Judge Judy still tops US TV salaries

We’ve known for some time that Judge Judy Sheindlin is the highest earning star in US television, and those Big Bang stars also earn a hefty salary.

But Variety has conducted a wide survey of actors, executives, attorneys, agents, managers, and other representatives in an effort to offer a snapshot of the earnings power of talent at all levels in US primetime, late-night, daytime, and news.

It tallies their earnings into three different genres, which shows how hosting is far more lucrative than acting (subject to the amount of episodes one is contracted for).

Notably the list contradicts earnings by Modern Family‘s Sofia Vergara which Forbes recently indicated was $43m -however I suspect Forbes was also looking to annual revenue, not per episode salary.

It also explains what lures stars to reunions, streaming and cable television.

Here’s a snapshot of their findings:

You can check out the full lists here.