10 of Television's Highest-Paid Hosts

Talk shows, reality shows, and more
Posted Aug 23, 2017 12:45 PM CDT
These Are Some of the Highest-Paid Hosts on TV
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. (More Ellen DeGeneres stories.)

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