In the glitzy world of television, some stars aren’t just acting – they’re raking in millions per episode. From sitcom legends to dramatic powerhouses, a select few TV actors have cashed massive paychecks that would make even movie stars blink twice.
This blog takes you through a rundown of the highest-paid TV stars of all time, showcasing the jaw-dropping figures behind your favorite faces on the small screen. Whether it’s through syndication deals, per-episode earnings, or smart negotiations, these celebs turned TV roles into financial gold.
Note: This list is curated based on a mix of verified earnings data, public reports, and additional factors like per-episode income, total seasons, syndication value, and cultural impact, using information from Forbes, IMDb, and HowStuffWorks.
Who Is the Highest-Paid TV Star In The World?
Mariska Hargitay is currently the highest-paid TV actor in the world, earning an estimated $29 million annually. Best known for her role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Hargitay has been a cornerstone of the series since its inception in 1999.
Her impressive earnings stem from a combination of acting and producing fees, as well as a share in the show’s syndication profits. With over 550 episodes under her belt, Hargitay’s enduring presence on the show has solidified her status as a television powerhouse.
Who Is the Richest TV Star Of All Time?
Oprah Winfrey is the richest TV star of all time, with an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion. Her wealth stems from owning her talk show, establishing Harpo Productions, and launching the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
She also played a pivotal role in launching the careers of Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray, and Dr. Oz. Beyond television, her investments in media, publishing, and philanthropy have solidified her status as a self-made billionaire and one of the most influential figures in entertainment history.
Top 10 Highest-Paid TV Stars In The World
Here’s a snapshot of the top 10 highest-paid TV stars in 2024, showcasing their earnings and shows that put them on the map.
| Name | Show/Platform | Annual Earnings (2024) | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariska Hargitay | Law & Order: SVU | $25 million | USA |
| Nicole Kidman | Special Ops: Lioness | $31 million | Australia |
| Scarlett Johansson | Films & Endorsements | $57 million | USA |
| Oprah Winfrey | Media Empire | – (Net worth $3 billion) | USA |
| Tyler Perry | Tyler Perry Studios | – (Net worth $1.4 billion) | USA |
| Jerry Seinfeld | Seinfeld | – (Net worth $1+ billion) | USA |
| Matt Stone & Trey Parker | South Park | – (Top showrunners) | USA |
| Dick Wolf | Law & Order Franchise | – (Net worth $1.9 billion) | USA |
| Chuck Lorre | The Big Bang Theory | – (Top showrunner) | USA |
| Seth MacFarlane | Family Guy | – (Top showrunner) | USA |
Now, let’s take a closer look at these stars and creators who have shaped television and earned big in the process.
1. Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay rose to fame with her iconic role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, a part she’s played since 1999. Her powerful portrayal earned her an Emmy and a Golden Globe, cementing her status as one of TV’s top stars.
Beyond acting, Mariska benefits from lucrative syndication royalties and supports various charitable causes. She’s also partnered with brands promoting social awareness, adding meaningful side income to her successful career.
2. Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman, an acclaimed actress and producer, gained widespread recognition for her roles in TV series like Big Little Lies and The Undoing. Her compelling performances earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
Beyond television, Nicole has lucrative brand partnerships with luxury fashion and beauty brands, boosting her income. She also produces content through her own company, enhancing her influence and earnings in the entertainment industry.
3. Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson, widely known for her film career, has also made notable TV appearances, including the miniseries Rub & Tug. She’s best known for iconic roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but has increasingly explored television and streaming projects.
Scarlett’s substantial earnings come from blockbuster films and high-profile brand endorsements with companies like Dolce & Gabbana and SodaStream, making her one of the highest-paid actresses across media platforms.
4. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul best known for The Oprah Winfrey Show, which revolutionized daytime TV for 25 years. Her iconic role as a talk show host, turned influential producer, and philanthropist has made her a cultural icon.
