GITNUX REPORT 2024

Most Expensive TV Shows: Mind-Blowing Budgets and Salaries Revealed

Discover the jaw-dropping budgets and salaries behind the most expensive TV shows in history.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

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'Game of Thrones' won a record-breaking 59 Emmy Awards

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'The Crown' has won 21 Emmy Awards as of 2021

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'The Mandalorian' won 14 Emmy Awards in its first two seasons

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'Westworld' has received 54 Emmy nominations and won 9 awards

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'Stranger Things' has earned 39 Emmy nominations and 7 wins

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'Friends' final season cost $10 million per episode

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'The Big Bang Theory' cast earned $1 million per episode in later seasons

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'ER' paid George Clooney $100,000 per episode

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'The Simpsons' voice actors earn around $300,000 per episode

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'Stranger Things' cast negotiated salaries up to $350,000 per episode for Season 3

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'Game of Thrones' final season cost $15 million per episode

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'The Crown' Season 1 had a budget of $130 million

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'The Mandalorian' costs approximately $15 million per episode

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'Westworld' Season 1 cost around $100 million

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'The Pacific' miniseries cost $200 million in total

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'Game of Thrones' used over 12,000 wigs throughout its run

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'The Crown' used over 7,000 costumes in its first two seasons

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'Westworld' Season 1 took 10 months to film

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'The Mandalorian' uses a revolutionary virtual production technology called 'The Volume'

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'Game of Thrones' Battle of Winterfell episode took 55 nights to film

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'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' is the most expensive TV series ever made, with a budget of $465 million for the first season

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'House of the Dragon' cost around $20 million per episode

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'The Pacific' holds the record for the most expensive miniseries ever made

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'Stranger Things' Season 4 reportedly cost $30 million per episode

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'The Get Down' was Netflix's most expensive show at $120 million for one season before cancellation

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'Game of Thrones' viewership grew from 2.2 million in Season 1 to 17.4 million in Season 8

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'The Mandalorian' was the most in-demand streaming series globally in 2019

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'Stranger Things' Season 3 was watched by 64 million households in its first month

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'The Crown' Season 4 was watched by 29 million households in its first month

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'Westworld' Season 1 finale drew 2.2 million viewers

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Summary

  • 'Game of Thrones' final season cost $15 million per episode
  • 'The Crown' Season 1 had a budget of $130 million
  • 'The Mandalorian' costs approximately $15 million per episode
  • 'Westworld' Season 1 cost around $100 million
  • 'The Pacific' miniseries cost $200 million in total
  • 'Friends' final season cost $10 million per episode
  • 'The Big Bang Theory' cast earned $1 million per episode in later seasons
  • 'ER' paid George Clooney $100,000 per episode
  • 'The Simpsons' voice actors earn around $300,000 per episode
  • 'Stranger Things' cast negotiated salaries up to $350,000 per episode for Season 3
  • 'Game of Thrones' used over 12,000 wigs throughout its run
  • 'The Crown' used over 7,000 costumes in its first two seasons
  • 'Westworld' Season 1 took 10 months to film
  • 'The Mandalorian' uses a revolutionary virtual production technology called 'The Volume'
  • 'Game of Thrones' Battle of Winterfell episode took 55 nights to film

Lights, camera, budget-busting action! From dragons to demogorgons, some television shows spare no expense when it comes to delivering blockbuster entertainment. With final seasons costing a jaw-dropping $15 million per episode, battles taking 55 nights to film, and wigs numbering more than an army of Unsullied, the Most Expensive TV Shows arent just watching your screen – theyre seizing it with a golden Emmy-worthy grasp! Lets dive into the glitzy world of small-screen extravagance and discover the eye-popping figures behind our favorite binge-worthy spectacles.

Awards and Recognition

  • 'Game of Thrones' won a record-breaking 59 Emmy Awards
  • 'The Crown' has won 21 Emmy Awards as of 2021
  • 'The Mandalorian' won 14 Emmy Awards in its first two seasons
  • 'Westworld' has received 54 Emmy nominations and won 9 awards
  • 'Stranger Things' has earned 39 Emmy nominations and 7 wins

Interpretation

In the cutthroat realm of television, where dragons clash, monarchs reign, and starships soar, it's no surprise that the battle for Emmy supremacy is fierce. 'Game of Thrones' sits atop the throne with its record-breaking 59 golden trophies, a feat fit for a conquering hero. 'The Crown' may not wear as many jewels, but with 21 Emmys adorning its royal head, it still commands respect. Meanwhile, 'The Mandalorian,' 'Westworld,' and 'Stranger Things' each have their own loyal followings and their fair share of accolades, proving that in the kingdom of prestige TV, there are many crowns to be worn – but only the strongest can truly reign supreme.

