s role as John Dutton was central to the show’s identity. His film career also added to his value.
As the show’s popularity grew, so did the financial stakes. Reports of contract disputes later emphasized how critical he was to the production. Paramount invested heavily in maintaining the show’s success. His pay reflects the continued importance of star-driven television.
