Celebrity | Ellen DeGeneres 10 of Television's Highest-Paid Hosts Talk shows, reality shows, and more By Evann Gastaldo Posted Aug 23, 2017 12:45 PM CDT Copied In this March 2, 2014, file photo, Ellen DeGeneres appears backstage during the Oscars in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File) How much does it pay to be a TV host? Whether it's a reality series, news program, talk show, or game show, Variety runs down the salaries of 19 of the highest-paid hosts on TV. The top 10: Ellen DeGeneres: $50 million, The Ellen DeGeneres Show (syndicated) Judith Sheindlin: $47 million, Judge Judy Katy Perry: $25 million, American Idol on ABC Matt Lauer: $25 million, Today on NBC Kelly Ripa: $22 million, Live With Kelly and Ryan (syndicated) Robin Roberts: $18 million, Good Morning America on ABC Megyn Kelly: $18 million, NBC News Jimmy Fallon: $16 million, The Tonight Show on NBC George Stephanopoulos: $15 million, ABC News Ryan Seacrest: $15 million for Live With Kelly and Ryan (syndicated); $12 million for American Idol on ABC Click for the complete list. Read These Next Gavin Newsom has filed a massive lawsuit against Fox News. Trumps ends trade talks with Canada. New York Times ranks the best movies of the 21st century. White House rolls with Trump's 'daddy' nickname. Report an error