Beyond TV, Oprah’s wealth is boosted by her OWN network, book clubs, and lucrative brand partnerships with Weight Watchers and Apple TV+. She’s one of the highest-paid and most influential TV stars globally.
Bonus: Find the most hated TV characters of all time updated for you as of 2025.
5. Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry is a powerhouse creator known for his Madea franchise and hit TV shows like House of Payne and The Oval. Starting as a playwright, he built a media empire as an actor, writer, and director.
Tyler’s impressive income comes from his production company, lucrative deals with networks like BET and OWN, and ownership of a major Atlanta studio, making him one of TV’s top-paid stars and producers.
6. Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld skyrocketed to fame with the legendary sitcom Seinfeld, widely regarded as one of the greatest TV comedies ever. His sharp observational humor made the show a cultural phenomenon and a massive financial success through syndication.
Beyond acting, Jerry earns substantial income from stand-up tours, comedy specials, and his popular web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, along with endorsements and partnerships, keeping him among the highest-paid TV stars.
7. Matt Stone & Trey Parker
Matt Stone and Trey Parker are the creative forces behind the groundbreaking animated series South Park, known for its sharp satire and cultural impact since 1997. Their work earned multiple Emmy Awards and a devoted fan base.
Beyond TV, they’ve expanded into musicals like The Book of Mormon and lucrative deals with streaming platforms, generating significant income from syndication, merchandise, and brand partnerships, making them two of the highest-paid creators in television.
8. Dick Wolf
Dick Wolf is a legendary TV producer and creator, best known for launching the Law & Order franchise, including SVU and Criminal Intent. His procedural dramas have become staples of network TV for decades, earning him multiple Emmy nominations.
Beyond producing, Wolf has lucrative deals with NBCUniversal and other studios, plus earnings from syndication and spin-offs, securing his spot as one of the highest-paid and most influential figures in television production.
9. Chuck Lorre
Chuck Lorre is a powerhouse TV producer and writer behind hit sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, and Young Sheldon. Known as the “King of Sitcoms,” his shows have dominated prime time for years, earning him multiple Emmys and massive syndication royalties.
Beyond writing and producing, Chuck benefits from lucrative deals with Warner Bros. and strong brand partnerships, making him one of TV’s highest-paid and most influential creators.
10. Seth MacFarlane
Seth MacFarlane is the creative genius behind hit animated shows like Family Guy, American Dad!, and The Cleveland Show. Known for his sharp humor and distinctive voice work, he’s earned multiple Emmy nominations.
Beyond TV, Seth expands his income through music albums, film directing, and deals with platforms like Fox and Hulu. His brand also benefits from endorsements and merchandising, making him one of the highest-paid figures in animated television.
Read More:
Conclusion: Mariska Hargitay Tops The TV Earnings Chart
When it comes to small-screen paychecks, TV stars are raking in serious money – whether it’s through acting, producing, or building media empires. At the top of the list is Mariska Hargitay, earning a massive $25 million in 2024 for her role on Law & Order: SVU.
She’s followed closely by Nicole Kidman (Special Ops: Lioness) and Scarlett Johansson, whose combined income from acting and endorsements places her among the elite.
These stars demonstrate that television remains a powerful platform for achieving fame and fortune.
FAQs
Mariska Hargitay is currently the highest-paid TV star, earning $25 million in 2024 for her lead role in Law & Order: SVU.
Oprah Winfrey tops the list with a net worth of over $3 billion, thanks to her decades-long media empire and ownership of multiple ventures.
Creators like Dick Wolf (Law & Order), Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy), and Chuck Lorre (The Big Bang Theory) earn massive incomes from royalties and production deals.
Celebs like Nicole Kidman and Scarlett Johansson have made huge TV earnings through high-profile streaming shows and exclusive deals.
Stars like Scarlett Johansson and Kevin Hart earn millions from brand deals, adding significantly to their annual income beyond acting.
Leave a Comment