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Television Star Salaries

Television Star Salaries

American Idol
Viewers: 24 million

American Idol

The newest "American Idol" judges will join the show next season: Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler (no word yet on how much he'll earn). The stars will join longtime host Randy Jackson, who recently secured his spot on the panel for another year. Host Ryan Seacrest's salary isn't too shabby either.

Let's compare their salaries with counterparts in top 10 network shows.

Two and a Half Men
Viewers: 14.4 million

Two and a half men

Charlie Sheen, who did a stint in rehab, and underwent a tumultuous separation, almost left his popular sitcom "Two and a Half Men" after a salary dispute. The show, which also stars Jon Cryer, is among the top 10 shows on network TV, according to Nielsen ratings.
Charlie Sheen is near the top of the highest paid list with a hefty pay raise, up from this amount.

House M.D.
Viewers: 19.4 million

House M.D.

As Dr. Gregory House, the lovable yet curmudgeonly star of "House M.D.," Brit Hugh Laurie takes home a bundle.

The Oprah Winfrey Show
Viewers: 14 million

The Oprah Winfrey Show

The talk show queen's yearly paycheck is one of the largest.
Even though this will be her show's last year (how long has it been on?), she has major TV plans.


Judge Judy
Viewers: 14 million

Judge Judy

As well as bringing home the bacon (how much does she earn?), the syndicated cynical TV judge has even surpassed the media queen in ratings.

Late Show With David Letterman
Viewers: 3.7 million

Late Show With David Letterman

Even though this nightly news program beat both Letterman and Leno, Letterman is still one of the kings of late night, and his paycheck is proof.

Law and Order: SVU
Viewers: 9 million

Law & Order: SVU

Stars Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni both take home a pretty paycheck for their work.


Dancing With the Stars
Viewers: 24.1 million

Dancing With the Stars

Celebrity contestants earn about $200,000 per season; the winner gets a bonus. The pro dancers earn much less. Len Goodman is thought to nab six figures.

Undercover Boss
Viewers: 16.7 million

Undercover Boss

Among the financial benefits of reality TV is no expensive actors.


60 Minutes
Viewers: 14.5 million

60 Minutes

Lesley Stahl reportedly earns low seven figures annually. For "60 Minutes" and her regular gig, Katie Couric's yearly grand total ...
 Back in 1987, Andy Rooney's weekly salary was revealed.


NCIS
Viewers: 13 million

NCIS

If rumors are correct, Mark Harmon's episodic salary is less than half Sheen's fee.
One "Law & Order: SVU" actress is reported to earn more than Harmon.


The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 13.4 million

The Big Bang Theory

To equal Sheen's per viewer ratio, "TBBT" actors would get $800,000 per episode. The cast owes some of its large audience to Sheen.

Castle
Viewers: 12.2 million

'Castle' TV show

See the "TV Guide" salary survey for an idea of what star Nathan Fillion earns.
Would he do another "Firefly" series? Fillion says yes: "Daddy's got bills to pay!"

Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 11.6 million

Grey's Anatomy

Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo pull in around $250,000 per episode.
Upset with her initial salary, Katherine Heigl renegotiated, then left.