Mariska Hargitay Leads as the Highest Paid TV Star of 2025: Who Else Made the List?
Let’s talk about TV money—because the top stars are making serious cash in 2025! Leading the pack is none other than Mariska Hargitay, who’s been killing it as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for 26 years. But she’s not the only one raking it in. From reality TV moguls to comedy kings, here’s a look at the highest paid TV stars of 2025, with Mariska sitting pretty at number one.
1. Mariska Hargitay: The Undisputed TV Queen
Mariska Hargitay is the name to beat in 2025. Forbes crowned her the highest-paid TV star in 2024, banking $25 million net for her iconic role on Law & Order: SVU, the longest-running primetime drama in U.S. history. At 61, she’s outearned Hollywood heavyweights like Tom Cruise ($15 million), Scarlett Johansson ($21 million), and Jason Statham ($24 million). Reports say she pulls in $750,000 per episode, plus a slice of syndication profits from the show’s global reruns. That’s what 550 episodes over 26 years gets you
Why She’s Number One:
- Epic Run: 26 years as Olivia Benson = unmatched staying power.
- Fan Favorite: Her emotional, badass performance keeps viewers hooked.
- Producer Perks: She directs and produces, boosting her payday with royalties.
2. Simon Cowell: The Reality TV Tycoon
Simon Cowell’s no slouch, having set a record for the highest-paid TV star in a single season with $75 million for The X Factor back in 2012-13. As the creator, producer, and snarky judge, he was making more than co-star Britney Spears ($12 million). While he’s not topping the charts in 2025, his massive earnings from shows like American Idol and America’s Got Talent keep him in the elite.
What Keeps Him Rich?
- Show Creator: He gets a cut of every episode, worldwide.
- Global Appeal: His shows are ratings gold across the globe.
- Cowell Charm: Love him or hate him, he’s a viewer magnet.
3. Kapil Sharma: India’s Comedy Star
Kapil Sharma is a comedy legend in India, earning ₹5 crore per episode (about $600,000 USD) for The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix. With a net worth of around ₹300 crore ($36 million), he’s one of the richest TV stars in 2025. Kapil’s journey from reality show contestant to global streaming star is proof you don’t need Hollywood to make bank.
Why He’s a Big Deal:
- Relatable Laughs: His humor clicks with millions of fans.
- Netflix Power: Streaming has taken him worldwide.
- Side Hustles: Real estate and production deals pad his wallet.
4. Sarah Jessica Parker: The Fashion Icon
Sarah Jessica Parker was a trailblazer, earning $57 million per season (about $3.2 million per episode) during Sex and the City’s peak from 2001-04. In 2025, she’s still cashing in with And Just Like That on HBO Max, pulling $650,000–$750,000 per episode. Carrie Bradshaw’s still got it!
Why She’s Still a Star:
- Iconic Role: Carrie’s a cultural legend, and fans can’t quit her.
- Producer Power: She calls shots behind the scenes, too.
- Fashion Game: Endorsements keep the money flowing.
5. Robert Downey Jr.: The TV Newcomer
Robert Downey Jr., aka Iron Man, is diving into TV with $2 million per episode for The Sympathizer on HBO Max. His movie-star fame makes him a hot commodity, and streaming platforms are happy to pay for that kind of clout in 2025.
Why He’s a Heavy Hitter:
- Superstar Status: RDJ’s name alone draws massive audiences.
- Versatile Talent: He nails drama, action, you name it.
- Streaming Cash: Platforms like HBO Max are spending big on A-listers.
Other Stars Making Millions
- Kevin Costner: Ropes in $1.4 million per episode for Yellowstone.
- Elisabeth Moss: Earns $1.1 million per episode for Shining Girls and $1 million for The Handmaid’s Tale.
- Jason Sudeikis: Brings home $1 million per episode for Ted Lasso.
- Sofia Vergara: Topped Forbes in 2020 with $43 million from Modern Family and America’s Got Talent.
- Jerry Seinfeld: Made $1 million per episode for Seinfeld’s final season, with a net worth now at $1.1 billion thanks to reruns.
Why TV Stars Are Banking So Much
TV’s a whole new ballgame in 2025. Streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max are throwing cash at stars to compete with traditional networks. Long-running shows like SVU or Seinfeld mean big syndication bucks, and stars who produce or create their own content—like Mariska or Simon—score even more. Plus, endorsements and side ventures keep the money rolling.
What’s Driving the Cash Flow?
- Streaming Frenzy: Platforms need big names to pull subscribers.
- Global Reruns: Shows airing worldwide = major royalties.
- Longevity Pays: Stars of hit series cash in year after year.
- Brand Deals: Endorsements add millions to their bank accounts.
How to Keep Up with TV Star Salaries
Want to stay in the know about who’s making what? Here’s how:
- Follow Forbes or Variety for yearly salary breakdowns.
- Check X for real-time chatter about celebrity paychecks.
- Visit our celebrity news section (#) for more scoop on star earnings.
Mariska Hargitay’s $25 million haul in 2024 proves she’s the queen of TV, with a career that’s as inspiring as it is lucrative. From her 26-year run on SVU to her work as a producer and advocate, she’s earned every cent. But stars like Simon Cowell, Kapil Sharma, and Sarah Jessica Parker show the TV world is full of heavy hitters making bank. As streaming keeps shaking things up, expect these paychecks to get even wilder.
What’s Your Take? Are you shocked Mariska’s number one, or is there another TV star you think deserves the crown? Drop a comment below, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest on celebrity net worths and entertainment news!
