Top 10 Highest-Earning Television Actors in History

What does it take to earn top-tier paychecks in the U.S. television industry? We're not referring to just decent or even impressive salaries, but rather extraordinary, sky-high earnings. A key factor is starring in a hit show. If you're the lead in a top-rated series, the network's gratitude often translates into doubled paychecks. A history of successful shows further enhances your value, as networks highly prize a proven track record.

There are additional paths to joining this elite group. Movie stars transitioning to television often command massive salaries due to their ability to attract large audiences. Lead actors in premium cable series might receive exceptionally high weekly pay, as these shows typically produce fewer episodes per season compared to broadcast networks. Additionally, cast members who negotiate collectively often achieve better outcomes, as there is power in unity. Explore the impressive salaries of America's highest-paid TV stars below.

10: Jon Cryer

The hit CBS sitcom 'Two and a Half Men' generated wealth equivalent to 100 men's fortunes. Jon Cryer, a key star of the show, took home $650,000 per episode [source: CBS News]. Starting in 2003, Cryer brought to life Alan Harper, a perpetually nervous single father. His role provided a comedic counterbalance to the show's more extravagant characters. Playing the often-unlucky target of jokes also brought Cryer significant accolades, including two Emmys.

Before his success on 'Two and a Half Men,' Cryer made his mark on Broadway with performances in 'Brighton Beach Memoirs' and 'Torch Song Trilogy,' and in Hollywood as the unforgettable Ducky in 'Pretty in Pink.' He also starred in several less successful TV series, such as 'The Fabulous Teddy Z,' 'Partners,' and 'Getting Personal.' Cryer remained the sole original cast member throughout the entire run of 'Two and a Half Men,' which concluded in 2015.

9: Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher stepped into the spotlight of one of TV's most popular shows without missing a beat. In 2011, Charlie Sheen's character, also named 'Charlie,' was written off CBS's 'Two and a Half Men.' The network brought in Ashton Kutcher, known for 'That '70s Show' and 'Personal Effects,' to fill the void. Kutcher played billionaire Walden Schmidt, who purchases Charlie's heavily mortgaged house and allows the grieving Alan to stay.

The show's ratings remained strong. Kutcher's debut episode attracted the largest audience in the series' history [source: The Huffington Post]. Although viewership dipped slightly afterward, it stayed robust. Kutcher earned $750,000 per episode [source: TV Guide], proving the transition was a success.

8: Jerry Seinfeld

Despite being a show about 'nothing,' 'Seinfeld' left a lasting impact. It won 10 Emmy awards [source: CNN] and introduced catchphrases like 'no soup for you' and 'yada, yada, yada' into everyday language. Premiering on NBC in 1989, the series stood out for its lack of sentimental moments, featuring characters who were detached and self-centered. This unique approach earned Jerry Seinfeld, playing a fictionalized version of himself, $1 million per episode [source: Pener and Shaw]. He also made history as the first sitcom actor to reach this milestone [source: Hontz], having co-created the series with Larry David.

NBC attempted to persuade Seinfeld to prolong the show's run by offering him $5 million per episode for the 1998 to 1999 season. Seinfeld chose to end the series at its peak, declining the offer. Financially, it made little difference, as 'Seinfeld' reruns generated over $3 billion in the 16 years following the finale.

7: Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser

NBC executives opted for caution in 1998, agreeing to pay Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser $1 million per episode for 'Mad About You.' The timing was critical, as the deal was finalized just hours before Hunt won the best actress Academy Award for 'As Good as It Gets.' This amount was four times their previous salaries for portraying a New York City couple [source: Hontz]. Had NBC delayed, Hunt's Oscar win would have strengthened her bargaining power.

NBC's decision was strategic. 'Mad About You' had maintained strong ratings since its 1992 premiere, averaging 14.3 million viewers during the 1997 to 1998 season [source: Huff]. With 'Seinfeld' ending, the network relied on 'Mad About You' to anchor its Thursday night lineup. A well-calculated move by NBC.

6: Cast of "Friends"

While their on-screen personas often struggled financially, the stars of NBC's 'Friends' saw their real-life paychecks skyrocket. In 1996, the entire cast negotiated a raise to $100,000 per episode, more than doubling their previous earnings [source: Lowry]. By 2000, this figure rose to $750,000, and in 2002, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer each secured $1 million per episode for the top-rated show [source: Carter]. Adjusted for 2014 inflation, this equates to over $1.3 million weekly [source: Stock], with syndication profits adding to their wealth.