Cast Salaries

  • 'Friends' final season cost $10 million per episode
  • 'The Big Bang Theory' cast earned $1 million per episode in later seasons
  • 'ER' paid George Clooney $100,000 per episode
  • 'The Simpsons' voice actors earn around $300,000 per episode
  • 'Stranger Things' cast negotiated salaries up to $350,000 per episode for Season 3

Interpretation

In the cutthroat world of television, the price tags for our favorite shows can make even the most financially savvy viewer do a double-take. From the astronomical salaries of A-list stars to the jaw-dropping production costs, it's no wonder that TV budgets rival those of blockbuster movies. After all, who wouldn't want to be paid millions to make us laugh, cry, or scream at our screens? So the next time you marvel at the intricate sets, flawless acting, or mind-boggling CGI, remember: behind every iconic moment on the small screen lies a hefty price tag that not even the most frugal accountants can avoid.

Production Costs

  • 'Game of Thrones' final season cost $15 million per episode
  • 'The Crown' Season 1 had a budget of $130 million
  • 'The Mandalorian' costs approximately $15 million per episode
  • 'Westworld' Season 1 cost around $100 million
  • 'The Pacific' miniseries cost $200 million in total

Interpretation

The extravagant price tags attached to these television productions remind us that in the world of entertainment, some shows spare no expense in their quest for greatness. Like high-stakes gamblers at a televised tournament, these shows put everything on the line, hoping to hit the jackpot with viewers. From the battlefields of Westeros to the regal courts of England, and the far reaches of space, these high-cost productions are a testament to the cinematic aspirations of the small screen. Each dollar spent is a statement of ambition, a wager on success in a crowded arena where only the bold survive. In this game of financial thrones, these shows may prove that sometimes, you have to spend big to win big.

Production Details

  • 'Game of Thrones' used over 12,000 wigs throughout its run
  • 'The Crown' used over 7,000 costumes in its first two seasons
  • 'Westworld' Season 1 took 10 months to film
  • 'The Mandalorian' uses a revolutionary virtual production technology called 'The Volume'
  • 'Game of Thrones' Battle of Winterfell episode took 55 nights to film

Interpretation

These statistics paint a vibrant picture of the dedication and innovation behind some of the most expensive TV shows ever produced. From the epic battles of 'Game of Thrones' that required over 12,000 wigs to the meticulous historical accuracy of 'The Crown' showcased through its 7,000 costumes, it's clear that no expense is spared in bringing these fantastical worlds to life. 'Westworld' and 'The Mandalorian' further push the boundaries of technology and creativity, with one taking nearly a year to film and the other utilizing groundbreaking virtual production technology. And let's not forget the dedication and grit it took to film the Battle of Winterfell over 55 long nights, proving that in the realm of high-budget television, the pursuit of perfection knows no bounds.

Record-Breaking Budgets

  • 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' is the most expensive TV series ever made, with a budget of $465 million for the first season
  • 'House of the Dragon' cost around $20 million per episode
  • 'The Pacific' holds the record for the most expensive miniseries ever made
  • 'Stranger Things' Season 4 reportedly cost $30 million per episode
  • 'The Get Down' was Netflix's most expensive show at $120 million for one season before cancellation

Interpretation

In the high-stakes game of television production budgets, it appears that "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" has thrown its weight around to claim the crown of most expensive TV series ever made. While some shows may have cost a mere dragon's hoard compared to its staggering $465 million first season budget, others have still managed to scorch viewers' wallets with their production costs. Whether navigating the treacherous waters of a pricey miniseries like "The Pacific" or diving into the mysterious world of Hawkins, Indiana with "Stranger Things," it's clear that the ultimate quest for quality television comes with a hefty price tag. Just ask "The Get Down," Netflix's costly casualty, which serves as a cautionary tale of the fickle nature of showbiz economics.

Viewership and Impact

  • 'Game of Thrones' viewership grew from 2.2 million in Season 1 to 17.4 million in Season 8
  • 'The Mandalorian' was the most in-demand streaming series globally in 2019
  • 'Stranger Things' Season 3 was watched by 64 million households in its first month
  • 'The Crown' Season 4 was watched by 29 million households in its first month
  • 'Westworld' Season 1 finale drew 2.2 million viewers

Interpretation

These staggering statistics in the realm of television not only showcase the ever-evolving landscape of storytelling, but also the insatiable appetite of audiences for high-quality content. From the sprawling continents of Westeros to the outer reaches of the galaxy in a galaxy far, far away, viewers have embraced these intricately crafted universes with fervor. It is abundantly clear that success knows no bounds in the realm of TV, where dragons, demogorgons, and drama reign supreme, captivating the hearts and screens of millions worldwide. As we delve deeper into these worlds, one thing remains certain: the power of storytelling continues to unite and enchant us, one episode at a time.

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