In 2014, Kudrow addressed the topic of exorbitant actor salaries in an interview with The Huffington Post. She emphasized that such earnings don't harm networks, which profit significantly from their highest-rated shows. Additionally, TV actors work as freelancers with uncertain career longevity, making it logical to maximize earnings during peak periods. After all, the future of their success is unpredictable.

5: Leads from "The Big Bang Theory"

When friends stick together, they negotiate together. In 2014, Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, and Kaley Cuoco followed the example of the 'Friends' cast by collectively bargaining their contracts for the eighth, ninth, and 10th seasons of CBS's sitcom 'The Big Bang Theory.' According to The Hollywood Reporter, each actor secured $1 million per episode, along with production deals that could push their total earnings to $100 million over the contract's duration. Parsons' three Emmy wins further bolstered his leverage. This marked a significant leap from their previous $350,000 per-episode pay.

As the leading primetime comedy, 'The Big Bang Theory' attracts about 5 million fewer viewers than 'Friends' did at its peak [source: Goldberg]. Its ratings among the crucial 18-to-49-year-old demographic are only half of what 'Friends' achieved. However, in 2013 and 2014, advertisers paid premium rates for commercial slots during 'Big Bang,' second only to 'Sunday Night Football.' A clear testament to its enduring appeal.

4: Tim Allen

From a troubled past to stand-up comedy, TV stardom, best-selling authorship, and box office success, Tim Allen has continuously reinvented himself. In 1998, NBC rewarded the 'Home Improvement' star with $1.25 million per episode [source: Flint]. Despite the show slipping out of the top 10, it still held a respectable 14th place [source: Ryan]. Allen aimed to improve ratings the next year by securing a better time slot.

The 1998 to 1999 season marked the end of 'Home Improvement,' but Allen remained active. He voiced Buzz Lightyear in the 'Toy Story' franchise and starred in 'The Santa Clause' sequels. In 2011, he returned to TV with the hit series 'Last Man Standing.' His career continues to soar, proving his versatility and enduring appeal.

3: Kelsey Grammer

Consider this: From the mid-1980s to the early 1990s, Kelsey Grammer captivated audiences as psychiatrist Frasier Crane on NBC's hit show 'Cheers.' Initially planned as a four-episode guest role, Grammer's character became so popular that he joined the main cast. When 'Cheers' concluded in 1993, 'Frasier' was launched, cementing Grammer's legacy.

The show was adored by audiences and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences alike. 'Frasier' garnered 107 Emmy nominations and 37 wins, including accolades for outstanding comedy series and writing. Grammer himself earned four Emmys for his role as the perpetually troubled yet endearing radio host [source: Television Academy]. NBC rewarded him with a raise, paying $1.6 million per episode for the 2002 and 2003 seasons. This increase brought Grammer approximately $75 million over the show's final two years [source: Adalian]. Clearly, the math is simple: that's an enormous sum of money.

2: Ray Romano

'Everybody Loves Raymond' was a hit with viewers, running from 1996 to 2005 and ranking as the only sitcom in the top 10 during its final season [source: FOX News]. The series finale attracted about one-third of the total TV audience [source: Heritage]. The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences also recognized its excellence, awarding it 13 Emmys. However, within the show, Raymond's family often found themselves frustrated, annoyed, or exasperated with him.

CBS held Ray Romano in high regard, making him the highest-paid TV actor at the time with $1.8 million per episode [source: Silverman]. This was a substantial increase from his previous $800,000 weekly salary, totaling around $50 million for the season. Romano wisely noted, 'The key is to exit while you're still in demand. Not too early, but not too late either.'

1: Charlie Sheen

The relationship soured in 2011 when Charlie Sheen, the lead of CBS's top sitcom 'Two and a Half Men,' was dismissed. Warner Brothers, the production company, cited his inability to collaborate, struggles with memorizing lines, negative public remarks, and poor physical condition as reasons for his termination. Allegations of substance abuse and violent conduct further fueled the decision. Despite being contracted for eight more episodes that season and 24 the next, Sheen lost his role, which paid him approximately $2 million per episode [source: Carter].

CBS wrote off Sheen's character, and 'Two and a Half Men' moved forward. Ashton Kutcher stepped in, and the show's next season debuted with record-breaking ratings [source: The Huffington Post]. Sheen quickly rebounded, launching the FX series 'Anger Management' in 2012. Its premiere episode drew 6 million viewers, setting a cable sitcom record [source: Rosenbaum and Piester]. The love had returned.